1. Introductions to Observations Class time: W 6:30 – 9:30pm Meeting Place: SSC B-310 or APSU Observatory on The Farm Instructor: Dr. Spencer Buckner Email: buckners@apsu.edu Office: SSC B-326 (through B-332) Office Hours: MWF 10:15 – 11:30am MWThF 1:30 – 2:30pm or by appointment

2. Grading Constellations Test………...10% Observing Log….……..……30% Observing Labs…………….40% Participation………………...20% A…90 – 100%B…80 – 89% C…70 – 79%D…60 – 69% F…<60%

3. Constellations Test Learn the names, locations and shapes of 25 constellations. Five from each season and five circumpolar Learn the names and locations of 30 named stars (no Bayer designations). No more than two per constellations. Pass/fail. Can be taken multiple times. Last day to take the test is Thursday December 10 Key to planetarium can be checked out from Ms. Sherry in SSC B-332

4. Logbook Bound book of some kind. You can find fancy ones or a cheap composition book. Log every object observed with  Date & time  Telescope  Eyepiece and PowerMate (if used)  Description or sketch of the object  Will be collected and graded several times during the semester for number of images and completeness

5. Observing Labs Formal labs requiring a written report. Most will be handouts but some will be on the SDSS SkyServer website. Reports will be due one week after the observations are completed. Format for lab reports will be handed out with the first lab.

6. Participation The largest part (15%) will be helping out with the observing nights. I will drop at one 1 st Quarter night and one Dark Sky night. If the Lunar Eclipse night is clear I will not drop it. The rest (5%) will be for attending and participating in our observing sessions.

7. Telescopes Most observations will be done using the 8” RC’s. We will also use the 8” Dobs a lot. Once it is operational, some “special observations” will be done with the 20” The 100mm Refractor will also be available.

8. The 8” Dobs Some observations will be done using the 8” Dobsonian telescopes. They will also be available for check- out over a weekend if you want to do some observing at home.

9. Adjourn to The Farm Carpooling is encouraged! A key to The Farm will be available for check-out from Ms. Sherry by next week.