| [2007.11.26] |
Posted solutions for HW08, see schedule HERE.
|
|
| [2007.11.26] |
Updated the gradesheet to include HW08.
|
|
| [2007.11.26] |
Lecture notes for class #37 are online:
#37.
|
|
| [2007.11.25] |
Updated the summary of the status of projects.
In particular, you should know, but pay attention to the number of observations done
and "to be observed" (T.B.O.) ...
For what concerns the research paper project, I have articles for most of
you (YES in the "ARTICLE picked" column), and a good idea for
several more (maybe), but for these latter I would have liked to
get a firm article pick. One of you has never given any feedback on this!!!
|
|
| [2006.11.23] |
E-mailed a summary of the Observing Project including the
"famous" third part of it.
|
|
| [2007.11.21] |
Lecture notes for class #36 are online:
#36.
|
|
| [2007.11.19] |
Posted ninth homework assignment, HERE.
Due Wednesday November 28th, in class.
|
|
| [2007.11.19] |
Lecture notes for class #35 are online:
#35.
|
|
| [2007.11.16] |
Posted solutions for HW07, see schedule HERE.
|
|
| [2007.11.16] |
Lecture notes for classes #33 and #34 are online:
#33,
#34.
|
|
| [2007.11.15] |
Updated the gradesheet to include HW07.
|
|
| [2007.11.12] |
Posted eighth homework assignment, HERE.
Due Monday November 19th, in class.
|
|
| [2007.11.12] |
Lecture notes for class #32 are online:
#32.
|
|
| [2007.11.09] |
Lecture notes for class #31 are online:
#31.
|
|
| [2007.11.07] |
Lecture notes for class #30 are online:
#30.
|
|
| [2007.11.05] |
Posted seventh homework assignment, HERE.
Due Monday November 12th, in class.
|
|
| [2007.11.05] |
Updated the gradesheet to include the second TEST.
Please note the following: the grade (%) tabulated for the second test may look
odd to you. This is because, to be internally consistent with the way I compute
the contribution of the other assignments' to your total grade, I have divided
your actual grade by a "fudge" factor.
The issue has to do with the fact that in other assignments I add a 10% "after"
the grading, while in this case, the possibility achieving a higher score was
built-in into the test, having more questions than necessary to get
full grade.
You'll find here a full summary of the test grades.
The five columns are:
- Student class ID.
- Number of correct test questions.
- Grade computed assigning a 4% value to each correct question.
- Actual "success rate", i.e. (number of correct Q)/28
- Grade divided by the 1.1 fudge factor, as then reported in the gradesheet.
|
|
| [2007.11.02] |
Posted solutions for HW06, see schedule HERE.
|
|
| [2007.11.02] |
Lecture notes for class #28 are online:
#28.
|
|
| [2007.11.02] |
Updated the summary of the status of signing-up
for projects.
Find your number, check the flag (O, W, or O+W), and check the number of
objects observed or to be observed (T.B.O.).
Please keep in mind that if you are going to remain "registered" for the
observing project after today, you are bound to indeed submit one at the end.
Only exception is people who have already fulfilled the requirement on the
number of objects.
Hence, if you don't think you are going to be able (for lack of will,
interest, time, whatever) to finish the observation project, drop it today!
In particular I am thinking about the few of you who only have 0, 1 or 2
objects so far. We are going to have a few more sessions, but some of
you have skipped already several of the past ones, despite having "signed-up"
before some of them. That does not bode well, considering that weeks are
going to get busier towards the end of the term.
|
|
| [2007.11.01] |
Updated the gradesheet to include HW06.
|
|
[2007.11.01]
[9:10pm] |
UPDATE!! UPDATE!!
OBSERVING SESSION CONFIRMED!
TOMORROW MORNING, FRI NOV 2nd, 5:00am
|
|
[2007.11.01]
[4:45pm] |
(VERY VERY LIKELY) OBSERVING SESSION!
TOMORROW MORNING, FRI NOV 2nd, 5:00am
Check again later for definitive confirmation/cancellation, but it is
looking pretty good. The only possible risk is dense fog, and that's hard
to predict for sure.
