EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)

DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

8/22 Mon
8/24 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Welcome to class!  If you wish to add, sign the add list and see me after class.
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Go over syllabus and class expectations.
  • Handy handout on the Scientific Method. List of Historical Characters.
  • Discuss review topics and books that the class will focus on..
  • Read Ch 1 in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".
  • Quiz on Ch 1 to be given in class next Mon.  Will often give quizzes right when class starts.
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
  • Chapter 1 "tidbits" to think about:
    The big questions, the mind of "God", tortoises "all the way down", flat Earth vs round Earth, geocentric vs heliocentric, Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicas, Galileo, Newton, Einstein, static universe, gravitational collapse of universe, 1st cause, biblical beginnings 5000 yrs BC (Genesis), time before the existence of the universe, Olber's Paradox, Hubble expansion of universe, theories (proof vs disproof), theory "survival of the fittest", General Theory of Relativity (up to 10^24 mi) and Quantum Mechanics (down to 10^12 inch), need for a Quantum Theory of Gravity (your homework for tonight is to come up with this theory), determinism should determine if deterministic theory can be found (or not) or if it's right or wrong, Grand Unification Theory, how does this benefit us (or does science knowledge "doom us all".
8/29 Mon
8/31 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Welcome to class!  If you wish to add, sign the add list and see me after class.
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Discuss review topics and books that the class will focus on..
  • Read Ch 1 in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".  This is a general overview of the history of astronomy.
  • Skip Ch 2 for now (we will come back to this later), and continue with Ch 3 on the Expanding Universe.
  • Quiz on Ch 1 to be given in class Monday.  Will often give quizzes right when class starts.  Be prepared for a quiz next week.
  • Holiday next Monday (don't forget).
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
  • See the Chapter 1 "tidbits" given previously:
9/7 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Read Ch 1 in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".  This is a general overview of the history of astronomy.
  • Skip Ch 2 for now (we will come back to this later), and continue with Ch 3 on the Expanding Universe.
  • Quiz on Ch 1 to be given in class today.  Will often give quizzes right when class starts.  Be prepared for a quiz next week.
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
  • See the Chapter 1 "tidbits" given previously:
9/12 Mon
9/14 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • You should have finished Ch 1 in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".  This is a general overview of the history of astronomy.
  • Skip Ch 2 for now (we will come back to this later), and continue with Ch 3 on the Expanding Universe.
  • Quiz in class Monday on material discussed in class last week.  Will often give quizzes right when class starts.  Be prepared for a quiz next week.
  • Article Summaries.  Time to get started on these.  Don't put them off.
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
  • See the Chapter 1 "tidbits" given previously:
  • In the news - SUPERNOVA:
    http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/08/us-supernova-idUSTRE7870Z520110908
9/19 Mon
9/21 Wed
9/26 Mon
9/28 Wed
10/3 Mon
10/5 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • You should have finished Ch 2 on Space Time and read the Flatland readings.
  • Begin reading Ch 4 on the "Uncertainty Principle".  Handout on QED to be given out in class.
  • Library Tour: Wed Oct 12 (attendance required):  Instead of meeting in class, you will be meeting at the SBCC Library for a tour of library resources.  The tour starts at 8:15 am, so be sure to get over to the library before 8:15.  If you are late, you may not be able to find our group (they will be taken to a super secret computer lab location).  This information (along with the on-line data bases that you will be shown how to use) will help you with the three article reviews that you must do. 
  • Article Summaries.  Time to get started on these.  Don't put them off.
  • Three outside activities.  Select activities from the general Astro class extra credit list (except for Tutor Visits).  Same deadlines apply.
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
  • Outside Activity Lecture Th 10/6 (click on the Oct 6 event for detailed info):  There's a $6 fee to attend for students (student discount applies, so bring your student ID).  Seating is limited.  You can order your tickets in advance (info provided at link).  Otherwise, you should arrive early to be sure you get a seat.  If you can't get in, no credit can be awarded.  Bring 1 pg write-up to the following class session.
  • IMAX TRIP:  Sign up now for this outside activity trip to the CA Science Center on Sunday Oct 23.
10/10 Mon
10/12 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Should be reading (or have read) Ch 4 on the "Uncertainty Principle".  Handout on QED given out in class last week.
  • Library Tour: Wed Oct 12 (attendance required):  Instead of meeting in class, you will be meeting at the SBCC Library for a tour of library resources.  The tour starts at 8:15 am, so be sure to get over to the library before 8:15.  If you are late, you may not be able to find our group (they will be taken to a super secret computer lab location).  This information (along with the on-line data bases that you will be shown how to use) will help you with the three article reviews that you must do. 
  • Article Summaries.  Due by the end of October!  Don't put these off.
  • Three outside activities.  Select activities from the general Astro class extra credit list (except for Tutor Visits).  Same deadlines apply.
