Modern Astronomy
Fall 2003

Final Research Project: The final research project includes the analysis of original images obtained using the Iowa Robotic Observatory based in Arizona (or an equivalent exercise). Your findings are to be presented in front of the class during the final lab meeting and a formal write-up must also be completed. The final project is worth 25 points. Ideas for projects are listed in the lab manual but you are encouraged to create your own project based on information and techniques you learn in lab and lecture. Feel free to discuss possibilities for projects with your professor. You must, however, clear any project with your TA before proceeding (including those discussed in the manual).  If you have any questions about this project it is your responsibility to consult with your TA.  Since this project involves the acquisition of your own original astronomical images it cannot be completed at the last minute or the night before it is due.  In fact it is possible that factors such as telescope readiness, scheduling and weather may cause delays of days or weeks between the submission of observing requests and image return.  In short, you cannot start this project too soon, so get going.  For help with submitting observing requests for your project click here.

Lab Schedule

* Labs which require formal reports.

** Solar observing activity will go which week is clear. Lab description is provided above; click on "Information". Brief report required

*** Description of night sky observing will be provided. Brief report required

Chapter 3:
DETAILS: Chapter 3 familiarizes you with the program Starry Night Pro and examines the apparent motion of the stars.  Read the procedure carefully and answer any questions posed to the best of your ability. 

Chapter 1:
DETAILS: Chapter 2 consists of two sections.  The first is an informative section describing the software to be used throughout the semester.  The second is a review of mathematical concepts needed to complete the labs each week.  You are encouraged to read through the first section. However, as a rule, the software needed to complete each week's lab will be discussed at the beginning of that particular session. The math review is a series of questions and examples which are to be completed and handed in.   Since this material will be used quite often during lab you should ask your TA about any of the questions if you have trouble. 
CORRECTIONS: None

Chapter 2:
DETAILS: Chapter 1 is made up of four sections.  You are only required to complete the first two (A and B).  In lab we measure the angular height of three students standing fifty feet down the hall and use this data to determine the actual heights of the students.  Also we measured the parallax angle a church steeple (with respect to a very distant radio tower) appeared to move when viewed from either side of the roof of Van Allen Hall.  If you could not attend lab this week you should see your TA for access to the roof. *This is a very difficult lab to make up outside of class by youself, so make sure you show up.*  
CORRECTIONS:  There are no misprints in this week's lab. However you should note that the version of the small angle formula in the lab manual is notated differently from the version in your textbook (d and D are reversed).  Make sure you understand the formula well enough so that this does not cause confusion.