RANDY L. PHELPS

This is the Observatories Module

For this assignment, please look through the "lecture" notes for "Ground-Based Observatories" and "Space-Based Observatories".  These notes contain the material, in condensed form, that I will expect you to become familiar with.  By that, for this assignment, I simply mean to become familiar with the observatories I outline in the notes (notice, there are few words!).  To become familiar with them, you will need to explore the links I have provided.  You will find that some of these links are somewhat technical, while some are good at catering to a general audience.  I am aware of that, but do your best.

The purpose of this exercise is simply to show where much of the data that gives rise to our understanding of the Universe originates.  A secondary goal is to show the extent to which California is a leading astronomical center.  Many of the ground-based observatories that contributed, and still contribute, to our knowledge of the Universe are in California, or have California connections.  In fact, the observatories located in California (especially Mt. Wilson, Palomar and Lick) are very popular tourist destinations.  It is my hope that someday, this exercise may be of use to you as you travel through California, perhaps sparking a desire to visit one of these sites. 

Also, please take a close look at the Big Bear Solar Observatory site.   We will use this site to view images of the Sun on a daily, or nearly-daily basis.  Find the link that gives the latest solar images, and become familiar with it.

I am sure you will have questions about the material, especially since it is presented in the form of lecture notes and, in this particular case, there are few concepts that are really addressed (note, there are some however - those concepts addressed in the assignment are fair game for an exam!). 

This assignment should, I hope, be somewhat enjoyable, being more of a tourist guide than anything else.  I hope you enjoy your travels...