Congratulations on choosing the ASTR 1108 and ASTR 1109 laboratory sequence! In these sections you will have the unique opportunity to interpret real data on celestial objects by using the theories that you learned in your Astronomy class. Not only will you use computer simulations, but you will do actual observing of these objects! Several exercises require that you make your own observations and analyze your own data. As a result, you will have acquired a working knowledge of telescopes, binoculars and observing the sky.

The text for these courses will be the same, Activities in Astronomy: A Process Approach 3ed by Hoff & Wilkerson. For your convenience, this link provides you with an online purchasing opportunity. You are responsible for the purchase of this text for ASTR 1108 and ASTR 1109. Here I provide access to possible supplemental astronomy exercises provided by the astronomy community with excellent introductory astronomy exercises, as well as exercises that have been written here at LSU. The laboratory manual and the supplemental exercises have been carefully chosen to emphasize how the application of physical theories relates to acquiring actual knowledge.

Before you meet for lab, your TA will instruct you on which laboratory exercise you will be completing that week. You are expected to bring your laboratory manual to each class. It is also your responsibility to have proper equipment to complete the laboratory exercise, such as a calculator, compass, ruler, protractor and pencil. Before you leave the lab, you will turn in your completed assignment. However, under wonderful weather conditions, your TA may scrap the assigned lab in lieu of observing. Since this is an astronomy lab, observing the sky takes priority over any written exercise. Each laboratory exercise is worth 10 points. The course will end with a comprehensive final examination that is worth 20% of your final average.

Now, go and explore the solar system, the stars and the Universe.....