Astrophysics with Crider

Homework 6

2011-11-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

HW 6 (Due 11/7/2011 at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 7.6, 8.3, 8.16
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 7.15, 7.17
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 8.5

Presentation Evaluation Form

2011-10-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

Here is the Presentation Evaluation Form I will be using to grade your practice and final presentation.

Homework 5

2011-10-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

HW 5 (due October 31st at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 6.7, 6.8, 6.14
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 6.15, 6.16
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 6.17

Homework 4

2011-10-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

HW 4 (due TUESDAY 10/11 at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (10 points each): 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
"B-level" problems (10 points each): 5.10, 5.14
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 5.18

All of these must be created as a single Google spreadsheet with one tab for each problem.

Homework 3

2011-09-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

HW 3 (due 10/3 at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (10 points each): 4.4, 4.5, 4.8
"B-level" problems (10 points each): 4.9, 4.13
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 4.6

All of these must be created as a single Google spreadsheet with one tab for each problem.

Homework 2

2011-09-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

HW 2 (due 9/19 at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 3.3, 3.7, 3.9
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 3.10 (b), 3.16
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 3.12

All of these must be created as a single Google spreadsheet with one tab for each problem.

Homework 1

2011-09-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

HW 1 (due 9/12 at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 1.5, 1.6, 1.7
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 1.8, 2.14
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 2.15

All of these (except 2.15) must be created as a single Google Docs spreadsheet with one tab for each problem and shared with the instructor.

Welcome to Modern Astrophysics!

2011-08-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Modern Astrophysics! During class on Tuesday, we will do a lot of things:

Discuss the Big Questions and how astronomy attempts to answers some of them.
Review the syllabus and schedule for PHY 313.
Use Stellarium to answer the question "What planets are visible tonight?"

I will also be having a special set of lunchtime office hours on Wednesday to go over these things with those of you that can't make it back to campus by Tuesday. These will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in Irazu Coffee shop.

If we have time during class, I also will be asking you to fill out a short survey so I can get to know a little bit more about you. If we don't have time, please do this before the next class on Thursday. The survey can be accessed here:

http://bit.ly/qm146z

Homework 7

2010-11-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

Your final homework set is a review of some basic physics that you did earlier applied to the planets. There are four 25-point problems. All of these are due on Monday, December 6th at 11:59 PM.

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 20.4, 21.6, 22.5, 23.6

The H-R Diagram

2010-11-09T05:16:00.000-08:00

Today in class, we will be creating H-R diagrams with data provided in the SDSS Advanced: The H-R Diagram activity. Your responses can be entered at http://bit.ly/bKSjrF.

Homework 6

2010-11-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

HW 6 (due November 9th at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 7.6, 8.3, 8.16
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 7.15, 7.17
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 8.5

Presentation Evaluation Form

2010-10-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

I have posted a revised version of the Presentation Evaluation Form to specify which parts are individual and which parts are group grades. I also have placed a copy of The Cosmic Perspective textbook and a 3-CD set of The Cosmic Perspective slides in the top, left-hand corner of the bookcase in MCMI 202. Please feel free to use it as a resource but don't remove it from that room.

HW 5

2010-10-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

HW 5 (due November 5th at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 6.7, 6.12, 6.14
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 6.11, 6.16
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 6.17

SDSS Basic: Types of Stars

2010-10-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

Today in class, instead of answering clicker questions, you will be working with others to answer questions 1 to 7 in the SDSS Basic: Types of Stars exercise. You will enter your answers into a Google Form.

Homework 4

2010-10-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

HW 4 (due October 11th)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 5.1, 5.6, 5.10
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 5.4, 5.18
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 5.8

The Mechanical Universe

2010-09-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Today we will be watching and discussing parts of three episodes from The Mechanical Universe and Beyond series. These are Episode 42: The Lorentz Transformation, Episode 43: Velocity and Time, and Episode 44: Mass, Momentum, & Energy.

SDSS Basic: Color

2010-09-28T06:01:00.001-07:00

Today in class, we will start the SDSS Basic: Color project. This should better acquaint you with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and reinforce the concepts of magnitude and blackbody radiation. You will be working together as a class on this, but each of you will need to submit your own answers to the five questions.

Homework 3

2010-09-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

HW 3 (due 10/4 at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (10 points each): 4.4, 4.5, 4.8
"B-level" problems (10 points each): 4.9, 4.13
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 4.6

All of these must be created as a single Excel spreadsheet with one tab for each problem. They must be submitted to Blackboard.

