Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in ASTR 2, 5, or 10
Hours: 54 laboratory
Description: Basic interpretation of astronomical observations through telescopes, binoculars, computers, cameras, and other simple measuring equipment. Use of planetarium to facilitate recognition of constellations, stars, planetary motions, and study coordinate systems and celestial motions. Development of observational skills to study outdoor sky and outcomes of indoor laboratory experiments. Emphasis on quantitative and qualitative analysis of variety of astronomical data. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate knowledge and skill in observational astronomy, showing correlation of the observable sky to events in the cosmos.
  • CSLO #2: Explain knowledge and skill in celestial navigation, evaluating the significance of important astronomical phenomena.
  • CSLO #3: Operate a variety of optical systems, demonstrating proficiency in their use.
  • CSLO #4: Relate core concepts in basic science to stellar astronomy, assessing the various factors that are important to stellar evolution.

Effective Term

Fall 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

0

Total Student Learning Hours

54

Course Objectives

1. Identify 18 constellations;
2. Identify and describe the properties of 24 stars;
3. Locate and describe 20 "deep sky objects" including star clusters, galaxies, nebula, multiple star systems;
4. Locate planets in the night sky utilizing digital computer software;
5. Determine the phase of the moon and predict its location on a star map via a computer;
6. Explain why there are seasons;
7. Properly set up a medium aperture (20 cm) telescope for observations of the night sky;
8. Compute a telescope’s magnification, light gathering power, resolution;
9. Prepare an observing scenario using a small telescope, binoculars, or unaided eye;
10. Take pictures of celestial objects using electronic cameras;
11. Identify and sketch lunar surface features using a telescope;
12. Identify and sketch planetary features using a telescope;
13. Observe and sketch the moons of Jupiter and/or Saturn;
14. Use a computer to predict the orientation of the Jovian satellites;
15. Use a reticle magnifier to measure features on astronomical photographs;
16. Classify stellar spectra by observation of absorption lines;
17. Plot a light curve and explain the nature an eclipsing binary system;
18. Find celestial objects utilizing a celestial atlas;
19. Demonstrate proper use of SC-001 (Equatorial Region) and SC-002 (North Circumpolar Region) star maps;
20. Describe how to utilize a digital computer to generate a star map of selected regions of the sky;
21. Use an optical bench to determine optical parameters for mirrors and lenses;
22. Research an astronomical object and complete a summary report on it.
Note: Only 1/2 of the listed outcomes may be presented in any given semester due to sky and weather conditions.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Physical Sciences
    • AS - Physical Science Lab
    • AA/AS - Natural Sciences Laboratory
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - B3 Lab Activity
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • Cal-GETC 5C - Laboratory Science
  • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
    • IGETC - 5C Laboratory Science

Articulation Information

  • CSU Transferable
  • UC Transferable

Methods of Evaluation

  • Objective Examinations
    • Example: 1. Standard quizzes, mid-term, and final exams consisting of a variety of tasks and question formats, evaluating all levels of performance according to Bloom's taxonomy (knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation)(Example question: You are given a pair of binoculars which are labeled "7x50." What do the two numbers represent?)
  • Problem Solving Examinations
    • Example: Midterm and Final Exams also contain problems to solve. (Ex. What is the relative Light Gathering Power of the telescope compared to one of the lenses of the binoculars on display in the classroom?)
  • Projects
    • Example: Each person will plan a night of observing, based upon the time of year and nighttime hours available, solar system objects available, and limitations of the instruments available.
  • Reports
    • Example: Laboratory exercises to evaluate student comprehension of weekly assignments and assigned reading (Example exercise: Find and determine the azimuth and altitude of Vega, Deneb and Altair (the summer triangle)).
  • Skill Demonstrations
    • Example: Use of the Meade Telescopes during observation nights, to look and examine several celestial objects for every evening.

Repeatable

No

Methods of Instruction

  • Laboratory
  • Distance Learning

Lab:

  1. Critical Thinking: Students are taught what characteristics of a telescope and eyepiece determine magnification, light gathering power, field of view, and resolving power. Using this basic information, students must then answer questions relating different parameters to each other, and what external factors would limit the telescope performance – for example earth based telescopes vs space-base telescopes. (Objectives 7,8,21) Reading: Reading from the required course text is assigned on a regular basis. Weekly lab assignments require students to read procedures and expected analysis (Objectives 1,2,3,5,6,19). Writing: Term project requires written report. (Objective 22) Field Trips: Students will complete several observing trips during the semester (depending on weather). (Objectives 1,3,7,9,10,11,12,13,15)

Distance Learning

  1. Students will watch instructional video on how to complete a laboratory activity. At the end of the laboratory exercise, there are three particularly challenging analysis questions. Students will then interact with each other in a discussion board, where they are given a prompt to discuss one of the three challenging analysis questions in the lab. This discussion board is shaped with hints from the instructor, as to how to solve the problems. Answers to the problems are submitted individually by the students. (Objectives 1,2,4,6,14,16)

Typical Out of Class Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Reading from assigned text on a weekly basis. Example: Read the Chapter on "Stars for All Seasons". Be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Reading from supplemental handouts. Example: Read the "Meade LX-200 Telescope: Set-up and Take-down Procedure" handout. Students will then list the steps.

Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

1. Weekly laboratory reports. Example question: Calculate the magnification for the LX-200 telescope using a 40 mm eyepiece. 2. Written semester report. Example demonstration: Research an object from the list provided--summarize it's key attributes. and relevant properties such as historical or scientific interest. 3. Quizzes, Midterm, and final exam to demonstrate acquisition of critical thinking skills and astronomical knowledge. Example exam question: Suppose that you live in Saint Louis, MO. What is the altitude of Polaris?

Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

One assignment is given for each week of class. Each of these assignments will be of a nature that is reflective of the course outcomes. In particular, for assignments that are of a hands-on nature, our online students will acquire this experience through computer simulations, visits to a public telescope observation site (either at a Sierra College Astronomy Department site or one owned by a local astronomy club). Example: Using the LX-200, locate and sketch the crater Copernicus on the lunar surface.

Required Materials

  • NightWatch
    • Author: Terence Dickenson and Ken Hewitt-White
    • Publisher: DK Books
    • Publication Date: 2023
    • Text Edition: 5th
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:

Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

1. Laboratory exercise packet prepared by instructors and updated every semester, printed and packaged on campus and distributed through the campus bookstore.* 2. Laboratory handbook prepared by instructors and updated every semester, printed and packaged on campus and distributed through the campus bookstore.* 3. Star Maps SC-001 (Equatorial Region) and SC-002 (North Circumpolar Region). 4. "Skygazer's Almanac" for the most current year (recommended). * Lab exercises and handbook are written with relevance to existing facilities, equipment, and current course content.