Astronomy 210, fall semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(Overheard in class during an in-class activity on mass transfer in close binary star systems.)
Student: "What does 'accretion' stand for?"
Instructor: "As in an 'accretion disk?' ...It's 'gathering' stuff from the companion star."
Student: "So, it's like the opposite of 'secretion?' Like in giving out stuff?"
Instructor: "Yeah--like exuding or oozing stuff out."
Esprit d'escalier:
Instructor: "'Accrete' is an obscure term, but it's similar to 'acquire' and 'accumulate.'"
20081027
Erasing slate: Happy Day!
"Happy Day! [Heart]" by AnonymousOctober 20, 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Latest scribbling on the lift-and-erase slate in the hallway, outside the office door.
20081023
Collision flowchart
"Collision Flowchart," Patrick M. LenOctober 17, 2008
Flowchart detailing the decision tree in determining which conservation laws apply to a particular type of collision.
20081022
Astronomy quiz question: blue main sequence star vs. blue supergiant
Astronomy 210 Quiz 4, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] A blue main sequence star is known to be smaller than a blue supergiant because it is:
(A) same temperature as, but more luminous than a blue supergiant.
(B) same temperature as, but less luminous than a blue supergiant.
(C) same luminosity as, but hotter than a blue supergiant.
(D) same luminosity as, but cooler than a blue supergiant.
Section 70158
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 50 students
(C) : 8 students
(D) : 2 students
Correct answer: (B)
From Wien's law, the main sequence star and the supergiant must have the same temperature, because they have the same color. From the Stefan-Boltzmann law, for two stars of the same temperature, the less luminous star must be smaller in size.
"Difficulty level": 75%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.38
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] A blue main sequence star is known to be smaller than a blue supergiant because it is:
(A) same temperature as, but more luminous than a blue supergiant.
(B) same temperature as, but less luminous than a blue supergiant.
(C) same luminosity as, but hotter than a blue supergiant.
(D) same luminosity as, but cooler than a blue supergiant.
Section 70158
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 50 students
(C) : 8 students
(D) : 2 students
Correct answer: (B)
From Wien's law, the main sequence star and the supergiant must have the same temperature, because they have the same color. From the Stefan-Boltzmann law, for two stars of the same temperature, the less luminous star must be smaller in size.
"Difficulty level": 75%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.38
20081021
Astronomy quiz question: stellar distances
Astronomy 210 Quiz 4, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] Sirius A is a star that has an apparent magnitude m = –1.5 and an absolute magnitude M_v = +1.41. Approximately how far away is Sirius A from Earth?
(A) Much farther away than 10 parsecs.
(B) A little farther away than 10 parsecs.
(C) Exactly 10 parsecs away.
(D) Closer than 10 parsecs away.
Section 70158
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 14 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 45 students
Correct answer: (D)
When brought to the "fair distance" of 10 parsecs (thus changing its apparent magnitude to absolute visual magnitude), Sirius A now seems to be dimmer, indicating that it must have moved away to the Earth during this process. Thus Sirius A must be closer than this fair distance of 10 parsecs.
"Difficulty level": 67%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.64
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] Sirius A is a star that has an apparent magnitude m = –1.5 and an absolute magnitude M_v = +1.41. Approximately how far away is Sirius A from Earth?
(A) Much farther away than 10 parsecs.
(B) A little farther away than 10 parsecs.
(C) Exactly 10 parsecs away.
(D) Closer than 10 parsecs away.
Section 70158
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 14 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 45 students
Correct answer: (D)
When brought to the "fair distance" of 10 parsecs (thus changing its apparent magnitude to absolute visual magnitude), Sirius A now seems to be dimmer, indicating that it must have moved away to the Earth during this process. Thus Sirius A must be closer than this fair distance of 10 parsecs.
"Difficulty level": 67%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.64
20081020
Astronomy quiz question: continuous spectrum source
Astronomy 210 Quiz 4, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] A continuous spectrum is caused by:
(A) blackbody radiation passing through diffuse, cool gas atoms.
(B) electrons moving to lower energy orbitals.
(C) hot, agitated electrons and atoms.