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
  • MUSEUM LECTURE:  Those of you who attended the museum lecture, must turn in a one page summary of the lecture. You have one week to do so. 
  • IMAX TRIP:  Sign up now for this outside activity trip to the CA Science Center on Sunday Oct 23.
  • Cool picture of gravitational lensing (thanks Jason).
10/24 Mon
10/26 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Should be reading (or have read) Ch 4 on the "Uncertainty Principle".  Handout on QED given out in class last week.
  • Article Summaries.  Due by the end of October!  Don't put these off.
  • Three outside activities.  Select activities from the general Astro class extra credit list (except for Tutor Visits).  Same deadlines apply.
  • Starry Night activities.  These are due in November, but don't delay!
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
  • MUSEUM LECTURE:  Those of you who attended the museum lecture, must turn in a one page summary of the lecture. You have one week to do so. 
  • Cool picture of gravitational lensing (thanks Jason).
10/31 Mon
11/2 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Skim Ch 5 on "Particle Physics".  Read Ch 6 on Black Holes.  Get ahead and read Ch 7 on the Thermodynamics of Black Hole Theory. 
  • MIDTERM:  Our midterm will be Wed Nov 9.  This will be a closed book, closed note, closed "friend", short essay type of test.  Be sure to review the material, and you should do fine!
  • Article Summaries.  Due by the end of October!  Don't put these off.
  • Three outside activities.  Select activities from the general Astro class extra credit list (except for Tutor Visits).  Same deadlines apply.
  • Starry Night activities.  These are due in November, but don't delay!
  • STAR PARTY:  Join us for the SBCC Astronomy Club Star Party on Sat Nov 5 (from 8:30 pm - 10 pm).  This is a weather dependent event (credit given only if it's clear at night so we can see stars).
  • JPL WEB CAST:  The last JPL Web Cast will be on Thurs Nov 10 at 7 pm
  • GRIFFITH TRIP:  Sign up now for this extra credit trip to the Griffith Observatory on Sunday Nov 20 (12:45 pm - 10:30 pm).  Follow the directions posted on the web site to sign up.  Space is limited.
  • Last Friday's Delta II Rocket Launch:  Post your extra credit on Moodle.  Here are some links: Full Story, Photos, Student Video (one of you guys who went out to see it last Fri).
  • Watch Out!  The Asteroids are coming!  Largest asteroid to come this close in three decades, and another one this big won't come this close to us until 2028.
  • FABRIC OF THE COSMOS PBS SERIES: Starts airing Wed Nov 2.  Should b great!  If you watch one of the one hour episodes, and write a two page report, you will get 5 pts Extra Credit.  To be turned in within one week of watching the show.  Only credit for one will be given.
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
11/7 Mon
11/9 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Skim Ch 5 on "Particle Physics".  Read Ch 6 on Black Holes.  Get ahead and read Ch 7 on the Thermodynamics of Black Hole Theory. 
  • MIDTERM:  Our midterm will be Wed Nov 9.  This will be a closed book, closed note, closed "friend", short essay type of test.  Be sure to review the material, and you should do fine!
  • Article Summaries.  These are past due.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • Three outside activities.  These are past due.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • Starry Night activities.  These are due in November, but don't delay!
  • STAR PARTY:  Turn in a short write-up summarizing the star party with your thoughts and impressions.
  • GRIFFITH TRIP:  Sign up now for this extra credit trip to the Griffith Observatory on Sunday Nov 20 (12:45 pm - 10:30 pm).  Follow the directions posted on the web site to sign up.  Space is limited.
  • FABRIC OF THE COSMOS PBS SERIES: Starts airing Wed Nov 2.  Should b great!  If you watch one of the one hour episodes, and write a two page report, you will get 5 pts Extra Credit.  To be turned in within one week of watching the show.  Only credit for one will be given.  To watch "on line", click "watch now" from this link:
    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/fabric-of-cosmos.html#fabric-space
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
    |
  • CLASS SURVEY EVALUATIONS (EXTRA CREDIT):
    Be sure to do the class surveys that were emailed to you.  You will get extra credit for doing these.  Although the surveys are anonymous, you will be asked in class (on your honor) if you submitted one, and if you answer yes, you will get some extra credit points.  So, take a moment to fill these out and get these points.  No need to send me an email on this, you will be asked in class during our next quiz.
    http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ERTHOConnor106

    ANOTHER MUSEUM LECTURE:
    The Power of Stars
    Dr. Bryan Penprase
    Fri Nov 11, 7 pm,
    Admission $3 (students and members), and $6 non museum members
     
    KEYT CHIEF METEOROLOGIST:
    Alan Rose (KEYT-3 chief meteorologist) is giving a lecture on Weather Forecasting on Fri, Nov 18 from 11am-noon in EBS 102.  Lecture is free and on SBCC campus.
