Astronomy 122&, Stars and Galaxies

Syllabus, Fall 2009

Instructor: J. B. Kaler
208 Astronomy Bldg.
Phone: 333-9382.
email: kaler@astro.illinois.edu

Department of Astronomy home page: http://www.astro.illinois.edu
Kaler home page: http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/
Class page: http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/astr122.html
Skylights weekly news: http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/skylights.html
Stars and Constellations: http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/sow/sow.html

Teaching Assistant: Jerry Xue
Office: 111 Astronomy Bldg.
Phone: 333-7957
email: ruixue1@astro.illinois.edu

Text: Kaler, Astronomy! A Brief Edition, Addison-Wesley, 1997.
Office hours:

Requirements: See below for details. Check the class web page for changes and announcements. Please report errors.

Reading and Homework

Reading assignments, topic lists, and periodic (more or less weekly) homeworks will be posted on the class web page.

Observing and Projects

1. Night observing. Please go to one evening observing session at the Observatory at the Observatory on the Quad at a time given on the Night Session Observing page. There are three stations to attend: the large telescope in the dome, one with smaller telescopes in back of the Observatory, and a constellation session that will also be held in back. Observing should take half an hour to an hour to complete. Use the entrance opposite Smith Music Hall. Sessions will be held ONLY IF THE SKY IS CLEAR and will be canceled if the sky clouds up or if the temperature is below 20 degrees F. See the observing page above for a link to weather updates. The session is unheated, so dress warmly. If we have a sufficient number of clear nights, we will not schedule rain dates, so GO AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. A report, to be handed in within a week after the event, is to include a drawing of one object seen through the telescopes and a written description of not less than 250 words. The grade will be based on accuracy, neatness, writing quality, and originality.

2. Planetarium session. You are to attend one planetarium session, which will be held at Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College (on Bradley Avenue in Champaign). Shows will be held on dates to be announced. Sessions will start at 7 PM. Please sign up for a show on the Planetarium page. A charge of $3.00 must be paid at the planetarium upon entrance. A map and bus schedule are available on the web page. Seating is limited, so GO EARLY. A minimum full-page report must be handed in within a week after the event. It is to include one drawing and a written description of not less than 250 words. Grading criteria will be the same as for the above report.

3. Solar observing. We will have an observing session to view the Sun. Please hand in a report that includes a drawing of the Sun, a descriptive statement of at least 250 words, and a same-day comparison with a solar image taken from the Web. Grading criteria will be the same as for the above report.

4. Office hour visit. Please schedule one office hour visit with me before Thanksgiving vacation. Come equipped with a question that pertains to the class.

5. Humanities reference. Please bring some literary or artistic reference to astronomy (poetry, work of art, etc.) to read, share, and discuss briefly with the class. Your presentation should be completed before the second hour exam.

4. Analysis of a variable star with data taken by the Stardial Camera. The camera is located on the roof of the Astronomy Building. The observations are available through the Web. The procedure and the nature of the report will be posted on the web and explained in class.

Exams and Grading

Hour exams will consist of 50 multiple choice questions, the comprehensive final of 100 multiple choice questions.

The final grade will be weighted as follows: Letter grades will be assigned as follows: 85-100 A, 75-84 B, 60-74 C, 50-59 D, less than 50 F. Average numerical grades will be rounded to the nearest whole number (that is, 84.5 becomes 85 and an A, 84.4 becomes 84 and a B). Plus-minus grading will not be used.

Class Procedures

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Your grade depends on knowing the following:

The course will be administered through the class web page. You are responsible for knowing what is there. Be sure to check it frequently for announcements and reading assignments. Announcements will be placed at the top of the page.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the copying of the work of others to present as your own. It is unacceptable. You may not use the writing of anyone else, in whole or in part, whether found in books, magazines, or on the web without full and clear attribution. Reports that copy the work of others will receive a grade of zero. While there is no problem in working together, your work and reports must be in your own words and may not repeat the work of others in the class.

Final words: There is no substitute for coming to class. The lecture and discussions will instruct, clear up misconceptions, and I hope amuse. Ask questions before, during, or after class, or in office hours. We are here to help. Check the class web page at regular intervals for announcements and readings. Learn a lot, have fun, and take something away with you.