Observational Laboratory Exercises for Introductory and Advanced Astronomy Courses

入门和高级天文学课程的观测实验室练习

• 批准号: 0088157
• 负责人: Charles Niederriter
• 金额: $ 2.89万
• 依托单位: Gustavus Adolphus College
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2001
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2001-03-01 至 2003-10-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0088157&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Observational; Laboratory; Exercises; Introductory; Advanced

Astronomy (11) The beginning of the new millennium is an exciting time to be teaching and learning Astronomy. Technological advances are allowing us to observe and understand more of our universe than dreamed possible even a few years ago. This project uses the new technology in observational astronomy, combined with simulations, to enhance the laboratory experience of Gustavus Adolphus College students. By changing the focus of the laboratory and observational components of our two astronomy courses, the project provides students with a better appreciation of the universe and of observational techniques, and better prepares advanced students for graduate work in physics and astrophysics. The observational component takes advantage of a combination of 10" Meade LX- 200 computer-controlled telescopes and Santa Barbara Instrument Group ST7E CCD cameras to provide an introduction to the visible universe through both eyepiece and electronic images. Introductory and advanced students, as well as the many visitors to the Olin Observatory, can explore the solar system, stars, nebulae, and galaxies. With the addition of SBIG spectrometers, filter wheels, and an adaptive optics attachment, the students can make rigorous, quantitative measurements. These measurements, combined with computer simulations, give them a more complete understanding of astronomical research. Approximately 80 students in the general education astronomy course make use of the combination of observation and simulation in the introductory astronomy course each year. About 20 additional students a year benefit when this combination is used at the advanced level in astrophysics in open- ended laboratories and in course-related and student/faculty research projects. Other beneficiaries include grade-school and high-school groups who visit the observatory for programs, as well as the general public who attend for open viewing.

新千年的开始是教授和学习天文学的一个激动人心的时刻。科技的进步使我们能够观察和理解我们的宇宙，甚至比几年前想象的还要多。该项目利用观测天文学的新技术，结合模拟，增强古斯塔夫斯·阿道夫斯学院学生的实验室体验。通过改变我们的两门天文学课程的实验室和观测部分的重点，该项目使学生更好地了解宇宙和观测技术，并为高级学生在物理学和天体物理学的研究生工作做好更好的准备。观测组件利用10英寸米德LX- 200计算机控制望远镜和圣巴巴拉仪器集团ST7E CCD相机的组合，通过目镜和电子图像提供对可见宇宙的介绍。入门级和高级学生，以及奥林天文台的许多游客，可以探索太阳系、恒星、星云和星系。加上SBIG光谱仪、滤光轮和自适应光学附件，学生们可以进行严格的定量测量。这些测量与计算机模拟相结合，使他们对天文研究有了更全面的了解。每年大约有80名通识天文学课程的学生在天文学入门课程中使用观测与模拟相结合的方法。当这种组合在天体物理学的开放式实验室、课程相关和学生/教师研究项目中使用时，每年约有20名额外的学生受益。其他受益者包括参加天文台项目的小学和高中团体，以及参加公开观看的普通公众。