• Dozens of different observational labs, ranging from sunspot sketches for determining the solar rotation period, to CCD imaging of the quasar 3C273 with subsequent distance and luminosity calculations. Approach of lab is "Observe now, ask questions later", to take full advantage of the best weather conditions. Typically, 4 or 5 unrelated observations are made on a good night. Cloudy/rainy nights are used to analyze observations, often in conjunction with additional real or simulated data. Students who are enrolled only in the related lecture class also have some opportunities to observe selected objects.

Astronomical CCD Imaging and Analysis - In this lab, we will do some simple analysis of digital images obtained with a CCD camera on the 16-inch telescope in the Marrs McLean Observatory.

The Outer Planets - In this lab you will identify both Uranus and Pluto using the "SkyMap" finder charts.

The Giant Planets - In this lab you will make observations of the two largest planets in our Solar System, the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn.

• Students in this seminar-format class study the conflict between Galileo and the church, and come to view some of the objects Galileo saw with his early telescopes.