CSULB

Shahriar Abachi
sabachi@csulb.edu

Physics & Astronomy

ASTR 100L ASTRONOMY LAB

Sec 02: M 11:001:45 & Sec 06: Tu 24:45

OFFICE HOURS: W 2:503:20, 4:505:30 HSCI-272a

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course comprises an introduction to techniques of Astronomical
measurement and analysis of Astronomical data. Emphasis will be on understanding how scientific
knowledge is constructed, i.e. answering the question: how do we know about the universe? Students will
perform hands-on measurements, observations, and exercises in data analysis relating to the solar system,
stars, galaxies, large-scale structure of the universe, and cosmology.
REQUIRED TEXT: Astronomy Lab Manual, Kim Gordon, 4th edition
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Notebook, Scantron forms (882E, ES), scientific calculator
GRADES: The following provides the areas that grades will be assigned for the class:
Each Lab Reports
Final exam
Quizzes

20 points for a total of 240 points

80 points consisting of 1530 multiple choice questions
50 points

Grand Total

370 points

LETTER GRADES:

A(330370),

B(300329),

C(270299),

D(240269)

QUIZZES: A Quiz is given at the beginning of each session asking you about the Lab of that day.
GENERAL RULES: Eleven Lab sessions are planned. Preparation, on-time arrival, presence, participation,
and lab reports are required. Late arrival or lack of participation may result in a 10%50% reduction in
grade or a zero for that lab or even more serious consequences. Students are expected to show up in the lab
well prepared. Preparation consists of carefully reading the lab manual and understanding all the aspects of
the scheduled lab so that you can participate fully. You will be tested for your preparation by the quizzes.
Each lab group should consist of two students. One or three in a group are undesirable, but may be
permitted by the instructor. No communications between different lab group members are allowed. All
other communications should be about the lab contents. Refrain from any personal talks. There are no
makeup Labs, however if you have a substantiated real emergency, you can visit another lab with same
session content with permission of both instructors; or based on the judgment of your instructor a project
or other plans may be devised to help you for a real emergency
You can miss no more than two lab reports! Missing more than two lab reports means you
automatically do not pass the course.
MATH SKILLS: Study the Math Review in your lab manual carefully, so that when the instructor goes
over any mathematical methods used for the class you can understand better.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: In order to successfully complete the course, the following rules
and guidelines must be followed for the course:
1. Attend all labs. If you miss more two labs you will fail the lab.
(Note: it is your responsibility to drop the course if you want to withdraw).
2. Attending the lab on time and participating in the activities are important in this
class. Tardiness and leaving early are rude and disruptive and will be dealt with as
described.
3. Respect the instructor and your classmates. Do not carry on conversations during
the lab. You will be asked to leave if you do so.
4. Eat and drink before or after the class, not during the lecture. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS
ALLOWED.
5. Turn off phones and pagers before the lecture/lab starts.
6. BE HONEST! CHEATING OF ANY FORM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
If caught there is zero tolerance. The full force of the College rules on cheating
will be enforced.

EXAM: I will add to your grade your average lab grade for any scheduled lab that may not occur due to
special or unforeseen circumstances; such as holidays or instructor emergencies, etc. For the Final exam, a
self prepared hand written one-sided note/formula sheet (8 11) is allowed. A calculator is allowed
and a scantron form 882-E should be brought along. No cell phones or other electronics is allowed in the
possession. There must be documentation for any excuse given for the possible allowance of a make-up
exam.
Note: It is within the authority of the instructor to change the schedule, format and requirements of the
exam. All students must work alone during exams. ABSOLUTELY NO TALKING DURING EXAMS,
ANY WILL RESULT IN THE EXAM BEING TAKEN BACK AND A FAILURE FOR THAT
EXAM.
REPORTS: Each group provides one report same day of the lab. The instructor can change the format, due
date, and content of the reports.
SAFETY: Safety always comes first in any laboratory!
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED IN THE LABORATORY!
THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS SAFETY RULE.
If in doubt about any procedure or if it seems unsafe to you, do not continue. Ask your lab instructor for
help. Some safety and emergency dealings are posted on the course website. Please read those.
STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Cheating, plagiarism, and other types of academic
dishonesty will not be tolerated. For details on student responsibilities concerning academic integrity and
plagiarism, please consult the CSULB University Catalog.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY: The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Withdrawal Policy is posted
on our course website on the BeachBoard and a copy is posted on our course website. No instructor or
office staff can add or change a class for you. Only YOU, THE STUDENT, can add or change classes
in YOUR schedule. You may either add classes on-line through your MyCSULB account or in person
at Enrollment Services during the registration period.

ACCOMMODATION OF A DISABILITY: If you have a disability, it is your responsibility to notify your

instructor in advance of your need for accommodation of that disability that has been verified by the
university.
STUDY SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS: You should perform the following in order to have
the greatest possibility for success and to receive a high score.
1. Read the assigned material. YOU HAVE NO HOPE IF YOU DO NOT READ!
2. Look over all material content in each lab and learn it!
3. Get prepared for the quiz and be on time.
4. Participate fully while in lab.
TENTATIVE LAB SCHEDULE*
Week (Dates)

Topics

Approx. Pages

Orientation and Safety Forms

The Sidereal Day

16 28

The Star Chart & Celestial Coordinates (Part 1)

29 44

The Star Chart & Celestial (Parts 2&3)

44 54

Kepplers Law & the Moon Mass

95 110

The Moons Sidereal Period

111 117

Spectroscopy, Online Version

62 69

Spectroscopy Hardware Version

70 76

Distance to Pleiades & Cluster Age

79 87 & 88 94

10

Arcturus & Earths Revolution

118 127

11

Hubbles Law and the Age of the Universe

128 137

12

Quasar 3C 273

138 142

13

Valles Marineris; Skydiving on Mars

143 152

14

Review

15

Final Exam

* The instructor reserves the right to change the schedule of experiments from what is shown above.
Students will be informed of any changes to the schedule from this tentative schedule.
Finally: Remember you can be confident that I am here to help you. I want you to succeed and will
help! If you are struggling, come see me. Well figure out together what you need to do to succeed!