Physics 102: Astronomy of the Planets

Fall Activities


NOTE! There will be seven "optional" activities outside of normal class time this semester. You are required to attend at least three (an excellent student attends more). Four of these activities take place on campus or nearby. One is an observing activity that will take place on campus using the Appleton Hall of Numbers Astronomy Deck while one activity is a trip to the mountains for evening telescope observing. The schedule of nights is found here and in the syllabus.

If you cannot make at least three of these activities, DROP THIS COURSE NOW!

Driving Directions to Dark Sky Observing | Clothing Requirements

Activity Dates

Activity Date
1. Dark Sky Observing: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Thurs. 28-Sept, 2006
2. DPS Public Talk, Pasadena, Time TBA Mon. 9-Oct, 2006
3. Roving Mars IMAX, San Diego, Time TBA Sat. 28-Oct, 2006
4. An Inconvenient Truth, on campus, Time TBA TBA
5. Al Gore Lecture, on campus, Time TBA Tues. 7-Nov, 2006
6. Leonid Meteor Shower, Joshua Tree, Time TBA Sat./Sun. 18-Nov to 19-Nov, 2006
7. Lunar Observing, Appleton Hall, Time TBA Wed. 29-Nov, 2006


Clothing Requirements

Our observing site is a 10 minute drive from campus but it is always at least 10 degrees cooler. During the winter there can be snow on the ground, especially where shaded. In short, it will be cold, and possibly near freezing for observing sessions in late fall and winter. You must dress accordingly!

For each observing session we will be outside for approximately two hours. Please dress warmly enough that you will be comfortable standing outside for this amount of time.

If you are dressed poorly enough that it is not safe for you to remain at the the observing session, you will be sent home and receive no credit for the lab.

What you must wear:

1. Long pants! (I can't believe I have to even say this.)
2. Coat (If you don't have one, borrow one!!!)
2. Shoes (no sandals)
3. Warm socks
4. Gloves (optional)
5. Hat (optional)
6. Scarf (optional)
7. Ear Muffs (optional)

Driving Directions

The observing site is just before Mountain Home Village on Hwy 38. It is approximately a 10 minute drive from campus. Drive East on Colton Ave away from campus. Turn left on Judson at the first stop-sign. Turn right on Lugonia Ave (also called Highway 38) which is the first light. You are now going East on Lugonia/Highway 38; stay on this road for 9 miles. You will pass through the town of Mentone, then into a valley. After 9 miles on this road look for the small brown sign on the right for "Picnicking 1/4 mile". At the "Picnicking -->" sign turn right and go down the driveway to the parking lot. This will be where the observing lab is.