PHYS 103N/104N Astronomy
LAB 1: Math Review
This review goes over some of the important math concepts that you'll encounter through your astronomy labs. These include the order of operations, exponents and scientific notation, manipulations of algebraic expressions, unit conversions, and percent differences. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 2: Celestial Motion I
Here we will be utilizing NAAP LABS to gain an understanding of celestial motion as well as the Lunar Cycle. We will also explore the origins of what is meant by Zodiac constellations and learn the reasons for the seasons. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 3: Celestial Motion II
In lab 3, we learn the difference between a Solar and Lunar eclipse and discuss the angular sizes of celestial objects. This is then tied into the idea of parallax while we discuss how the two can be used to determine distance to far away objects. Finally, we use NAAP LABS again to analyze Keplers three laws of planetary motion. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 4: Gravity & Energy
The main portion of this lab consists of running multiple experiments in order to find the acceleration of objects due to Earth's gravity. The concepts of gravity and gravitational potential energy are then used to characterize further the orbit of planets around stars. Finally, we explore other concepts of energy, including thermal energy and mass energy. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 5: Telescopes & Spectroscopy
The focus of this lab is light. First, we discuss the refraction of light through different media and how a prism is used to break up white light into its constituent colors. We also look at how light reflects off of different mirrored surfaces and how different shaped lenses work. Finaly, we discuss how electron energy levels in elements lead to distinct spectra and how this physics is being used to identify the composition of stars, galaxies, and even exoplanet atmospheres. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 6: Scale of the Solar System
It is difficult to truly understand how large our solar system is in comparison to distances here on Earth, and how small it is when comparing it to the size of the universe! This lab introduces the concept of a scale factor in order to illustrate the relative distances in our solar system on a strip of paper. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 7: Planetary Atmospheres
First we will take a look on how certain Greenhouse gasses can effect the surface temperature of a planet. Then, with our knowledge of light from lab 5, we will see how the atmosphere distorts incoming light rays and how we can use technology to correct for this distortion. Finally, we look at the necessary requirements for a planet to retain an atmosphere using a NAAP Labs simulation. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 8: Jupiter
We are focusing on the largest planet in our solar system - Jupiter. We first compare its famous Great Red Spot to the most powefull storms on Earth in size and wind speeds. We then turn towards the four Galilean moons, and using Kepler's 3rd law we'll look to accurately determine Jupiters mass. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 9: Interplanetary Travel
In this lab we look at what it would take to go to Mars! First we look at the simplest of transfer orbits and determine just how long of a journey it would take to get to the red planet. Then, we estimate how long we would have to stay there until Earth and Mars are back in their optimal positions for our transfer orbit home. We also determine how long it'd take to communicate back with Earth. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 10: Exoplanets
Here we explore methods used to detect exoplanets around distant stars; the Doppler method and the transit method. We then look at radial velocity data from the discovery of 51 Pegasi b and use what we learned previously to determine the mass of the exoplanet as well as its orbital radius. (Last updated Fall 2021)
LAB 11: Life in the Universe
Are there intelligent alien civilizations out in our galaxy? We first lay a foundation of basic probability before building up the Drake equation. We then look towards the Fermi Paradox and give our own explanations for its apparent existence. (Last updated Fall 2021)