11/14 Mon
11/16 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Finish with Ch 7 on the Thermodynamics of Black Hole Theory, and discussion of the handout on Black Holes. 
  • MIDTERM:  Our midterm will be Wed Nov 9.  This will be a closed book, closed note, closed "friend", short essay type of test.  Be sure to review the material, and you should do fine!
  • Article Summaries.  These are past due.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • Three outside activities.  These are past due.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • Starry Night activities.  These are due in November, but don't delay!
  • STAR PARTY:  Turn in a short write-up summarizing the star party with your thoughts and impressions.
  • GRIFFITH TRIP:  Sign up now for this extra credit trip to the Griffith Observatory on Sunday Nov 20 (12:45 pm - 10:30 pm).  Follow the directions posted on the web site to sign up.  Space is limited.
  • PLANETARIUM SHOW OUTSIDE ACTIVITY:  I have extended the due date for watching planetarium shows at the SB Museum until Monday Nov 21.  That will give you the weekend to find time to watch a show.  Answer the questions on line and bring to class.
  • FABRIC OF THE COSMOS PBS SERIES: Starts airing Wed Nov 2.  Should b great!  If you watch one of the one hour episodes, and write a two page report, you will get 5 pts Extra Credit.  To be turned in within one week of watching the show.  Only credit for one will be given.  To watch "on line", click "watch now" from this link:
    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/fabric-of-cosmos.html#fabric-space
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
    |
  • KEYT CHIEF METEOROLOGIST:
    Alan Rose (KEYT-3 chief meteorologist) is giving a lecture on Weather Forecasting on Fri, Nov 18 from 11am-noon in EBS 102.  Lecture is free and on SBCC campus.
11/21 Mon
11/23 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Finish with Ch 7 on the Thermodynamics of Black Hole Theory, and discussion of the handout on Black Holes, then move on to String Theory! 
  • MIDTERM:  Midterms will be returned to you after Thanksgiving (sorry for the delay).
  • Article Summaries.  These are past due.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • Three outside activities.  These are past due.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • Starry Night activities.  These are due this week (but you can ask for a short extension if need be)!
  • GRIFFITH TRIP:  If you didn't turn in the worksheet during the trip, turn in a short write-up summarizing the trip with your thoughts and impressions.
  • PLANETARIUM SHOW OUTSIDE ACTIVITY:  I have extended the due date for watching planetarium shows at the SB Museum until Monday Nov 21.  That will give you the weekend to find time to watch a show.  Answer the questions on line and bring to class.
  • FABRIC OF THE COSMOS PBS SERIES: Starts airing Wed Nov 2.  Should b great!  If you watch one of the one hour episodes, and write a two page report, you will get 5 pts Extra Credit.  To be turned in within one week of watching the show.  Only credit for one will be given.  To watch "on line", click "watch now" from this link:
    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/fabric-of-cosmos.html#fabric-space
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
    |
  • KEYT CHIEF METEOROLOGIST:
    Turn in a short write-up summarizing the talk with your thoughts and impressions.
11/28 Mon
11/30 Wed
  • EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)
  • Please don't sit in back row!
  • Midterm to be handed back Wednesday.  Midterm is only 10% of final grade.  No matter what your midterm score (no matter how low), students who attend regularly and turn everything in can get an A in class.
  • FINAL:  As discussed in class, the final will be given as a "Take-Home, open book, closed friend and neighbor" activity.  Final will be given out on Wednesday and is due the day of our scheduled final date on Monday Dec 5.  We will still meet as regularly scheduled at 8 am on Dec 5, and we will use the time to conduct a regular class session so that students can finish their presentations.
  • Article summary class presentations to be given today!  Please keep them to less than 5 minutes each.
  • String Theory, Astrobiology, and Pseudoscience (if time permits)
  • MIDTERM:  Midterms will be returned to you after Thanksgiving (sorry for the delay).
  • Article Summaries.  These are past due.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • Three outside activities.  These are past due.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • Starry Night activities.  These were due last week.  Turn in right away for partial credit.
  • GRIFFITH TRIP:  If you didn't turn in the worksheet during the trip, turn in a short write-up summarizing the trip with your thoughts and impressions.
  • ONE LAST OUTSIDE ACTIVITY:  You may attend my lab class tonight 11/28 from 4-6 pm, or from 7-9 pm.  We will show constellations and also watch a video on Black Holes!  Come join us!
  • FABRIC OF THE COSMOS PBS SERIES: Last day to turn in write-up.
  • Mars MSL Rover is on it's way!  Successful launch last Saturday!  Click here for Launch Blog!
  • Here's a Wikipedia article that combines much of what we have been learning about:  The Holographic Principle.
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"