Office Hours

2010-09-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in class last week, after reviewing all of your class schedule, I reset my regularly scheduled office hours to the following:

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY

However, from time to time I will have to shuffle these just a bit. This coming Friday, September 17th, I will visiting Professor Moreau's astronomy class in the morning and driving to DC in the afternoon. Since I know you all have homework due on Sunday night, I will be having special online night office hours this weekend:

10:00 PM to 11:00 PM on SATURDAY and SUNDAY

You can email me your file along with a phone number or a Skype account that I can reach you at. I will then call you up to provide assistance. These nighttime office hours were very effective with classes and I hope they will be for you, too.

Homework 2

2010-09-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

HW 2 (due 9/19 at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 3.3, 3.7, 3.9
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 3.10 (b), 3.16
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 3.12

All of these must be created as a single Excel spreadsheet with one tab for each problem. They must be submitted to Blackboard.

The Blackboard Sidebar

2010-09-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

I have just activated the Blackboard Sidebar for this course. You can click on the <- BLACKBOARD SIDEBAR link to the left to send email to the class and/or the instructor, download recent lecture slides, check your current grade, or submit homework.

Homework 1

2010-09-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

HW 1 (due 9/12 at 11:59 PM)

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 1.5, 1.6, 1.7
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 1.8, 2.14
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 2.15

All of these (except 2.15) must be created as a single Excel spreadsheet with one tab for each problem. They must be submitted to Blackboard.

Installing and Learning VPython

2010-08-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

In class, we will be using VPython for some basics computing exercises. To run it, you will first need to install Python 2.7 and then install VPython. (I suggest saving these files in the T: Thawspace on the machines in our computer lab so you don't need to download them each time.) Once it is installed, we will be working our way through a VPython tutorial.

Welcome to Modern Astrophysics!

2010-08-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

Modern Astrophysics is a fun course to teach and I hope you are looking forward to taking it this fall. While we'll be using Moodle (a replacement for Blackboard) later to handle the grades and to collect assignments for this course, for now I'll be posting announcments and hints for assignments here. If you are a student in the class and want to contribute hints, suggestions, or complaints to this site, let me know.

Homework 5.5 Due 5/9

2010-05-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Looking over the last few chapters, I found few suitable problems to assign. I also have heard back from people that had difficulty with HW 5 and were anxious to get more time for it. Thus, I'm assigning "Homework 5.5" as the final homework set.

"C-level" problems (25 points): Problem 22.1, 22.5, 22.8, 24.12
"B-level" problems (10 points): Problem 20.3, 20.14, 27.6

"A-level" problems (5 points): Problem 21.15, 26.18 (Use GalCrash instead of the galaxy merger code in the book. Find the settings that most closely approximate the ones in the book.)

Find Pluto!

2010-04-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Use the following images taken with PROMPT and the MicroObservatory software to find Pluto.

Pluto 44
Pluto 82
Pluto 98

HW 5: Due 4/28

2010-04-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Homework 5: Due 4/28

"C-level" problems (25 points): Problem 22.1, 22.5, 22.8
"B-level" problems (10 points): Problem 20.3, 20.14

"A-level" problems (5 points): Problem 21.15

No Office Hours on Thursday

2010-04-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

I will not be having office hours on Thursday, April 8th. Please email or IM me if you have questions that day.

Homework 4 Due 4/12

2010-04-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

Problems 11.2, 11.14, 15.6, 15.7, 15.11, 17.12, 17.18

Section Presentations

2010-04-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

I have added your section presentations to the class schedule and posted the grading rubric for the talks. Please see me early and often to discuss the creation of your presentations!

Midterm Grade and Reading Quizzes: SELECT YOUR NAME

2010-03-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have imported your scores for HW 1, Exam 1, and the Reading Quizzes into Blackboard. For the Reading Quizzes, I gave 50% credit for any answer and 100% credit for correct answers. If you are missing some responses and feel that one of the SELECT YOUR NAME entries is yours, please contact me for partial credit.

Guest Lecturer on Thursday: Dan Evans

2010-03-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Dr. Dan Evan will be giving a guest lecture in PHY 272 on "The Truth About Black Holes." Before his talk, you may want to check out appearances by Dr. Evans on The History Channel and the Discovery Channel.

