Planetarium
Telescopes
Links
to the WWW
Area of Study
The Physics Department offers two courses in astronomy, Descriptive Astronomy (ASTR 131) and Introductory Astronomy Laboratory (ASTR 133). They are ideal for the student with little or no prior scientific or mathematical experience who wishes to explore astronomy, or science in general. They also offer a good introductory survey for the student planning further study of astronomy at advanced levels.
These courses transfer together as a four-credit education lab-science course, and ASTR 131 transfers on its own as a non-laboratory science course.
Course Descriptions
ASTR 131
Descriptive Astronomy
3 Credit Hours
Designed for general education, consists of
a non-mathematical introduction to elements of the astronomical
universe by means of lecture and planetarium demonstrations.
Organized to interest the individual who is without scientific
background but who desires to understand the major units of the
universe and their interrelation. Three hours of lecture per
week.
instructors:
Michael
C. LoPresto
ASTR 133
Introductory Astronomy Laboratory
1 Credit Hour
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollement in ASTR
131
Emphasizes experimental work with the
scientific concepts important in astronomy, including planetarium
observation and computer simulations of astronomical events. This
course combined with ASTR 131 provides the student with a four-hour
laboratory science credit. Two hours of laboratory per week.
instructors:
Michael C.
LoPresto
Henry Ford Community College's Planetarium is located on the upper floor of the Science Building, room S-126. The facility houses a Spitz A-3P projector and seats 48. It is used mainly for demonstrating motions and the positions of objects in the sky to students taking Astronomy and Physical Science courses, but facility is also equipped with a sound system and a slide-projector for multi-media presentations.
Field trip visits from local schools are encouraged. Presentations are approximately 45 minutes long. They can be scheduled by contacting the Director, Michael C. LoPresto , to schedule shows and discuss topics. Available times will change from semester to semester. A flyer will be distributed each semester to teachers in the Dearborn Public Schools. There is no cost for field trips.
Shows open to all students, faculty and staff are offered through the HFCC Cultural Activities Program. Show times will be advertised by Cultural Activities. Due to the limited seating, admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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The Physics Department owns three telescopes. An 8 inch Celestron Reflector, a 2.5 inch Unitron Refractor and a 3.5 inch Questar. Evening observation sessions for students taking Astronomy courses may be possible if schedules of students and instructors and of course weather permits. Due to the tremendous amount of light pollution on campus observation will probably be limited to bright objects like the moon and planets.
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Astronomy (many links to the WWW) |
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Astronomy Picture of the Day |
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