(D) the Doppler effect.
Correct answer: (C)
The electrons and atoms in a hot, dense, opaque object (a "blackbody") will emit a continuous spectrum.
Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 10 students
(B) : 14 students
(C) : 41 students
(D) : 4 students
"Difficulty level": 63%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.55
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] A continuous spectrum is caused by:
(A) blackbody radiation passing through diffuse, cool gas atoms.
(B) electrons moving to lower energy orbitals.
(C) hot, agitated electrons and atoms.
(D) the Doppler effect.
Correct answer: (C)
The electrons and atoms in a hot, dense, opaque object (a "blackbody") will emit a continuous spectrum.
Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 10 students
(B) : 14 students
(C) : 41 students
(D) : 4 students
"Difficulty level": 63%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.55
20081019
Astronomy quiz question: red supergiant vs. red giant
Astronomy 210 Quiz 4, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] A red supergiant is known to be larger in size than a red giant because it is:
(A) same temperature as, but more luminous than a red giant.
(B) same temperature as, but less luminous than a red giant.
(C) same luminosity as, but hotter than a red giant.
(D) same luminosity as, but cooler than a red giant.
Section 70160
(A) : 29 students
(B) : 0 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 1 student
Correct answer: (A)
From Wien's law, the supergiant and the giant must be the same temperature, because they have the same color. From the Stefan-Boltzmann law, for two stars of the same temperature, the more luminous star must be larger in size.
"Difficulty level": 93%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.25
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] A red supergiant is known to be larger in size than a red giant because it is:
(A) same temperature as, but more luminous than a red giant.
(B) same temperature as, but less luminous than a red giant.
(C) same luminosity as, but hotter than a red giant.
(D) same luminosity as, but cooler than a red giant.
Section 70160
(A) : 29 students
(B) : 0 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 1 student
Correct answer: (A)
From Wien's law, the supergiant and the giant must be the same temperature, because they have the same color. From the Stefan-Boltzmann law, for two stars of the same temperature, the more luminous star must be larger in size.
"Difficulty level": 93%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.25
20081018
Astronomy quiz question: stellar distances
Astronomy 210 Quiz 4, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] Procyon A is a star that has an apparent magnitude m = +0.3 and an absolute magnitude M_v = +2.64. Approximately how far away is Procyon A from the Earth?
(A) Much farther away than 10 parsecs.
(B) A little farther away than 10 parsecs.
(C) Exactly 10 parsecs away.
(D) Closer than 10 parsecs away.
Section 70160
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 25 students
Correct answer: (D)
When brought to the "fair distance" of 10 parsecs (thus changing its apparent magnitude to absolute visual magnitude), Procyon A now seems to be dimmer, indicating that it must have moved away to the Earth during this process. Thus Procyon A must be closer than this fair distance of 10 parsecs.
"Difficulty level": 81%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.50
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] Procyon A is a star that has an apparent magnitude m = +0.3 and an absolute magnitude M_v = +2.64. Approximately how far away is Procyon A from the Earth?
(A) Much farther away than 10 parsecs.
(B) A little farther away than 10 parsecs.
(C) Exactly 10 parsecs away.
(D) Closer than 10 parsecs away.
Section 70160
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 25 students
Correct answer: (D)
When brought to the "fair distance" of 10 parsecs (thus changing its apparent magnitude to absolute visual magnitude), Procyon A now seems to be dimmer, indicating that it must have moved away to the Earth during this process. Thus Procyon A must be closer than this fair distance of 10 parsecs.
"Difficulty level": 81%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.50
20081017
Astronomy quiz question: absorption spectrum source
Astronomy 210 Quiz 4, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] An absorption spectrum is caused by:
(A) the Doppler effect.
(B) hot, agitated electrons and atoms.
(C) electrons moving to lower energy orbitals.
(D) blackbody radiation passing through diffuse, cool gas atoms.
Correct answer: (D)
The electrons in the atoms in a cool, diffuse gas will absorb select wavelengths from a continuous spectrum source.
Student responses
Section 70160
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 11 students
(C) : 6 students
(D) : 13 students
"Difficulty level": 80%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.49
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] An absorption spectrum is caused by:
(A) the Doppler effect.