The menu would comprise Saturn, Mars, Moon (pretty 3rd quarter),
and if visibility is good Comet Holmes
(more info here),
maybe even Venus.
Bottom line is.... depending on attendance and time, you maybe be able to
observe a good number of objects, and good ones!
|
|
| [2007.11.01] |
Just before the deadline concerning the observing project, I would like
to bring your attention to the fact that about 20% of the class have to
let me know something about their intentions for the class projects.
This (click! ) is a summary
of the current records that I have concerning the signing-up for the projects
as of right now.
Even if you have already wrote to me about your project, take a minute to
read this table and let me know if there is any mistake.
|
|
| [2007.10.31] |
Lecture notes for class #27 are online:
#27.
|
|
| [2007.10.29] |
Updated the gradesheet to include HW05.
|
|
| [2007.10.29] |
Lecture notes for class #26 are online:
#26.
|
|
| [2007.10.26] |
After a quick straw poll, I confirm that the date for the next test
is set to:
MONDAY NOVEMBER 5th.
This TEST will be in the same format of the first one, and in class.
If somebody has a serious conflict with this date, please contact me and
we can arrange for you to take the test at a different time.
I will send you later on a more detailed summary of the material that is
going to be covered, that will include all next week classes.
Roughly speaking we should be able to get through all the Planetary
Geology material next week.
Looking back, please remember that the first test did not include the Light
& Matter material although that was discussed in class before
the test date (lectures 16 and 17).
|
|
| [2007.10.26] |
Lecture notes for class #25 are online:
#25.
|
|
[2007.10.25]
[3:45pm] |
OBSERVING SESSION NEWS!
We are going to have an observing session...
TOMORROW MORNING, FRIDAY OCT 26 >>> 5am! <<<
Please see email for more informations and recommendations.
|
|
| [2007.10.24] |
First of all, thanks to all of you who have taken a few minutes and
filled the survey. Currently they are 33 (out of 42): a pretty good 78%
return.
I have collected the current results and organized them in a table that you'll find
HERE
I may decide to share some of my thoughts about it, and also some of the
comments offered in the "free thoughts" space at the end of the questions.
I have not closed the survey webpage, and I am going to check it
regularly, in case a few more people decide to take it. Should this
happen, I will update the summary accordingly.
|
|
| [2007.10.24] |
Posted sixth homework assignment, HERE.
Due Wednesday October 31st, in class.
|
|
| [2007.10.24] |
Lecture notes for class #24 are online:
#24.
|
|
| [2007.10.22] |
Lecture notes for class #23 are online:
#23.
|
|
| [2007.10.19] |
Lecture notes for class #22 are online:
#22.
I have also posted the solutions for the fourth HW assignment:
AK04.
|
|
| [2007.10.17] |
Updated the gradesheet to include HW04.
|
|
| [2007.10.17] |
Lecture notes for class #21 are online:
#21.
|
|
| [2007.10.16] |
Created and posted a Survey (on surveymonkey) about how
things have been going so far.
You can access it from this webpage.
See also new "green" link on the sidebar.
|
|
| [2007.10.15] |
Posted fifth homework assignment, HERE.
Due Wednesday October 24th, in class.
|
|
| [2007.10.12] |
Lecture notes for class #20 are online:
#20.
|
|
| [2007.10.10] |
Lecture notes for class #19 are online:
#19.
|
|
[2007.10.09]
[6:30pm] |
Alright!
We are going to have an observing session tonight!
The sky has cleared up a lot. We are definitely going to observe a
jupiter, and then we'll see.
So, we are going to meet at the telescope (by entrance 20) at 8pm-ish.
|
|
| [2007.10.09] |
Tonight's observing session is still in a limbo state.
It looks like the sky is not going to get a whole lot better, but
to observe a jupiter it's going to be enough to get a good window
between clouds.
If we confirm, we are going to meet at the telescope (by entrance 20)
at 7:45pm-ish.
We are most likely going to observe only jupiter, maybe an extra object.
Therefore, people who came last week may not necesarily want to come
again tonight, as the requirement for the project is to observe five
different objects. You are welcome to come, though. Repeated
observation of Jupiter may turn out to be useful if we are going to
run into troubles later on with the observing plans.
