REPORT
2003-2005 Student Computer and
Technology Fee Innovative Project Grant
Improvement of the observational
equipment for PHYS 1081 (Physics and the Universe Laboratory)
J. M. Joyce, Professor
Department of Physics
June 2005
Project Summary
The goal of this effort is to maintain and improve the observational equipment for our PHYS 1081 (Physics and the Universe) students by the acquisition and installation of a new 14” astronomical telescope to replace an existing one which has degraded and is beyond its expected lifetime.
The premier facility for the 1081 course is an observational platform on the roof of the east tower of the Howell Science Complex featuring a 14” Celestron telescope. This telescope is approximately 25 years old and has exceeded its expected lifetime. Exposure to the elements and thousands of students over this time has reduced its capabilities considerably. In addition, it was purchased before such capabilities as computer controlled pointing and GPS technology. The award of this grant enabled a new telescope to be acquired during the summer of 2004.
Students Benefiting
from the Project
After final installation in November 2004, 230 PHYS 1081 students were able to use the new telescope for two observation sessions for a total of 460 student-observations. During the spring 2005 semester, 283 PHYS 1081 students participated in four observation sessions for a total of 1131 student-observations.
Installation and
Resources
The new telescope, Celestron CGE 1400 14” F/11 Telescope
$5965.00 + $417.55(Tax)
Total: $6382.55, was
received during the summer of 2004. A
mount was designed and constructed by Mr.
Unanticipated
Technical or Logistical Problems
Our initial plans were to have the telescope available for
the beginning of the fall 2004 semester.
However, after testing on the roof, the telescope was found to be
defective. The telescope was returned to
Assessment
As indicated in our proposal, the existing telescope was over 25 years old, past its expected lifetime, and in need of replacement. The new telescope also allows for computer pointing and GPS technology. We have found that training of teaching assistants is more effective and efficient with this new technology. This also allows more rapid pointing of the telescope during student lab sessions resulting in more students being able to make more observations. This project had undoubtedly a major improvement in the quality of the educational opportunities offered to our students.
Future Plans
Future enhancements made possible by this project being considered are the addition of a still camera to take astronomical photographs and the addition of a closed circuit television camera to allow for remote and WEB viewing in real time. This last enhancement would enable handicapped students, not having access to the roof observatory, to participate in the observational laboratories.