Galactic Laboratory

Catalog description

An optional laboratory experience to complement the material covered in AST 102 . Lab activities provide a hands-on introduction to astronomy as an observational science and will focus on objects outside of our solar system, such as stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. Topics include the motion of objects in the sky, the coordinate system used to locate astronomical objects, telescope design, spectroscopy, and features of galactic and extra-galactic objects. If weather permits, lab sessions may be held outside where we will learn how to make astronomical observations using unaided eyes, binoculars, or a telescope. Three laboratory hours weekly. This lab course is not required to complete the Core Natural Science requirement. However, this course is required for the Astronomy Minor. Co-requisite: AST 102 .