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Photos

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Astronomy

PhSc 205

Dr. Charles L. HakesPhysics and Engineering Department

Fort Lewis College

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Astronomy Diagnostic Test

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Outline

• Astronomy Diagnostic Test – done• Logistics• Class Introduction

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Class Introduction

• Four Corners Astronomy Advantages• Dark Skies• Clear Skies• Low humidity• Altitude

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Class Introduction

• Class Web Site is: http://faculty.fortlewis.edu/hakes_c/

• Also you will need: http://www.masteringastronomy.com

• ASTRONOMYHAKESF2011

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Class Objective

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Class Objective

• To gain a general understanding of the contents of your universe and how it works.

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Figure 18.1Arrow of Time

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Class Objective

• To gain a general understanding of the contents of your universe and how it works.• To learn about some of the physical laws that control the

universe.

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Class Objective

• To gain a general understanding of the contents of your universe and how it works.• To learn about some of the physical laws that control the

universe.• To gain an understanding of the size and age of the

universe and the various components.

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Class Objective

• To gain a general understanding of the contents of your universe and how it works.• To learn about some of the physical laws that control the

universe.• To gain an understanding of the size and age of the

universe and the various components.• To learn how we know what we know. (this is where

the “technology” of the course comes in)

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Class Objective

• To gain a general understanding of the contents of your universe and how it works.• To learn about some of the physical laws that control the

universe.• To gain an understanding of the size and age of the

universe and the various components.• To learn how we know what we know. (this is where

the “technology” of the course comes in)• The content of this course is really more like

astrophysics, and it will involve some standard scientific skills, like interpreting plots and performing numerical calculation.

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Class Non-Objective

• This is not a course about horoscopes (astrology) or about stories associated with the constellations (mythology). 

• To fulfill an easy distribution requirement. Many students at colleges across the country sign up for astronomy because they think it will be easy (they are usually wrong). 

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Teaching Philosophy

• You are the primary person responsible for learning the material.

• I am a facilitator.• What you can do.

• Read the book. (It is a good one.)• Do the exercises. (They can be challenging.)• Come to class. (Participate!)

• Ask questions.• Discuss questions with your peers.• You will learn the material the best if you can explain it to

someone.

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Three Minute Paper

• Write 1-3 sentences.• What was the most important thing

you learned today?• What questions do you still have

about today’s topics?