MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

AST114  2010 Fall - 9999

Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology Laboratory

1.

Apply the scientific method and other critical thinking models to astronomical phenomena for hypotheses development, experimental design, data acquisition, and data analysis. (I-II)

2.

Demonstrate ability to follow directions in completing laboratory exercises. (I-II)

3.

Demonstrate ability to properly and safely use laboratory tools, e.g. calculator, computer, rulers, protractors, cameras, telescopes, photometers, magnifiers, maps, etc. for data acquisition, data analysis, or simulation. (I-II)

4.

Demonstrate ability to work effectively in collaborative groups. (I-II)

5.

Write accurate and meaningful reports analyzing experiments, both qualitatively and quantitatively. (I-II)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

AST114  2010 Fall - 9999

Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology Laboratory

I. Scientific Method and Critical Thinking Models

II. Possible Laboratory Topics

A. Tools of astronomy

1. Telescopes

2. Photometry

3. Spectroscopy

4. Radiation laws

5. Doppler effect

6. Astrometry

7. Astrophotography

8. Celestial coordinate systems

B. Sun as a nearby star

1. Solar activity

2. Energy production

3. Telescopic observations

4. Astrophotography

C. Measuring the stars

1. Parallax

2. Astrometry

3. Photometry

4. Spectral classification

5. Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram

6. Telescopic observations

7. Astrophotography

D. Binary stars and star clusters

1. Binary star classifications

2. Stellar sizes and masses

3. H-R diagrams of clusters

4. Cluster distances and locations

5. Cluster ages

6. Telescopic observations

7. Astrophotography

E. Interstellar medium

1. Nebulae

2. Telescopic observations

3. Astrophotography

F. Stellar evolution

1. Evolution and the H-R diagram

2. Supernovae

3. Novae

4. Stellar remnants

5. Telescopic observations

6. Astrophotography

G. Milky Way Galaxy

1. Variable stars as distance indicators

2. Stellar distributions in the Milky Way

3. Radio studies of the Milky Way

4. Mass of the Milky Way

H. Galaxies

1. Galaxy classification

2. Distribution of galaxies

3. Galaxy masses

4. Galaxy clusters

5. Hubble’s law

6. Active galaxies

7. Telescopic observations

8. Astrophotography

I. Cosmology

1. Large scale structure

2. Homogeneity and isotropy

3. Expanding universe

4. Cosmological models

5. Cosmic microwave background

J. Life in the universe

1. Prospects for intelligent life in our galaxy

2. Search for extraterrestrial intelligence