Astronomy Program

The observational astronomy courses (Astronomy 11 and Astronomy 20) offer hands-on experience observing the night sky using  binoculars and telescopes , and in astrophotography.

Sections of these courses are generally offered at times that fit a variety of schedules, day and evening, including accelerated versions that meet for five consecutive weeks on Friday nights and Saturdays.

Course Desciptions

1. Introduction to Astronomy
3 units, 3 hours lecture plus required field trips and observation
History of astronomy, solar system, stars and their evolution, sidereal system and cosmology.

10. Descriptive Astronomy
3 units, 3 hours lecture, 3 term hours observation
Topics include the astronomy of the earth, the solar system and the stars.

11. Observational Astronomy
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours observational laboratory
Study through use of small telescopes: Telescope optics, astronomical concepts of time and position, introduction to astrophotography, and visits to an observatory and uses of a planetarium.

6. Introduction to Planetary Geology (cross listed with Geology)
3 units, 3 hours lecture
Introduction to the geologic histories and processes that affect the planets, moons, and comets in our solar system.