Astronomy: NAS-131
The Solar System
Virginia Western Community College - Offered in the Fall


This course has no prerequisite. It includes an introduction to astronomy, and then concentrates on the solar system. The textbook by Michael Seeds covers both the fall and spring courses. The fall course (131) provides introductory material, and moves on to a discussion of the solar system, discussing each planet in detail, as well as solar system "debris" (asteroids, comets). Students may take the two courses (NAS131 or NAS132) in any order.

The instructor is sensitive to the overlap between the courses. In this regard, every semester is re-worked for content and material presented. Emphasis will be placed on using the included "The Sky" CD-ROM based planetarium software. Labwork includes two computer simulation labs based on CLEA astronomy lab computer software; data collection is done as a class exercise, and data files are then posted for home computers. Telescope time will be made available to students using the instructor's 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain and 10" LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain (in observatory). Students will be required to attend at least one (1) observing session off campus, scheduled on a regular lab night.

Students will use their home computer to gain access to the VWCC Distance Learning Blackboard web site, where course assignments, homework, labwork, and class presentations will be made available to all registered students.

Instructor   Michael R. Good
Time           Tuesdays 6-9pm
Location     Anderson
Email            mrgood@cox.net (Home)

Text Book: Horizons - Exploring the Universe, Michael A. Seeds, Copyright 2002
Materials   Scientific calculator
Optional:  clipboard or notebook for observing log; red flashlight, warm clothing for observing night…

Course Syllabus

Lecture #1 Chapters 1 & 2: Introduction and the Sky

Lecture #2 Appendix B: Observing the Sky. Constellations.
      "The Sky" CD-ROM. Hand out lab assignments.

Lecture #3 Chapter 3: Motions of the Sky

Test #1 (Chap 1, 2, 3, Appendix B)
Lecture #4 Chapter 4: The Origin of Modern Astronomy

Lecture #5 Chapter 5: Astronomical Tools

Lecture #6 Chapter 6: Atoms and Light
Lab #1 is due (CLEA: Revolution of the Moons of Jupiter)

Test #2 (Chap 4, 5, 6)
Lecture #7 Chapter 7: The Sun

Lecture #8 Chapter 16: Origin and Overview of the Solar System

Lecture #9 Chapter 17-1 & 17-2 Earth and Moon

Lecture #10 Chapter 17-3 to 17-5 Mercury, Venus, and Mars

Test #3 (Chap 7, 16, 17)
Lecture #11 Chapter 18-1: Jupiter: Planet, Satellites and Rings

Lecture #12 Chapter 18-2: Saturn: Planet, Satellites and Rings

Lecture #13 Chapter 18-3 & 18-4: Uranus & Neptune

Lecture #14 Chapter 18-5 & 19: Pluto, Meteorites, Asteroids, and Comets
Lab #2 is due (CLEA: Astrometry of Asteroids)

Test #4 (Chap 18 & 19)
Lecture #15 Chapter 20: Life in the Universe

Comprehensive Final Exam


References:
1) Recommended! - Stars and Planets, Peterson Field Guides, Jay M. Pasachoff & Wil Tirion, Copyright 2000 Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, New York
2) Sky & Telescope magazine, Sky Publishing Corporation, Cambridge, MA, www.skypub.com
3) Astronomy magazine, Kalmbach Publishing Co, Waukesha, WI, www.astronomy.com

Absences
Weekly class attendance is expected. Approved (excused) absences involve notifying the instructor with a suitable reason (illness, accident, etc). In such a case, you will be allowed to make up a test, but only during class time (the Cont Ed office is now moved to downtown Roanoke). You must make up a test during or before the following lecture period. Extended absences require approval of the instructor. Beyond that, you will receive a 0 for that test.

Grading
    40% (40pts): 4 tests (20 questions each, 0.5 pts per question => 40 points total)
    20% (20pts): CLEA (Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy)
          10% = 10 pts total: The Revolution of the Moons of Jupiter
          10% = 10 pts total: Astrometry of Asteroids
     5% ( 5pts): Telescope observing session. Fill out observation handout.
    10% (10pts): Lab attendance (15 lectures = 0.66 points per class; half class = 0.33 points)
    25% (25pts): Comprehensive Final (100 questions = 0.25 points per question)

   100% = 100 points

90-100 points   = A
80-89 points     = B
70-79 points     = C
60-69 points     = D
below 60 points  = F

Extra credit opportunity: attend Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society meeting: 3rd Monday of every month. 2 points per meeting: 4 points max.

Honesty: This course is covered by VWCC's honesty policy. Cheating will result in F for the class, and your girlfriend/boyfriend will dump you.


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