AST 1002 Introduction to Astronomy


AST 1002 is a three credit hour class introducing the student to the models and nomenclature of modern Astronomy. This includes the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. The historical perspective is emphasized. Experimental methods of astronomical observation are presented. This is a lecture class with very limited activities - If you want to look at the moon, the planets and the stars, the Astronomy Laboratory is what you need to do in addition to the lecture course.

AST 1002L Astronomy Laboratory


The Astronomy Lab introduces the student to the practical application of methods for observation and analysis of celestial electromagnetic radiation. Each student will learn how to set up and operate different types of telescopes, including solar telescopes, one of the largest telescopes in North Florida, a radio telescope, and the NFC Astronomical Observatory. Depending on season and weather conditions, the lab sessions can be indoors or outdoors, during day time or in the early evening. Awareness of the schedule is important. Each week there will be only one two-hour lab meeting.

NAO - NFC Astronomical Observatory


Among the several telescopes, the Ritchey-Chrétien instrument at the Observatory is a research grade telescope. The instrument is housed in a dome, which is located away from light pollution, thirty miles off-campus at a selected dark site in the country. All devices in the observatory are remote controlled and can be operated from anywhere. The telescope and its mount form with all supporting devices a robotic system, which is capable of fully automatic functions supporting astronomical observations.

Astronomy Club

A group of active members of the Astronomy Club hold weekly meetings during the semester. The Astronomy Instructor acts as advisor, but the club members choose their own topics. Activities range from discussing recent celestial events, doing research with the goal to understand more about current astronomy related topics, all the way to using the classroom telescopes or the NFC Observatory for actual observations. Photography and digital image processing are skills which are learned and can be a valuable asset for future classes or employment.