Tour the constellations visible this season, and explore topics in both basic and frontier astronomy by examining notable astronomical phenomena associated with these star patterns. This course also relates mythology linked to the origin of the constellations and discusses celestial cartography. We typically explore one constellation per lecture, focusing on the nature of astronomical objects of which a prototypical example is found in the featured constellation. Weekly discussion sections are held in the planetarium, where students learn to navigate and interpret the night sky. Promoting the goals of the Winter 2009 LSA Theme Semester, The Universe: Yours to Discover, this course is developed and aimed at enabling non-majors to personally experience astronomy.

Crs Requirements: There will be weekly short homework assignments and graded planetarium activities. Class participation will be facilitated by interactive Qwizdom units, which will also contribute to the course grade.

Intended Audience: This general, 100-level course is intended for non-science majors, but all are welcome.

Class Format: Two 1-hour lectures per week, plus one 1-hour Discussion section in the Angell Hall Planetarium.