(B) hot, agitated electrons and atoms.
(C) electrons moving to lower energy orbitals.
(D) blackbody radiation passing through diffuse, cool gas atoms.
Correct answer: (D)
The electrons in the atoms in a cool, diffuse gas will absorb select wavelengths from a continuous spectrum source.
Student responses
Section 70160
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 11 students
(C) : 6 students
(D) : 13 students
"Difficulty level": 80%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.49
20081016
Overheard: midterm studying
Astronomy 210, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(Overheard in class before their first midterm.)
Student: "This is like the hardest midterm I've ever had to study for."
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(Overheard in class before their first midterm.)
Student: "This is like the hardest midterm I've ever had to study for."
20081015
Overheard: "ex-non"
Astronomy 210L, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(Overheard in astronomy laboratory, where students have to identify an unknown gas from observing their spectral lines.)
Student: "Ex-non." (I.e., xenon.)
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(Overheard in astronomy laboratory, where students have to identify an unknown gas from observing their spectral lines.)
Student: "Ex-non." (I.e., xenon.)
20081011
Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam
Astronomy 210, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Astronomy 210 In-class activity 13: OBAFGKM Poetry Slam
Students were instructed to use at least OBAFGKM, and/or part or all of the additional OBAFGKMRNSC or OBAFGKMLT extensions to individually write an original, coherent and an appropriate (nothing worse than "PG-13" rated!) mnemonic, and to give a rousing reading of their OBAFGKM mnemonic poem for the class.
Oh Be A Friend Give Kelsey Money--Rent Needs Some Contributions
--K. B.
Orchids Bloom After Furry Giants Kill Mammoths, Rendering New Sweet Coats
--C. B.
Only Brahe Accepted Friendly German Kepler's Mind
--M. D.
One Bat And Four Gorillas Killed Mice!
--T. D.
Obsessive Boyfriends Are From Girlfriends Kissing Me
--R. G.
Oh Bartender, Another Full Glass--Keeps Me Sitting Next To Rachel
--S. G.
Observe, But Actually Find--Great Knowledge [comes from] Mind
--N. G.
On Birthdays All Friends Go Kayaking Merrily
--T. H.
Open Bets Are For Getting Kindly Manipulated Losers' Trust
--C. H.
Older Brother Asked For Good Knitted Mittens
--P. K.
Organic Bananas Always Feed Good Kids' Minds
--A. M.
Orion Built And Forged God-King's Monoceros [and] Rounded New Space Continuums
--D. M.
Oxygen Buys A Few Good Kind Minutes
--L. M.
Only Big Alligators Fight Giant Killing Monsters
--A. M.
Oh Boy! Apples From Grandma Keep Me Light [and] Trim
--H. R.
Oregan Beavers Are Freakin' Geeks; Kill Me Right Now, Southern California
--S. R.
Opossom Bones Aptly Fill Glad K9s Mouths, Really Nicely Saving Cats
--M. S.
Other Babes Are Fully Grouchy Kissing Michael
--K S.
Only Burp After Finishing Good Killer Munchies
--T. S.
Outrageously Blunt Axes Fight Gigantic Killer Mice
--P. S.
Only Best And Friendly Galileo Killed Mayhem
--K. U.
Ocean Bears Are Furry Generous Kind Mammalia; Reptiles Not So Cuddly
--B. U.
Ordinarily Big Apes Falter Giving Kinky Massages
--E. V.
Oh Behave! Another Former Girlfriend Keeps Me Reminded: Never Stop Calling
--R. W.
On Bank Appointment Frank Gave Kim Money
--L. Y.
Oh Baby, Another Fun Guy Kisses Me Late Tonight
--E. A.
Oh Boys! All Freakin' Girls Know More!
--B. D.
Obnoxious Bad Asses [Who] Find Good Karma Meaningless Really Need Survival Clues
--C. G.
Open Books And Finals Get Kids Mad Remember Never Study Chemistry
--J. G.
Older Baby Anteaters Feel Great Killing Mosquitoes Not Locusts
--M. G.
