Physics 155
Introductory Astronomy
Physics 155 is an introductory astronomy course; the only
prerequisite is knowledge of simple algebra and a desire to learn
about the night sky and its objects. What follows is the current syllabus and three sample hourly exams given during the semester.
Students should try the examinations at the appropriate point in the
semester as practice; the exam scores are calculated by the computer, but only for the items that are answered. Incorrect answers are marked with a red X, while correct answers are marked with a green check. A sample final is also included. One
precaution is that occasionally an unusual planet alignment or
perhaps a comet will be discussed in class-- questions referring
to such a rare event would not appear in subsequent semesters even
though they may appear on the exam below. However, there are
always questions about the night sky on the day of the respective
exam, such as what is the phase of the moon, what planets are
visible in the evening sky shortly after sunset, etc. In the
material given here are also several views of the star and planet
finder set for
1) Fall semester: Sept 1, Oct 1, Nov 1, Dec 1, Jan 1
2) Spring semester: Jan 1, Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 1, May 1
- Current Syllabus
- Jim McDonald's Astronomical Definitions
- Practice Examinations
- Planets and Orreries
- Star Charts
- Interesting Astronomy Links
- Sample Observation Report
- Electronic Lecture Notes
- Homework Solutions
- Class Memos
- Observing Session Status Check
Cynthia W. Peterson
University of Connecticut
cynthia.peterson@uconn.edu