Modern Astronomy
Summer 2004


Important Projects

Final Research Project: The Final Project is an investigation to be undertaken by the student, and involves measurements and/or observations in addition to research on a topic of interest. This project may involve observations by the student with one of the telescopes of the University, collection and analysis of data or images from the internet, or (depending on availability), use of the Iowa Robotic Observatory in Arizona. Your findings are to be presented in front of the class during the final lab meeting, and a formal report must be submitted. The final project is worth 20 points. Ideas for projects are listed inthe 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 Professor Spangler. However, any project must be cleared with Ms. Iverson, the teaching assistant. Since this project involves acquisition of observations, or identification of data on the internet, plus analysis and thinking about the project, it cannot be completed at the last minute, or the night before it is due. Sessions are scheduled in the middle of the semester for serious planning and work on the project, but it is never too early to get started.

Lab Schedule

Week of  Lab Title Information Points 
June 8 Ch  1: Astronomy with Computers  details/corrections 5 
June 10 Ch. 3: The Celestial Sphere (A+B)  details/corrections 5 
June 15 Ch. 2: Angles and Parallax*(Parts A & B)   details/corrections 10 
June 17 Ch. 4: Image Analysis: Basic Techniques*  details/corrections 10
June 22 Angular Measurement through telescopes** or Ch.5: Tri-Color Imaging Lab Writeup Word Document 5
June 24 Angular Measurement through telescopes** or Ch.5: Tri-Color Imaging Lab Writeup Word Document
June 29 Observation of Sun** or Research Project Workday Lab Writeup 10
July 1 Observation of Sun** or Research Project Workday Lab Writeup  
July 6 Discussion and Planning Day: Observing Night Sky*** Lab Writeup 10
July 8 Ch. 9 Spectroscopy Lab Writeup 10
July 13 Ch. 10: The Age and Distance of a Stellar Cluster* details/corrections 10
July 15 Research Workday   --- 
July 20 Ch. 11: Properties of Supernovae; Turn in Night Sky exercise details/corrections 5
July 22 To be announced    
July 27 Final Presentations     ---
July 29 Final Presentations and  Reports due   20
      Total: 100

* Labs which require formal reports.

** Observing lab exercise will go on the night which is clear. Lab description is, or will be provided. Click on "information" if URL is indicated.

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

Weekly Details and Corrections

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 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.*  

Chapter 2:
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


 

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