Only Besides Angels Furious Girls Kill Men
--J. K.
Oh Bummer Ass Farmer Genghis Khan Killed Me Remember No Such Character
--D. L.
Oooh Baked Applecrisp From Grandma's Kitchen Mmmm
--L. M.
Oh Boy A Free Green Kitchen Mug
--J. P.
Obviously Big Asteroids Foreshadow God Killing Mankind
--J. R.
[Detail of previous OBAFGKM poem] 
Only Buy Acid From Grey Killer Monkeys
--D. U.
Previous post: Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam instructions.
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Astronomy 210 In-class activity 13: OBAFGKM Poetry Slam
Students were instructed to use at least OBAFGKM, and/or part or all of the additional OBAFGKMRNSC or OBAFGKMLT extensions to individually write an original, coherent and an appropriate (nothing worse than "PG-13" rated!) mnemonic, and to give a rousing reading of their OBAFGKM mnemonic poem for the class.
Oh Be A Friend Give Kelsey Money--Rent Needs Some Contributions
--K. B.
Orchids Bloom After Furry Giants Kill Mammoths, Rendering New Sweet Coats
--C. B.
Only Brahe Accepted Friendly German Kepler's Mind
--M. D.
One Bat And Four Gorillas Killed Mice!
--T. D.
Obsessive Boyfriends Are From Girlfriends Kissing Me
--R. G.
Oh Bartender, Another Full Glass--Keeps Me Sitting Next To Rachel
--S. G.
Observe, But Actually Find--Great Knowledge [comes from] Mind
--N. G.
On Birthdays All Friends Go Kayaking Merrily
--T. H.
Open Bets Are For Getting Kindly Manipulated Losers' Trust
--C. H.
Older Brother Asked For Good Knitted Mittens
--P. K.
Organic Bananas Always Feed Good Kids' Minds
--A. M.
Orion Built And Forged God-King's Monoceros [and] Rounded New Space Continuums
--D. M.
Oxygen Buys A Few Good Kind Minutes
--L. M.
Only Big Alligators Fight Giant Killing Monsters
--A. M.
Oh Boy! Apples From Grandma Keep Me Light [and] Trim
--H. R.
Oregan Beavers Are Freakin' Geeks; Kill Me Right Now, Southern California
--S. R.
Opossom Bones Aptly Fill Glad K9s Mouths, Really Nicely Saving Cats
--M. S.
Other Babes Are Fully Grouchy Kissing Michael
--K S.
Only Burp After Finishing Good Killer Munchies
--T. S.
Outrageously Blunt Axes Fight Gigantic Killer Mice
--P. S.
Only Best And Friendly Galileo Killed Mayhem
--K. U.
Ocean Bears Are Furry Generous Kind Mammalia; Reptiles Not So Cuddly
--B. U.
Ordinarily Big Apes Falter Giving Kinky Massages
--E. V.
Oh Behave! Another Former Girlfriend Keeps Me Reminded: Never Stop Calling
--R. W.
On Bank Appointment Frank Gave Kim Money
--L. Y.
Oh Baby, Another Fun Guy Kisses Me Late Tonight--E. A.
Oh Boys! All Freakin' Girls Know More!--B. D.
Obnoxious Bad Asses [Who] Find Good Karma Meaningless Really Need Survival Clues--C. G.
Open Books And Finals Get Kids Mad Remember Never Study Chemistry--J. G.
Older Baby Anteaters Feel Great Killing Mosquitoes Not Locusts--M. G.
Only Besides Angels Furious Girls Kill Men--J. K.
Oh Bummer Ass Farmer Genghis Khan Killed Me Remember No Such Character--D. L.
Oooh Baked Applecrisp From Grandma's Kitchen Mmmm--L. M.
Oh Boy A Free Green Kitchen Mug--J. P.
Obviously Big Asteroids Foreshadow God Killing Mankind--J. R.
Only Buy Acid From Grey Killer Monkeys--D. U.
Previous post: Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam instructions.
Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam (NCC)
Astronomy 210, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(North County Campus)
Astronomy 210 In-class activity 13: OBAFGKM Poetry Slam
Students were instructed to use at least OBAFGKM, and/or part or all of the additional OBAFGKMRNSC or OBAFGKMLT extensions to individually write an original, coherent and an appropriate (nothing worse than "PG-13" rated!) mnemonic, and to give a rousing reading of their OBAFGKM mnemonic poem for the class.
Only Ballin' Astronomy Funny Guys Kick Moons Right Near [the] Sun's Core
--N. C.
Obama Blamed Angels For Grotesquely Killing McCain Right Near South Carolina
--R. F.
Orbital Boundaries Away From Gravity Kept Moons Running North-South Losing Time
--J. H.
Oh Biannually A Footballing Giant Kicks Martians Lightyears
--C. J.
Only Bad Asses Forgive Girls Kicking Mr. Len's Tail
--W. L.
Oftentimes Brainlessness And Failing Grades Keep Me Retaking Nasty School Classes
--M. P.
Oh Boy Another Freaking Gangmember Killing Musicians Like Tupac
--J. P.
On Birthdays And Fiestas [you] Get Kissed More
--H. R.
Oh Boy Astronomy Facts Give Killer Migraines
--M. R.
Oprah Boasted About Finding Good Komfy Mocasins
--J. S.
Occasionally Bullets And Frag Grenades Kill Marmosets
--R. S.
Onion Bagels Are For Great Kings' Meals
--J. T.
Officer Brad Always Finds Grizzled Killer Murderers Really Near Small Communitiess
--R. W.
Oh Bender Aid Friends Grooming Killer Monkeys
--A. H.
On [the] Boat A Fiery Goat Killed Me
--Z. M.
Oh Brother, Another Female Girl Kicked Me
--D. S.
Old Bitches Are Far Greater Kite Makers
--J. W.
Previous post: Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam instructions.
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(North County Campus)
Astronomy 210 In-class activity 13: OBAFGKM Poetry Slam
Students were instructed to use at least OBAFGKM, and/or part or all of the additional OBAFGKMRNSC or OBAFGKMLT extensions to individually write an original, coherent and an appropriate (nothing worse than "PG-13" rated!) mnemonic, and to give a rousing reading of their OBAFGKM mnemonic poem for the class.
Only Ballin' Astronomy Funny Guys Kick Moons Right Near [the] Sun's Core
--N. C.
Obama Blamed Angels For Grotesquely Killing McCain Right Near South Carolina
--R. F.
Orbital Boundaries Away From Gravity Kept Moons Running North-South Losing Time
--J. H.
Oh Biannually A Footballing Giant Kicks Martians Lightyears
--C. J.
Only Bad Asses Forgive Girls Kicking Mr. Len's Tail
--W. L.
Oftentimes Brainlessness And Failing Grades Keep Me Retaking Nasty School Classes
--M. P.
Oh Boy Another Freaking Gangmember Killing Musicians Like Tupac
--J. P.
On Birthdays And Fiestas [you] Get Kissed More
--H. R.
Oh Boy Astronomy Facts Give Killer Migraines
--M. R.
Oprah Boasted About Finding Good Komfy Mocasins
--J. S.
Occasionally Bullets And Frag Grenades Kill Marmosets
--R. S.
Onion Bagels Are For Great Kings' Meals
--J. T.
Officer Brad Always Finds Grizzled Killer Murderers Really Near Small Communitiess
--R. W.
Oh Bender Aid Friends Grooming Killer Monkeys--A. H.
On [the] Boat A Fiery Goat Killed Me--Z. M.
Oh Brother, Another Female Girl Kicked Me--D. S.
Old Bitches Are Far Greater Kite Makers--J. W.
Previous post: Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam instructions.
20081006
Astronomy quiz question: telescope funding
Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] Based on being able to detect its wavelength, and cost of location, which telescope should be funded?
(A) A gamma ray detector in Antarctica.
(B) An ultraviolet detector in the Mojave desert.
(C) A visible light telescope in the Chilean mountains.
(D) A radio telescope in space.
Correct answer: (C)
Gamma rays and ultraviolet waves cannot be detected at ground level, due to absorption of these wavelengths by the atmosphere. A visible light telescope on a mountain would be able to detect signals at much less cost than a radio telescope in space.
Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 11 students
(B) : 15 students
(C) : 34 students
(D) : 11 students
"Difficulty level": 51%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.63
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
[4.0 points.] Based on being able to detect its wavelength, and cost of location, which telescope should be funded?
(A) A gamma ray detector in Antarctica.
(B) An ultraviolet detector in the Mojave desert.
(C) A visible light telescope in the Chilean mountains.
(D) A radio telescope in space.
Correct answer: (C)
Gamma rays and ultraviolet waves cannot be detected at ground level, due to absorption of these wavelengths by the atmosphere. A visible light telescope on a mountain would be able to detect signals at much less cost than a radio telescope in space.
Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 11 students
(B) : 15 students
(C) : 34 students
(D) : 11 students
"Difficulty level": 51%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.63
20081005
Astronomy quiz question: atmospheric turbulence
Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
What power of an optical telescope is most affected by the turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere?
(A) Light-gathering power.
(B) Resolving power.
(C) Magnifying power.
(D) (None of the above choices.)
Correct answer: (B)
For large ground-based telescopes, resolving power is limited by atmospheric turbulence, which distorts and "twinkles" the stars.
Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 8 students
(B) : 53 students
(C) : 7 students
(D) : 3 students
"Success level": 76%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.58
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
What power of an optical telescope is most affected by the turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere?
(A) Light-gathering power.
(B) Resolving power.
(C) Magnifying power.
(D) (None of the above choices.)
Correct answer: (B)
For large ground-based telescopes, resolving power is limited by atmospheric turbulence, which distorts and "twinkles" the stars.
Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 8 students
(B) : 53 students
(C) : 7 students
(D) : 3 students
"Success level": 76%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.58
20081004
Astronomy quiz question: telescope funding
Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Based on being able to detect its wavelength, and cost of location, which telescope should be funded?
(A) A gamma ray detector in Antarctica.
(B) An ultraviolet detector in the Mojave desert.
(C) A near-infrared telescope on an aircraft.
(D) A radio telescope in space.
Correct answer: (C)
Gamma rays and ultraviolet waves cannot be detected at ground level, due to absorption of these wavelengths by the atmosphere. A near-infrared telescope on an aircraft would be able to detect signals at much less cost than a radio telescope in space.
Student responses
Section 70160
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 19 students
(D) : 4 students
Success level: 63%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.78
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Based on being able to detect its wavelength, and cost of location, which telescope should be funded?
(A) A gamma ray detector in Antarctica.
(B) An ultraviolet detector in the Mojave desert.
(C) A near-infrared telescope on an aircraft.
(D) A radio telescope in space.
Correct answer: (C)
Gamma rays and ultraviolet waves cannot be detected at ground level, due to absorption of these wavelengths by the atmosphere. A near-infrared telescope on an aircraft would be able to detect signals at much less cost than a radio telescope in space.
Student responses
Section 70160
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 19 students
(D) : 4 students
Success level: 63%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.78
20081003
Astronomy quiz question: adaptive optics
Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Adaptive optics is used in modern optical telescopes to improve:
(A) light-gathering power.
(B) resolving power.
(C) magnifying power.
(D) the amount of radiation transmitted through the atmosphere.
Correct answer: (B)
For large ground-based telescopes, their resolving power is limited by atmospheric turbulence, which distorts and "twinkles" the stars. Using adaptive optics to shape the mirror to compensate for these distortions will improve the resolution of images obtained by ground-based telescopes.
Student responses
Section 70160
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 25 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 1 student
Success level: 80%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.44
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Adaptive optics is used in modern optical telescopes to improve:
(A) light-gathering power.
(B) resolving power.
(C) magnifying power.
(D) the amount of radiation transmitted through the atmosphere.
Correct answer: (B)
For large ground-based telescopes, their resolving power is limited by atmospheric turbulence, which distorts and "twinkles" the stars. Using adaptive optics to shape the mirror to compensate for these distortions will improve the resolution of images obtained by ground-based telescopes.
Student responses
Section 70160
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 25 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 1 student
Success level: 80%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.44
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