Keep an eye on the webpage and your email later.
|
|
| [2007.10.09] |
Added to the gradesheet a link to a PDF with a histograms
for the grades in the different assignments.
|
|
| [2007.10.09] |
It is possible that we are going to have an observing session
tonight, TUESDAY OCT 9.
The plan is the same as last week: meet at around 8pm-ish at the telescope.
Observe Jupiter first, and then depending on time and people, perhaps move on
to some other object.
Keep an eye on the webpage and your email today.
|
|
| [2007.10.08] |
I have posted the gradesheet summarizing the situation after the assignments
graded so far, i.e. three homeworks and one test.
You will find this, and all future updates at
this webpage.
As you see you are not identified by name or Rice ID, but by a numeric ID assigned by
me to keep everything anonymous (at least as much as possible.)
A federal law, FERPA, with which you may be familiar, requires to take this kind
of precautions. I am about to email you individually (duh!) your class ID.
I have also added a grade forecaster tool for playing with your
current and possible future performance:
it's here.
I have also tentatively linked it to each "class ID" entry in the gradesheet itself.
If you click on your class ID or projected grade you should be taken to the "forecaster".
It includes a histogram of your grades, compared with the class average.
It's quite experimental. Please let me know if you notice strange results.
You'll find here a full summary of the test grades.
The five columns are:
- Student class ID.
- Number of correct test questions.
- Actual "success rate", i.e. (number of correct Q)/25
- Grade computed assigning a 10% "bonus"
|
|
| [2007.10.06] |
Posted fourth homework assignment, HERE.
Due Friday October 12th, in class.
|
|
| [2007.10.06] |
Lecture notes for class #17 are online:
#17.
|
|
| [2007.10.05] |
Help session confirmed for 5pm, HB227 (normal classroom).
Come with good questions.
|
|
| [2007.10.03] |
Please check you emails for a set of comments on the upcoming test.
You will also find a message concerning the possibility of having
a help session this friday, 5-6:20pm-ish.
|
|
| [2007.10.03] |
Lecture notes for class #16 are online:
#16.
|
|
[2007.10.02]
[@2pm] |
It is quite likely that we are going to have an observing session
tonight, OR tomorrow night.
The approximate plan would be to meet at the Rice Campus Observatory
at around 7:45pm (telescope location map).
Jupiter will be visible and high enough above the stadium for probably a
hour or so. Therefore, we are going to try to wrap it up by 9pm,
or earlier.
Plan to come early, because we may actually end up closing shop
early if we are done and/or attendance is low.
If we "fail" tonight (e.g. due to cloud cover), we are probably
going to give it a shot tomorrow night, with the same plan.
Please note, that most likely we are not going to do tonight AND
tomorrow night.
There is also still the possibility that we cancel tonight for
reasons other than weather, hence I would urge you to check
your emails and the course webpage for confirmation or cancellation
of the session before you head out.
This recommendation applies to any of the future sessions.
Last note: it would of great help for us if those of you who "know"
what project(s) they are going to do, would let me know so that I can
begin to keep track of the possible "enrollment".
Having a reasonable census helps us in the planning.
|
|
| [2007.10.02] |
Reminder: the first TEST is scheduled for next MONDAY, OCTOBER 8th.
It will still include the material discussed up until monday OCT 1st class.
|
|
| [2007.10.01] |
Updated the webpages with information about the web-research and observing projects.
Information should now be up to date, and this includes the actual deadlines for
signing-up, dropping, and submit the paper/report.
I may do a little additional tweaking, and I will let you know if/when this happens.
Please read the information and if you have any doubts go ahead and ask me.
It is particularly important that you pay attention at the note about
doing both projects and maybe dropping the observing one: there is a deadline
for dropping this latter, set in order to ensure that for last few weeks of
the semester the telescope time is going to be "invested" only in people
committed to the observing project.
|
|
| [2007.10.01] |
Lecture notes for class #15 are online:
#15.
#16.
|
|
| [2007.09.28] |
Posted third homework assignment, HERE.
|
|
| [2007.09.28] |
Lecture notes for class #14 are online:
#14.
