Astronomy 1020Spring_2015

Day-1Stellar Astronomy

ASTR_1020_Day-1 Dr. Allyn Smith Office Hours: (B329-SSB): MW 1130-1300 &

by app’t. Lecture-Tutorials & Text Book D2L – Will be used for grade tracking only.

Do NOT send email via D2L – it probably will not be read.

Everything you need for this class can be found at: http://www.apsu.edu/astronomy

ASTR_1020_Day-1 ASTR-2020: Problems in Stellar Astronomy Tuesdays, 4-5 pm B310 Dr. Buckner – if you are interested, let him

know BY THIS FRIDAY – preferably earlier rather than later.

ASTR_1020_Day-1 Goals for the class:

Understanding of the scientific process Concepts of the basic physics of astronomy How we obtain information about the stars Star & Galaxy formation Star & Galaxy evolution The Sun The Universe Life and other weird stuff

ASTR_1020_Day-1 Text Book: 21st Century Astronomy, 4th Edition

By Kay, Palen, Smith, & BlumenthalORDER FROM: Amazon.com or visit Study MasterISBN: 978-0-393-91878-6 (Full book) – if you plan

to also take ASTR-1010: Intro. To Planetary Astronomy

ISBN: 978-0-393-92057-4 (Stars & Galaxies)

Also: Lecture-Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy By Prather, Slater, Adams, & Brissenden Bring this book to class EVERY day. It will be

used a lot. It is a workbook to be written in!

ASTR_1020_Day-1 Observing:

1st quarter moon nights – 3 of them this semester

You MUST attend at least one. Will be held cold, rain, snow, or clear. 6 Dark Night observing sessions – you must

attend 1: Weather dependent Notice posted on astronomy URL by 5pm.

Report due by Wed. Apr. 22 by class time. Format is on the web site.

Dates are on the web site.

ASTR_1020_Day-1 Exams:

Four, ”1 hour” exams (~30 MC + 1-2 discussion/problem)

The lowest grade will be dropped The last one will be given during the final exam time Final – You MUST take it.

It will not be dropped. 5-6 discussion questions – comprehensive.

BONUS POINTS: Wear Hawai’ian shirts on exam days; Attend a planetarium show (or two); attend a BSAS star party or meeting.

ASTR_1020_Day-1 On-Line Homework System:

This class will use the Norton Publishing ”Smartwork” system for homework. Instructions are on the web site for the class. You will need a valid school e-mail address; the registration code (comes with the textbook); and the enrollment code (on the Smartworks instruction sheet).

You MUST have a permanent account established BY Friday Jan. 30.

ASTR_1020_Day-1 Assignment: Read Chapter 1. Think about the process outlined in the

Scientific Method and how it is used to investigate and explain observations. What is key to the process? Think of an example where the scientific

method could be used.

4X6 card question

Name (make sure this is legible) Astronomy experience – if any Why are you taking this class? What is one thing that Dr. Smith needs to

know about you?