An 'experimental' project is required for PHYS 162H. This will entail some type of observation, or the use of images from a telescope which provides them to the public. Each student needs to pick a project (it is acceptable, even preferable, if 2 students work together on the same project) after consultation with faculty teaching this course and/or the observatory manager.

Sources of observation include

  • Davis Hall Observatory (take photos)
  • Borrow a telescope from physics (make drawings by hand of observations - good for Moon or sunspots and maybe for planets)
  • Use an online source of photos. Best is the MicroObservatory http://mo-www.harvard.edu/MicroObservatory/ but one can also use Sloan Digital Sky Survey photos http://cas.sdss.org/dr7/en/proj/

    For more information on possible honors projects, and the use of the Davis Hall Observatory, please look at the observatory and projects web pages. https://www.physics.niu.edu/physics/observatory/honors-project/index.shtml Each project should be written up (about 10-15 pages including figures should suffice). The writeup should contain a description of whatever you choose for your topic plus a detailed account of how you obtained your measurements or photographs. If you use the Davis Hall telescopes, you will need to coordinate with the observatory manager. For standalone honors sections, you will also give a roughly 10 minute powerpoint presentation on your project.

    Project Ideas

    Below are some ideas for the honors astronomy project.