SRJC Course Outlines

12/7/2024 11:01:27 PMASTR 12 Course Outline as of Summer 2025

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  ASTR 12Title:  ASTRON OBSERVTN LAB  
Full Title:  Astronomy Observational Lab
Last Reviewed:4/22/2019

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum1.00Lecture Scheduled017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled0
Minimum1.00Lab Scheduled3.002 min.Lab Scheduled52.50
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total3.00 Contact Total52.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  0.00Total Student Learning Hours: 52.50 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  ASTRON 12

Catalog Description:
Untitled document
Observational laboratory in astronomy. Students will utilize small aperture telescopes, binoculars, star charts and planispheres. Constellation identification and terrestrial and celestial coordinate systems will be introduced. Short exposure and deep sky astrophotography will be conducted. In the case of inclement weather, students will utilize the planetarium, classroom, or computer lab to perform required labs.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in ASTR 3 OR ASTR 4 OR ASTR 42


Recommended Preparation:
Course Eligibility for MATH 150 or appropriate placement based on AB705 mandates

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
Observational laboratory in astronomy. Students will utilize small aperture telescopes, binoculars, star charts and planispheres. Constellation identification and terrestrial and celestial coordinate systems will be introduced. Short exposure and deep sky astrophotography will be conducted. In the case of inclement weather, students will utilize the planetarium, classroom, or computer lab to perform required labs.
(Grade or P/NP)

Prerequisites:Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in ASTR 3 OR ASTR 4 OR ASTR 42
Recommended:Course Eligibility for MATH 150 or appropriate placement based on AB705 mandates
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Inactive:
 Area:
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 B3Laboratory ActivityFall 2012
 B1Physical ScienceFall 1981Fall 2012
 B3Laboratory Activity  
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 5CFulfills Lab RequirementFall 2012
 5APhysical SciencesFall 1981Fall 2012
 5CFulfills Lab Requirement  
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1981Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1981Inactive:
 
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
Untitled document
1.  Calculate properties of a lens/mirror and describe how these properties affect the resulting image
2.  Utilize the right ascension and declination coordinate system to locate a celestial object on a star chart and acquire it in a telescope
3.  Utilize small aperture telescopes, binoculars, star charts, and planispheres to locate, photograph and collect data from a variety of celestial bodies
 

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Explain how a lens and a mirror are capable of forming an image
2. Describe how the focal length and diameter of a lens and mirror affects the quality of an image
3. Calculate the focal ratio and magnification of an optical system
4. Compare and contrast the advantages of reflector telescopes to refractor telescopes
5. Use collected field data and the distance modulus to calculate the diameter of extended celestial objects and the distances of certain stars
6. Use collected field data to calculate the distance to certain stars using the distance modulus
7. Utilize collected field data to determine the apparent magnitude of certain stars by comparing them to given standards
8. Explain diurnal motion and describe how an observer's latitude affects the apparent paths of stars
9.  Explain how coordinate systems are used to locate terrestrial and celestial bodies
10. Demonstrate annual motion using a globe of Earth and describe why seasons occur on the Earth
11. Utilize star charts and planispheres to learn and apply the celestial coordinate system of right ascension and declination
12. Use star charts and planispheres to locate, identify and determine the rising and setting times of deep sky objects, constellations, and bright stars
13. Assemble telescopes and employ them to locate, observe and sketch planets and deep sky objects
14. Utilize telescopes and cameras to photograph constellations, deep sky objects, planets and the Sun (using neutral density solar filters)
15. Recognize and identify seasonal constellations and stars by name without the aid of star charts or planispheres

Topics and Scope
Untitled document
I. Earth and Sky
    A. The celestial sphere
    B. Diurnal motion from various locations on Earth
    C. Annual motion
    D. Seasons and why they occur
    E. Coordinate systems
         1. terrestrial coordinate systems
         2. celestial coordinate systems
    F. Constellations
    G. Star charts and planisphere
II. Optical Systems
    A. Image formation
    B. Properties of a lens or mirror
         1. focal length
         2. diameter
         3. focal ratio
    C. Telescopes
         1. refractors
         2. reflectors
    D. Functions of a telescope
    E. Parts of a telescope
    F. Cameras
    G. Functions of a camera
    H. Parts of a camera
    I. Using cameras for astrophotography
III. Deep Sky Objects Including the Messier Catalog
    A. Nebulae
         1. emission nebulae
         2. dark (absorption) nebulae
         3. reflection nebulae
         4. planetary nebulae
         5. supernova remnants
    B. Galaxies
         1. spiral galaxies
         2. barred spiral galaxies
         3. elliptical galaxies
         4. irregular galaxies
    C. Star clusters
         1. open (galactic) clusters
         2. globular cluster
IV. Determination of the Diameter of Celestial Objects
V.  Determination of the Magnitude and Distances of Stars
    A. Apparent magnitude scale
    B. Absolute magnitude scale
    C. Distance modulus
VI. Solar Observations and Photography

Assignments:
Untitled document
1. Readings from the lab manual or other instructor prepared materials (20-30 pages/week)
2. Laboratory exercises and written reports (6-10)
3. Field work exercises involving telescope set-up and preparation for astrophotography (3-5)
4. A celestial object report on the student's observations (photographic or visual)
5. Quizzes covering topics on labs, pre-lab orientation, and reading material  (3-6)
6. A constellation exam covering the names of constellations and bright stars
7. Star chart exam on identifying stars and deep sky objects
8. A comprehensive final exam

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
10 - 20%
Lab exercises, written and celestial object reports
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
10 - 30%
Field work, lab exercises
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 15%
Set up and operation of telescopes and cameras, usage of star charts and planispheres
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
35 - 65%
Quizzes, constellation exam, star chart exam, final exam
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
10 - 30%
Attendance and participation


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
Untitled document
Course text/lab manual written by SRJC Earth and Space Sciences instructors
A Workbook for Astronomy. Waxman, Jerry. 2007  (classic)
21st Century Astronomy. 5th ed. Kay, Laura and Palen, Stacy and Blumenthal, George. Norton. 2016
The Observer's Handbook. Edgar, James, ed. Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. 2019
Other instructor prepared materials

Print PDF