Astronomy 102 Laboratory

Fall 2004

Lab Syllabus

You are responsible for everything in this document. It will be assumed that you have read it, and are aware of everything in it. It describes the goals and program of the lab, as well as your responsibilities. Read this before the first lab meeting.

Announcements

Check this page often: it will contain information about schedules changes and assigned web labs for the different laboratory sections.

Helpful Information

Telescope introduction and manuals, an introduction to the sky, about star names. Important material which must be read and (in some cases) performed before doing any of the other labs.

Observation Templates

Use these for drawings you make through the telescope. Be sure to print out and bring as many as you will need for each lab session!

• Observation Template— One page with a single large observation (eyepiece field of view) template.
  
  
• Observation Templates— Four templates on one page, for drawings and students who prefer a smaller drawing area.
  
  

VU Police Department SAFETRIPS

We STRONGLY recommend that no student walk home alone from laboratory. When you leave the lab, leave WITH SOMEBODY. The VUPD offers a round-the-campus Van service (see the above link) and/or a walking escort. The walking escort servcice is available by calling 615-421-8888 from your cell phones.

---

Helpful Information

How to Measure Angular Distances

Many of the naked-eye labs involve measuring angular distances on the sky. This document describes what this means, and explains how to do it using the crossbows and using the fist-and-finger rules.

How to Use the Telescopes

A manual that describes the telescopes we use in the lab, and how to use them.

Star Naming

A handy reference that helps you figure out the star names you find on your star charts.

The Method of Transit Times

How to measure the angular size of something with the telescope by taking advantage of the rotation of the Earth.