ASTRO 1195

Observational Astronomy

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Provides a "hands-on" introduction to observational astronomy intended for liberal arts students. High school mathematics is assumed, but otherwise there are no formal prerequisites. The course objective is to learn how we know what we know about the Universe, and to learn how to observe with moderate cost amateur telescopes. There are two lectures and one evening laboratory per week. Typically, labs consist of 4-5 observing sessions using the Fuertes Observatory 12" telescope and a set of Meade 8" telescopes, a trip to Mount Pleasant to look through its 25" telescope and, on cloudy nights, 4-5 in-class experiments, the highlight of which is collecting micrometeorites for study.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2024FA, 2023FA, 2021FA

Distribution Category (PHS-AS)

When Offered Fall.

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