Summer Radio Astronomy Research Training

2010-03-17T06:35:00.000-07:00

Dan Reichart at UNC-Chapel Hill runs a summer program called ERIRA (Educational Research in Radio Astronomy) at the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia. Please let me know if you are interested in applying for this!

This blog has moved

2010-03-13T14:22:00.001-08:00

This blog is now located at http://astrophysicswithcrider.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://astrophysicswithcrider.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

HW 3

2010-03-11T12:38:00.000-08:00

HW 3 (due March ~~23rd~~ 30th):

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 5.10, 5.11, 6.7
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 4.9, 6.11
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 4.6

Please create an Excel spreadsheet or Mathematica sheet that does your calculations and includes comments. As promised, I will provide the possible numerical solutions.

Hint for Problem 3.12

2010-03-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

The easy part of this problem is realizing that you start with equation (3.22) to derive equation (3.15). After taking the derivative, you will need to make a substitution to simplify things: x = h c / lambda k T. After doing that, solve numerically to find the numerical value of x.

More Hints for HW 2

2010-02-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

I have received more questions and comments about HW 2 and decided to post the responses on-line so that you all have some hints on HW 2 (and on what to expect in later HW and the exams). Please let me know if you have other questions about HW 2.

In problem 3.6, what is our starting point? We could start this at m - M(Sun) = -2.5 * log(F/F(10,sun) and have it be pointless.

While the solution is very short, it is not that short. I am
guessing that you are assuming you can start with equation (3.4). If
so, you are mistakenly trying to interchange an absolute magnitude M
for an apparent magnitude m. As a hint, I would suggest that you try
to find an equation that includes both m and M in that section of the
book.

What is the advantage of using the rectangle method when we could just use a calculator or Mathematica to get a quicker, more accurate answer?

I'm sure you're used to dealing with simple functions that are easily
defined by an equation. As I mentioned in class, not all functions
(including this one) can be integrated analytically and must be done
numerically. As you will discover later, not all functions can even
be put into the form of an equation! Thus, it is impossible to
integrate them analytically and extremely difficult to integrate them
with Mathematica. However, Excel will handle these problems deftly.

If you desire to use Mathematica to solve these relatively simple
homework problems, please feel free to do so. However, you will be at
a sore handicap in your later research (and possibly on the exams)
when a problem comes up that is nearly impossible with Mathematica but
is trivial with Excel.

While this probably sounds "preachy", my goal in the class is not for
you to solve the astrophysics end-of-chapter problems. My goal is for
you to learn to solve problems using a set of very useful tools. I am
trying to stretch your "Excel muscles" a bit so you are ready for PHY
397/398 next semester.

How do you do an integration in Excel?

2010-02-28T03:45:00.000-08:00

I got the following question from two students and decided to make up an example spreadsheet showing how to do integration in Excel to share with all of you. (Sunday@4:42 PM - I just posted this to a new server that should work better. Monday at 11:09 AM - I changed it to make it easier to read and to match better with the midpoint definition in Wikipedia.)

Suppose we want to integrate x² from 0 to 2. Analytically, know the solution is 2 2/3. Even if we couldn't solve it analytically, we could solve it numerically using the rectangle method. This is done in the example spreadsheet, with dx set to 0.1. I'm using the "midpoint" approximation instead of the top-left or top-right corner approximation.

You'll notice that I don't bother to calculate the midpoint between x=0 and x=-dx since we won't be using that in the calculations. Very often when doing numerical integrals or derivatives in a spreadsheet, you end up with a column with one extra or one fewer row.

If you try changing dx to 1.0, you see that the solution comes out to 3.0, which is pretty close to correct. If you try changing it to 0.01 and scroll down, you'll see that you get a closer answer.

SDSS Scavenger Hunt

2010-02-25T09:01:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of class today, we will be doing the SDSS Scavenger Hunt. Teams will each have 30 minutes to find as many objects as possible.

Homework 2 Due 3/1

2010-02-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

Homework 2 (due 2/22 2/27 3/1)

Here are the problems for HW 2. To let you know the difficulty of each, I've put them in 3 categories. I would expect that all students would be able to do the first four. I would expect that B-level students would also be able to do 3.6 and 3.16. I think that only A-level student would be able to complete 3.12.

