Units: 1
Prerequisites: ASTR 101 or ASTR 201.
Enrollment Limitation: Concurrent enrollment in ASTR 101 or ASTR 201 if prerequisite not met.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This is a hands-on introduction to the methods and techniques of observational astronomy and data/error analysis. It emphasizes the collection, presentation, and interpretation of astronomical observations. Students learn to use a planisphere, read star charts, and operate small telescopes. Through indoor activities, computer simulations, and by making naked-eye, binocular, and telescopic observations, students explore such topics as seasons, lunar phases, rotation of the Earth, optics, light and spectroscopy, planets, stars, galaxies, and cosmology.