Blackboard
Instructors
M 7-9 PM [47810]
Sarah Salviander
Office: RLM 16.208
Phone: (512) 471-2785
triples@astro.as.
utexas.edu
T 7-9 PM [47815]
Amy Forestell
Office: RLM 16.310
Phone: (512) 471-3462
amydove@astro.as.
utexas.edu
W 7-9 PM [47820]
Julia Silge
Office: RLM 16.220
Phone: (512) 471-3447
dorothea@astro.as.
utexas.edu
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Purpose
This course is designed to provide you with hands-on experience in the
techniques of basic astronomical observations. It is mainly oriented toward
non-science majors but provides observational experience to anyone interested
in astronomy. Along the way you will become familiar with the scientific
methodologies and analytical skills necessary to interpret data and make your
own discoveries. We hope to convey to you some of the excitement and
satisfaction that we derive from investigating and understanding the physical
world around us, while simultaneously inspiring and motivating you to do the
same.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
You must have credit for or be concurrently registered for either AST 301 or
307. You cannot receive credit for both AST 103L and AST 101L, 302, or 303.
Materials
Required
- valid email address that you must check regularly
- 2 bound lab notebooks (ABSOLUTELY NO SPIRALS OR LOOSELEAF; we strongly
recommend quadrille ruled)
- calculator with basic scientific functions
- planisphere (also called a starwheel; we recommend the 10" Miller
Planisphere)
- flashlight with red filter
- meterstick
You should let your instructor know well in advance of class if you have
trouble accessing the materials.
Optional/Suggested
The following materials are not required but may be
helpful to you during the course of the semester.
- Astronomical Calendar 2004 by Guy Ottewell (2003, Universal Workshop:
Greenville, SC)
- Peterson Field Guide to the Stars and Planets by Jay M. Pasachoff (2000,
Houghton Mifflin Company: New York)
- computer-based all-sky programs such as Starry Night (available on our lab
computers) or Voyager
- Cambridge Guide to Stars and Planets by Patrick Moore and Wil Tirion (1997,
Cambridge University Press: Cambridge)
- colored pencils (for drawing what you observe)
- your 301 (or 307) textbook
If you are already an avid observer or find you are quickly becoming one, your
instructor can give you information on other books and materials appropriate
to your level of experience.
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