Harvard Astronomy 16

Harvard University Department of Astronomy

Astronomy 16: Laboratories

Some of the key concepts which we discuss in class will be demonstrated by observation and direct measurement in laboratory and analysis sessions (typically two hours per week). We will try and keep the lab sections small (less than six students) to ensure that every student can observe and participate. Part of your grade for "class participation" (see the assessment criteria) will be based on your contribution to these sessions.

Although the fainter stars are not easily seen through the often murky skies of Cambridge, we will make useful observations of relatively bright stars using small telescopes equipped with modern detectors. The Knowles Telescope is a computer-controlled 16-inch telescope on the roof of the Science Center (this is in the smaller dome on the roof, but is the larger and more powerful telescope!), and will be used for both visual and CCD camera measurements. A small millimeter-wave telescope on the roof of the Observatory will be used for observations of molecules in interstellar space.