Astronomy 1020 Stellar Astronomy Spring_2015 Day-1

ASTR_1020_Day-1 Dr. Allyn Smith Office Hours: (B329-SSB): MW & by app’t. Lecture-Tutorials & Text Book D2L – Will be used for grade tracking only. Do NOT send via D2L – it probably will not be read. Everything you need for this class can be found at:

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, & Blumenthal ORDER FROM: Amazon.com or visit Study Master ISBN: (Full book) – if you plan to also take ASTR-1010: Intro. To Planetary Astronomy ISBN: (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: 1 st 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 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 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?