"C-level" problems (25 points each): 3.3, 3.7, 3.9
"B-level" problem (10 points each): 3.6, 3.16
"A-level" problem (5 points each): 3.12

Help with HW 1

2010-02-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Q: So our orbit thing is not due on tuesday? A: Problem 2.15, the VPython problem, is due at the same time as the others, before 11:59 PM on Monday, February 15th.

Q: I know you specified in the directions not to use the Orbit code, but when asking about class on Tuesday I was told you said to modify the Orbit code with Comet Halley's data.
A: Please use the orbit.py example in VPython as the basis for your solution. Do NOT try to use the ORBIT Fortran code mentioned in the appendix of your textbook and found on the textbook publisher's website. It is far more difficult to get running on your machines.

Q: I have never taken a computer science class, and I have no idea on how to write code.
A: Fortunately, since this isn't a computer science class, I'm not really expecting you to write the whole code for this. You simply need to do the following:

Start with orbit.py code.
Change the masses to be appropriate for our Sun and Halley's comet.
Add a line to print out the time and distance between the Sun and Halley's comet.
Change the "while 1:" line to stop when the distance is 1 AU. Currently , since 1 is defined to be true all the time, the code runs forever. You need it to run only while the distance is greater than 1 AU.
Add comments to the code so I know what you were thinking at each line. Anything on a line after a # is a comment.

Q: I have tried replacing the actual masses and radius's, but nothing shows up.
A: Remember that I mentioned in class that if you use the actual radii, the Sun and the comet will be so small you won't be able to see them.

Q: I have no idea how to fix this. I have looked on the python website, but still have nothing.
A: While the VPython site will tell you about how the functions work, for this particular problem, the only new function I'm expecting you to include is the "print" statement and it is very easy. Where students have typically had trouble in the past is converting units (for example, from AU to meters) or knowing what numbers to plug in. Most of the numbers were calculated in Problem 2.14.

Q: Will you be in your office at all tomorrow?
A: My schedule is pretty busy tomorrow. I'm covering Professor Moreau's classes tomorrow at 9:25 AM and at 12:15 PM and will be around a bit just before each of them if you have a question. I am going to try to be around the office between 1:00 and 2:30 PM, as well, but can't guaranteed that today. If we don't get a chance to meet and you need help with a particular problem, email me a phone number that you can be reached at and I'll try to call when I have a free moment to assist.

Q: In the third problem, I was wondering if it was necessary to change the coordinates from the J2000.0 date to another date. The problem does not necessarily specify it but I know you mentioned that we would need to know how to convert dates an I am not sure where that comes into play.
A: You do not need to convert dates for Problem 1.8. You would have needed to do that for Problem 1.7, but I ended up not assigning Problem 1.7.

Q: I have been looking to find relation between the period and the semi major axis. I have found relations but they typically involve a mass of the sun, and with the second portion of the question asking for an estimation of the sun's mass, I am a little confused.
A: For Problem 2.14 (a), you can use the simple, empirical version of one of Kepler's Laws to find the semimajor axis. For Problem 2.14 (b), you will need the more physical version of one of Kepler's Laws. This problem is meant to be a simple one, so don't "overthink" it.

Homework 1 Due 2/15

2010-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Your first homework set for this will be the following:

HW 1 (due 2/15): Problems 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2.14, and 2.15

The solutions will need to be turned is at separate "tab/sheet" in a single spreadsheet. There should be adequate English text on each sheet declaring the problem and its solution. Problem 2.15 should be done with your own VPython code instead of using Orbit. This VPython code should also be uploaded to Blackboard for grading.

Course Syllabus

2010-02-01T10:46:00.001-08:00

I've drafted a syllabus for PHY 272 and am working on a schedule. Please read over this if you can before our first class on Tuesday. (UPDATE: I now have the schedule posted, as well.)

Telescope Lab Time?

2010-02-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

I would like to reschedule a few of our regular 5:30 to 7:10 PM meetings so that we can do some telescope work at our observation platform on the roof of Koury. Please let me know your availability for the following time slots by completing this form.

Welcome to Modern Astrophysics!

2010-01-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

Astrophysics is a fun course to teach and I hope you are looking forward to taking it this spring. While I'll be using Blackboard to handle the grades and to collect assignments for this course, I'll be posting announcments and hints for assignments here. If you are a student in the class and want to contribute hints, suggestions, or complaints to this site, let me know. Also, if you have a strong desire to have these updates appear directly on your Facebook News Feed, let me know.

