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12.409

Hands-On Astronomy: Observing Stars and Planets

1-3-2 units · Undergraduate

Background for, and techniques of, visual observation and electronic imaging of the Moon, planets, satellites, stars, and brighter deep-space objects. Weekly outdoor observing sessions using 8-inch diameter telescopes when weather permits. Indoor sessions introduce skills necessary for observation. Introduction to contemporary observational astronomy including astronomical computing, image and data processing, and how astronomers work. Students generate an astrophotography portfolio over the term. Consumes an entire evening each week; 100% attendance at observing sessions required to pass. Enrollment limited; priority to first-year students.

Spring 2002

Topics

  • Course Information
  • Care and Feeding of Your Observing Notebook
  • Meade 8" LX200 Set-up
  • Can We Observe x Tonight?
  • “Chez 12.409” Menu for Spring 2002
  • Observing Tips
  • Useful Optics Information
  • CCD User’s Guide
  • Basic CCD Image Processing
  • The LX200 Object Library
  • Color Imaging
  • Solar Observing

Readings

  • Most of the “material” (such as it is) for 12.409 is distributed as a set of handouts. However, if you don’t yet know the major constellations and bright stars you should also purchase: Rey, H.A. The Stars . Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1976. ISBN: 0395245087. Even if you already know your way around the sky, but learned to picture the constellations by a method other than Rey’s method of showing them, you might want to get yourself the book since we’ll many times describe locations of stars by where they fit into Rey’s pictures (e.g. “Perseus’ left armpit”).
    Listed reading

Prerequisites & course information

Prereq: None U (Spring) 1-3-2 units

Sources