Sky Watch Project:
Identify objects or constellations containing objects such as supernovae and black holes that are relevant to the course.

Keep a log of your observations explaining where you were, what time it was, what direction you were looking and what you saw or did not see. Record enough information so that I can tell you actually went out at night and tried to see something. Noting the location and phase of the Moon can be useful. For each object, give a brief summary of why the object you are observing is important and relevant to the class.

As an example, keep an eye on Betelgeuse in Orion. Other opportunities are to locate Sirius A, the Crab Nebula, Cassiopeiae A, Cygnus X-1, Sagittarius A, and other objects we talk about in class. This is a "naked eye" project. Neither binoculars nor telescopes are necessary. Some of these objects can be seen with the naked eye and some cannot, but you can locate the region in the sky where they are.

Some things we will talk about can be seen now, but not later in the term; some can be seen only later in the term and not now. Some can only be seen in the evening, others only in the early morning. You need to check when various things can be seen at what time of night and when in the season.

An important part of this exercise is learning to use a sky chart to orient yourself with respect to the sky. For orientation, check out the web site Whole Sky Chart from the link on the class web site. This allows you to enter a time and find what is observable then. It does not name all the objects, so it is only a starting place.

Due at the time of each hourly exam. If you do not turn in a sky-watch report at each of the four deadlines, you lose credit for that opportunity. You can only get credit for each object once, but it is never too late to try any object you have not yet done. Doing 4 or 5 objects each time usually constitutes a good report.

You cannot see the sky, and hence cannot do this project, when it is cloudy! Keep an eye on the weather and take advantage of clear nights. It is best not to put this off until the last minute and find yourself frustrated by clouds.

All reports must be typewritten on 8-1/2x11 inch paper.

Credit: up to 5 points added to each exam.

International Year of Astronomy:
Participate in one function related to the International Year of Astronomy. See the list of activities on the class website. Write up a one page description of the function and your thoughts about it. Due by the end of the term, but can be turned in any time.

All reports must be typewritten on 8-1/2x11 inch paper.

Credit: up to 2 points added to term average. Equivalent to 2 points on each exam.