I am working to make available to you the slides used by Eileen for lecture 12 and 13.
For now I am posting a file including those that I gave to her. These should
be quite similar (to a great extent identical I believe) to what she used in
class, but I know she has made changes here and there, and I will post her
file as soon as she sends it to me.
My "original ones" are posted
here (one file including both lecture 12 and 13).
|
|
| [2007.09.28] |
Look for the third homework today, here and in your emailbox.
|
|
| [2007.09.28] |
After the comments of students who were in class today, we have
decided to move the first TEST up to MONDAY OCTOBER 8th.
It will still include the material discussed until monday (10/1) class, but
probably not that of next wednesday (10/3) class.
That and friday 10/5 will go into the second TEST material.
|
|
| [2007.09.27] |
The most likely, most desirable date for the first TEST is FRIDAY OCTOBER 5.
I have marked it on the course schedule.
It will include the material discussed until monday (10/1) class, but
probably not that of next wednesday (10/3) class.
Possible dates for the second TEST are friday 11/2 or monday 11/5. The third
TEST will most likely be on the last class, 12/7.
Please remember that all tests will be taken in class. If you have a conflict
for the set date, please contact me in a timely fashion so that we can arrange
for an alternative time and place. Thanks a lot.
|
|
| [2007.09.21] |
Lecture notes for class #11 are online:
#11.
|
|
| [2007.09.19] |
Lecture notes for class #10 are online:
#10.
|
|
| [2007.09.17] |
Lecture notes for class #09 are online:
#09.
|
|
| [2007.09.15] |
Posted second homework assignment, HERE.
|
|
| [2007.09.14] |
Lecture notes for class #08 are online:
#08.
|
|
| [2007.09.12] |
Lecture notes for class #07 are online:
#07.
|
|
| [2007.09.12] |
The second homework assignment will most likely be given out this friday, due
the following week (FRI 9/21).
|
|
| [2007.09.10] |
Lecture notes for class #06 are online:
#06.
|
|
| [2007.09.10] |
Monday night session confirmed for 7pm.
Room confirmed for HB427, not HB227 (normal classroom).
|
|
| [2007.09.09] |
Please note that there was a typo in the schedule, namely the due date
for the first homework assignment was mis-stated to be "SEP 07 WED".
It is "SEP 12 WED", as it was correctly printed in the assignment itself.
I apologize for the confusion.
|
|
| [2007.09.08] |
Monday night session confirmed for 7pm.
I have put together a simple worksheet for practicing math
with numbers in scientific notation, it's
HERE.
Take a look at it, and ideally try to work it out before monday
night, so that we can work off that.
Also, please read carefully Appendix C in the textbook, including
the part about units conversion and "working with ratios".
|
|
| [2007.09.07] |
Please mark on your calendar that we are probably going to have a (small)
math review session monday night at 7pm, most likely in the same
classroom (need to clear this).
It is 99% decided, but there is a small chance that I will need to cancel.
|
|
| [2007.09.05] |
Posted first homework assignment, HERE.
|
|
| [2007.09.05] |
Lecture notes for class #04 are online:
#04.
|
|
| [2007.09.02] |
I have posted the photos.
Please check that your name and face actually match:
GO HERE.
This table includes all the students who are in the "official" (i.e.
Registrar's) roster plus a couple whose status is unclear.
|
|
| [2007.09.01] |
Lecture notes for class #03 are online:
#03.
|
|
| [2007.08.30] |
Lecture notes for class #02 are online:
#02.
|
|
|
|
| [2007.08.15] |
Hello, if you are visiting this webpage looking for information for
the Fall 2007 term, you are welcome to peruse the posted pages, but
keep in mind that right now in good part they
are still referring to the Fall 2006 semester.
A lot of the information is likely going to be similar for the next
fall, and so it will give you a good idea of the basic structure of
the course.
We are going to use the latest edition
(4th, 4/E, Media Update) of the The Cosmic Perspective,
by Bennett et al. (see Syllabus for more info, and a comment
about other editions).
The bookstore should have ordered several copies of both the
full and the Solar System only editions.
copies.
|
|
| [2007.08.15] |
[Placeholder]
|
|