Updated Schedule

2008-05-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday this week, we will meet in MCMI 321 where I will talk briefly about black holes, white dwarfs, and neutron stars. We will then review the status of each group's project. I will also assign an official (temporary) grade to let you know where you stand with the project based on your work-to-date.

On Friday, I will be speaking at the AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy in Washington. While I am away, I have asked the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning to interview you about the astrophysics course. Please plan to meet the interviewer in AVTL 201 at our regular class meeting time.

Here is an updated version of the class schedule for your convenience.
Schedule-PHY371-S20080505.pdf

Modeling a Supernova

2008-05-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

We talked a lot about supernova in class last week. I mentioned the difficulty in simulating these on a computer. Apparently, it is getting a little bit easier. While I've seen 2-D simulations before, these new 3-D simulations are simply amazing.

http://news.uchicago.edu/news.php?asset_id=1354

New Understanding of Jets from Black Holes

2008-04-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

In class the other day, I talked about our how we had relatively little data about how jets are produced by black holes. The following news release suggest that this has changed recently. Radio astronomers are now able to detect a corkscrew magnetic field that funnels particles out of the accretion disk before they enter a black hole.

http://www.nrao.edu/pr/2008/bllac/

In the News

2008-04-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

A few cool articles came out recently related directly to some of your research projects. The first celebrates Hubble's birthday with the release of a lot of cool galaxies. That latter talks about using the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (the next-generation DSS) to look for asteroids.

http://www.wired.com/science/space/multimedia/2008/04/gallery_hubble

http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2008/04/planetary_protection.php

Homework 7

2008-04-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the next set of homework problems. These are all (IMHO) relatively straight-forward. I would suggest starting on them and asking my question about them early, since Exam 2 will be on April 16.

HW 7 (due April 14): 19.8, 19.10, 22.8, 22.11, 23.4, 23.6

Stellarium

2008-04-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

At the end of class today, I suggested that some of you use the desktop planetarium software, Stellarium. Freely available at www.stellarium.org, this program will show you what is visible in the sky from different locations on the Earth at different times. I highly recommend trying it out if you haven't already.

Rubric for Evaluation of Talks

2008-04-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the rubric I will use for evaluating the talks, in case you were curious. (It is nearly identical to the one I used in PHY 271, for those of you that took that class.)

PresentationEvaluation371.pdf

You can also access my PHY 102 slides to get ideas for your own presentations at:

http://physics.elon.edu/~acrider/classes/phy102/lectures/

Ham's Peanut Star Discovered!

2008-04-06T05:07:00.001-07:00

As some of you may remember, during our discussion of binary stars in class, Ham Clark was asking questions about stars that actually touch each other rather than simply orbiting each other. While catching up on astronomy blogs this weekend, I read an article about a recently discovered binary star system where this very rare configuration actually takes place!

http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/superyellow.htm

Homework 6

2008-04-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

We've got a relatively short homework set for Chapter 7. Please submit them as Excel files on Blackboard in the Assignments section.

HW 6 (due April 9): Problems 7.16, 7.17

Updated Schedule

2008-04-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

I've updated the course schedule to include the talks that you will give during the rest of the semester. I strongly encourage you to show my your slides as soon as possible so I can give you feedback. The final version should be submitted to the Digital Dropbox by midnight on the night before the presentation. These presentations count as 5% of your research project grade. The remaining 10% will depend on what you have at the very end of the semester.

Schedule371-S20080402.pdf

Exam Tomorrow

2008-03-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

I'm writing to remind you all that our exam is tomorrow in MCMI 321. There will be 20 short, closed-book questions (estimated time: 20 minutes) and one, 4-part open-book question (estimated time: 40 minutes). I've decided to allow you to use calculators during the closed-book portion, so please bring one or plan to use the built-in calculator that comes with Microsoft Vista.

I'm very excited and pleased with the closed-book question, by the way. It ties together several homework problems, includes some data interpretation, and also introduces a new topic from an upcoming chapter. After an interesting conversation with Dr. Altmann, I have decided that I will even be willing to tell you which homework problems that you did go with each part of the exam problem...for a price. If you get stuck and need such hints, it will cost you a 1-point (out of 10) deduction on that part.

If you have any questions, please e-mail or IM me at "acrider@elon.edu".

See you all tomorrow!
Dr. C

Smiley Demo and Exam Review in AVTL 201 Tomorrow

2008-03-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, we will review for the exam and do a demo of the Smiley radio telescope. Since only one of us can use this scope at a time, I think we should meet in AVTL 201. See you there!

