2ASTRONOMY 113LaboratoryIntroductionAstronomy 113 is a hands-on tour of the visible universe through computer simulated and experimentalexploration. During the 14 lab sessions, we will encounter objects located in our own solar system, starsfilling the Milky Way, and objects located much further away in the far reaches of space.Astronomy is an observational science, as opposed to most of the rest of physics, which is experimentalin nature. Astronomers cannot create a star in the lab and study it, walk around it, change it, or explodeit. Astronomers can only observe the sky as it is, and from their observations deduce models of theuniverse and its contents. They cannot ever repeat the same experiment twice with exactly the sameparameters and conditions. Remember this as the universe is laid out before you in Astronomy 113 – thestory always begins with only points of light in the sky. From this perspective, our understanding of theuniverse is truly one of the greatest intellectual challenges and achievements of mankind.The exploration of the universe is also a lot of fun, an experience that is largely missed sitting in alecture hall or doing homework. The primary goal of theses labs is to bring you closer to the reality ofastronomical research, and in so doing to the experience of science. Of course, this would be best doneat night with real telescopes, but the vagaries of Madison weather make this impractical with largeclasses. Fortunately, computer simulation software does remarkably well in recreating the experience ofworking at telescopes, including some of the largest in the world. That having been said, the lab doesinclude voluntary night viewing sessions at Washburn observatory giving you a taste of the wonders ofthe night sky.These labs are designed to provide you with opportunities to explore and discover. Always rememberthat this is your exploration – different students will follow different paths, all of which can lead tointeresting results. Don’t be afraid to try things out and to experiment. Trial and error is a valid way toexplore a new environment and you cannot break the software (if you do, it’s not your fault – just getyour instructor to restart the software and you will be good to go again).The organizational details for this lab can be found in the lab syllabus and on the web:http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~heinzs/astro113.Be inquisitive and collaborateYou are always welcome to give us feedback and suggestions about this lab. And don’t ever hesitate toask if you have a question: You are the best judge of what you have and have not understood. The goalof this lab is for you to learn. The best way to reach that goal is to ask questions – either to your labpartners or to your instructor. You will find that asking questions is often the best way to approach aproblem, and every scientific endevor, every research project (in Astronomy and all other sciences)begins with a question.The labs in Astronomy 113 are best done in groups. For that reason, you will team up with at least oneother lab member (but no more than 3) to go through the lab together. This is another good analogy to3real world astronomical research: Most projects in astronomy require collaborations between peoplewith different expertise. You will find that you reach a much deeper level of understanding of somethingafter trying to explain it to somebody else and after you have discussed a question with somebody else.As you go through the lab, discuss the questions in the manual and try to explain your answers to thesequestions to your lab partner and to listen to their explanation. The only time collaboration in the lab isnot allowed is, of course, during the quizzes.Computers:As mentioned above, most of this lab is computer based. Sterling 4421 provides a number of Macintoshcomputers, running system 9 (this will be different from your Macintosh computer at home which runOS X). The labs are very easy to operate and the software is very user friendly. Your instructor will helpyou with all computer related questions – the computers are only a tool to bring you closer to realastronomical observations. Your time in the lab is best spent exploring the questions and tasks in the labmanual, rather than fighting with the computer. Again, if you have trouble with the operation of thecomputers, ask your instructor or lab partners – the earlier the better (to get you going again so you canfinish the lab in time, or even ahead of time).Final thought:Remember: This lab is a chance for you to explore and to get a taste of what astronomical research islike. Use all the resources you have available – the regular lab hours, the open labs/office hours, theweb, E-mail, our mail boxes, your home computers, your text books and notes from Astronomy 100 or103, and whatever else you can think of. Most importantly, though: Have fun and enjoy the hands ontour through our