Spring 2009
TELESCOPE OBSERVING AND SPECTROSCOPY LAB PROJECTS
During the course of the semester, each student is required to complete both out-of-class activities.
TELESCOPE OBSERVING/PLANETARIUM LAB
A teaching assistant will be available on the roof of Davey Lab (the 6th floor) every Monday through Thursday evening (starting January 20) to assist students in the use of a telescope to observe astronomical objects.
Where: Davey Lab: 6th floor - roof (if weather is clear)
Davey Lab: Room 541A - planetarium (otherwise)
Days: Monday to Thursday
Times: 8:30 - 10:00 pm
There will be no telescope observing during Thanksgiving Break. Each student is required to attend one evening of telescope observing and complete two activities based on observations. These activities are to be handed in to the teaching assistant BEFORE leaving the telescope area.
In the case of inclement weather, there will be an alternate planetarium project available to students. The planetarium is located at 541A Davey Lab (one floor down from the telescopes). Due to limited seating, the planetarium will be available on a first come, first served basis, and will start promptly. If necessary, two planetarium shows will be given. Those who arrive late to the first show will have to wait until the second show. Late arrivals to the second show will not be allowed in. A planetarium show will last approximately 30-45 minutes. PLEASE BRING WITH YOU THE PLANISPHERE WHICH WAS INCLUDED WITH YOUR TEXTBOOK.
To check if it will be clear enough to use the telescope, see the observing status webpage at
http://www.astro.psu.edu/telescopes/status.html
Students are encouraged to complete the projects as soon as possible. Any student can complete the telescope lab before February 12. After that date, students will only be allowed to attend the lab session during the period of time listed below, as determined by your last name. Neither the telescopes nor the planetarium will be open during Spring Break (Mar. 09 - 12). The last day to complete the project is determined by the first letter of your last name, but the final deadline is April 16.
The project dates have been broken down according to last names.
|
First letter of your last name |
Project Date |
|
anyone |
Jan. 20 - Feb. 12 |
|
A - E |
Feb. 16 - Feb. 26 |
|
F - L |
Mar. 02 - Mar. 19 |
|
M - R |
Mar. 23 - Apr. 02 |
|
S - Z |
Apr. 06 - Apr. 16 |
SPECTROSCOPY LAB
This lab will be completed during the three-week period from February 16 to March 5 only. During this period of time, all students are required to complete the out-of-class spectroscopy activity.
A teaching assistant will be available in 530 Davey Lab during the specified two weeks, Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 9:30pm to assist students in the use of a spectrometer to observe a number of lights around campus and downtown. Each student is required to attend one evening and complete an activity based on spectroscopy. These activities are to be handed in to the teaching assistant BEFORE leaving. Students will be permitted to work in small groups (of 2 - 4 students) and will check out a spectrometer to use to analyze a number of light sources and then answer questions about them.
Where: 530 Davey Lab
Days: Mondays through Thursdays (Feb. 16 - Mar. 05 ONLY)
Times: 7:30 - 9:30 pm