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Astronomy
Considered a branch of physics, astronomy is really a marriage of the physical sciences from planetary science and atmospheric science, to physics and chemistry. Study in astronomy prepares students for careers in scientific research, systems analysis and engineering, as well as software engineering and development.
2021 astronomy tutoring schedule
- No tutoring during summer session. Check back for fall 2021 tutoring hours.
Zoom link for tutoring: https://4cd.zoom.us/my/dvcastrotutoring
Have questions? Contact Jean Chiar, Astro Tutoring Coordinator.
Planetarium
Experience the night sky rain or shine in high definition in DVC’s planetarium. Immerse
yourself under the night sky and view the stars and planets as people did thousands
of years ago in the days before light pollution. Observe the apparent movements of
the night sky while you are transported to different locations across the globe.
Telescopes
Use our fully automated telescopes to find astronomical objects in the night sky.
View the galaxies and nebulae with light gathering power 800 times more than your
eyes. Through our telescopes, view the Moon’s craters and Saturn’s rings 50 times
larger than what your eye can see.
Course Descriptions
Astro 110
This course covers fundamental concepts in astronomy and observational techniques including selected mathematical concepts used in developing an understanding of celestial motions and coordinate systems and their importance to humanity. The planetarium sky provides students with the opportunity to observe concepts presented in class.
Astro-112
This introductory course focuses on observational astronomy. Students will visit the planetarium to identify constellations, discover how the rotation and orbit of the Earth affects our view of the night sky, distinguish the causes of Moon phases, and predict eclipses. Students will be introduced to light and energy output from the cosmos and use planetary orbits to find planets outside of our Solar System. The laboratory component will involve the study of the fundamentals of astronomy and will include investigations of the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. Telescopes and other instruments will be used by students to gather data. Students will analyze data they have collected as well as that collected by others. CSU, UC (credit limits may apply to UC - see counselor)
Astro 120
This course presents an introduction to an elementary mathematical approach to the solving of problems relating to solar and stellar systems. Properties and evolution of stars and galaxies as well as their role in the evolution of the universe will be the major emphasis. Instrumentation used for and the analysis of electromagnetic radiation will also be discussed.
Astro 130
The laboratory course presents the study of the fundamentals of astronomy and includes investigations of the sun, moon, planets, stars and galaxies. Telescopes and other instruments are used by students to gather data. Students analyze data they have collected as well as that collected by others.
Astronomy Links