Lectures Available

2008-03-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

As you all know, this Friday is our first exam. To help you prepare, I've posted the lectures on-line. I also have a practice quiz that steps you through the telescope training if you want to review that.

Homework 5

2008-03-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

Here are the problems for Chapter 6. Please submit them as Excel files on Blackboard in the Assignments section.

HW 5 (due March 13): Problems 6.7, 6.9, 6.11, 6.14

Homework 4

2008-03-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

I would like us to attempt another homework set using Excel just to show that we all know how to use it for calculations.

HW 4 (due March 7th): Problems 4.6, 4.7, 4.9, 5.10, 5.11

Homework 3

2008-02-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

Homework 3 (due Feb 27): Problems 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, 3.16

Homework 2

2008-02-18T05:15:00.000-08:00

Your second homework assignment will focus on the computational program, Orbit.

Homework 2 (due Feb 22 at 5:00 PM on Blackboard): Problems 2.14, 2.15, and 2.17.

Your solution for each problem should be on a separate worksheet tab in a single Excel file. Please contact me if you need help with this.

In MCMI 321 today!

2008-02-15T04:57:00.000-08:00

We'll be meeting in MCMI 321 today so that Paul Schmidt, one of the applicants for a position within the physics department, may meet with you all during the last 15 minutes of class.

Summer Research Web Site

2008-02-14T05:11:00.000-08:00

This just in from Dr. Kamela:

Greetings SPS members,

Please check out the following site http://www.compadre.org/student/ and look at the "summer research" link. If you search without filling any fields you will see the list of all opportunities by date. Some of the deadlines are very soon.

Best regards,
Martin Kamela

Laser Tag POSTPONED

2008-02-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

This just in from the Society of Physics Students advisor, Dr. Kamela:

Hi Everyone,

Laser Tag is postponed for a week, but we will talk about REU's and other summer research possibilities at the 4pm tea tomorrow (as some deadlines are already this week!). If you have done a summer research experience please join us to share your impressions and to give advice to your colleagues on the application procedures.

Best regards,

Martin Kamela

Special Visitor on Wednesday

2008-02-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

The Department of Physics is currently planning to hire someone to replace Dr. Harris who will begin transitioning into retirement next year. Our first candidate, Ben Evans, will be visiting campus on Wednesday. During the last 15 minutes of our class, we will be letting you meet with him to see what you think (and vice versa).

Please remember that we will be meeting in McMichael 321 on Wednesday to do our first Sloan Digital Sky Survey project!

The Walk to Neptune

2008-02-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

I thought when I saw the Haggard Street team drawing an accurately scaled sketch of the Sun, that they would be the winners for the day. However, only the Alamance Building team actually made it all the way out to Neptune. Good job, folks!

Laser Tag and Pizza

2008-02-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

This just in from Dr. Kamela, advisor to Elon's Society of Physics Students:

Can you announce to your Astro class that SPS is organizing laser tag for
next Tuesday, please? We meet during physics tea and afterwards will go for
pizza. Free to SPS members and students in physics-majors' classes.

Positions on the Celestial Sphere and HW 1

2008-02-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Since I will be at a conference on Friday, February the 8th, you will be doing a very short quiz for your "in-class lab" grade that day. No need to study. You will get full credit if you show up and follow the directions.

Our next regular class meeting will be on Monday the 11th. I'll mostly be going over section 1.3. This includes a few coordinate systems used in astronomy and a bit about seasons on Earth. Your first homework set for this will be the following:

HW 1 (due 2/13): Problems 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8

Syllabus and Schedule

2008-02-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

I've uploaded both the syllabus and a draft of the schedule for the course. We'll be talking about these on the first day of class, so please take a look at them and bring any questions that you have.

We'll also have some discussion about what astronomy topics you would like to cover once we complete our physics review. Cosmology? Black holes? Life on other planets? Think about this some before the first day of class. Better yet, try skimming over the chapters in the textbook to see which ones look appealing.

Syllabus-PHY371-20080205.pdf

Schedule-PHY371-S20080204.pdf

Welcome to Introduction to Astrophysics

2008-02-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

While I'll be using Blackboard to handle the grades for this course, I'll be posting announcments and assignments here. If you are a student in the class and want to contribute hints, suggestions, or complaints to this site, let me know.