Digital Imaging for the Introductory Astronomy Laboratory

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A series of hands-on laboratory exercises for Astronomy 101-102 labs is being developed based on the techniques of digital image acquisition using CCD cameras and computer aided analysis. The laboratories give students hands-on experience in taking astronomical images and teach various ways in which they can extract information from these images. Five core exercises are being developed initially, with gradual extensions and additional exercises being added until at least half of the two dozen laboratory exercises in the two semester sequence involve new technology. The following are the initial five core exercises (1) An Introduction to Digital Imaging, (2) Lunar Surface Features, (3) Light Curve of a Variable Star, (4) HR Diagram of M67, and (5) Images of Galaxies. Emphasis is be on student participation and the full utilization of current image collection and processing as provided by a cooled CCD camera and supporting computer and electronics hardware.