Hands-On Astronomy: Observing Stars and Planets

Full Moon, November 8, 1992. MIT Campus.

Full Moon, November 8, 1992. MIT Campus. (Image courtesy of MIT.)

Instructor(s)

MIT Course Number

12.409

As Taught In

Spring 2002

Level

Undergraduate

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Course Description

Course Features

Course Description

This class introduces the student to the use of small telescopes, either for formal research or as a hobby.

This course covers background for and techniques of visual observation, electronic imaging, and spectroscopy of the Moon, planets, satellites, stars, and brighter deep-space objects. Weekly outdoor observing sessions using 8-inch diameter telescopes when weather permits. Indoor sessions introduce needed skills. Introduction to contemporary observational astronomy including astronomical computing, image and data processing, and how astronomers work. Student must maintain a careful and complete written log which is graded. (Limited enrollment with priority to freshmen. Consumes an entire evening each week; 100% attendance at observing sessions required to pass.)

Related Content

James Elliot. 12.409 Hands-On Astronomy: Observing Stars and Planets. Spring 2002. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, https://ocw.mit.edu. License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.


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