About Me

My name is Dr. Patrick M. Len, and I will be your instructor for this course. You can watch this video to find out more about me!

Contact Information

Instructor: Dr. Patrick M. Len, Ph.D.
E-mail: pLen@cuesta.edu

About This Course

Here are important details to know about this course before the start of the spring 2026 semester. You gain full access to this course on the first day of the semester (Tuesday, January 20). This course is fully online with no mandatory meeting or exam times.

This is a projects-based course where you use binoculars and remote robotic telescopes to observe, document and explore celestial objects in the night sky; make contributions to citizen science; and keep up with present-day discoveries and developments in astronomy.

Together we observe the wonders of the universe while being respectful of everyone's backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. We can learn about astronomy and from each other in an enthusiastic and welcoming environment. Your feedback is valuable, and so please let me know what can be done to maximize your learning experience.

Online Course Information

We use Canvas (a web-based learning management system) for course materials and links, current events quizzes, uploading assignments, discussion boards, e-mail, and grades.

There are no in-person meetings. Prepare to spend 3-4 hours per week for this course on self-directed reading, viewing, studying, and writing.

If you are unsure about taking an online course, go to Cuesta College's Online Readiness Resources webpage and go through the questions listed there, to self-assess succeeding in an online course.

Refer to the Technical Frequently Asked Questions regarding specific minimum computer and browser requirements for Canvas.

Cuesta College has resources on Getting Started with Canvas, and offers a "Being Successful Online" tutorial.

Cuesta College has a technical support page available to help with Canvas problems.

Course Catalog Description

This course presents the principles of measurement, data collection and analysis to the astronomical phenomena of celestial motions and characteristics of planets, stars, galaxies in the planning, execution, and presentation of research projects. Prerequisite: elementary algebra or eligibility for college-level math using the current college process. Corequisite: ASTR 210 (enrolled during this semester, or completed in a previous semester).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Describe present-day discoveries and developments in astronomy (current events)
2. Make observations of astronomical objects using the naked eye, actual telescopes, and/or remote telescopes.
3. Develop procedures to make observations.
4. Document observation data and conclusions.
5. Prepare presentation materials, such as a report or poster, to share results of experiments and studies.

Slooh Robotic Telescope Account (Required Purchase)

Slooh is a paid subscription ($30 student-discounted price) to access robotic telescopes in the Canary Islands and in Chile. More instructions on creating an account, purchasing your membership, and joining the group workspace for this course will be given through Canvas at the start of the semester.

Binoculars (Required Purchase, or Borrow/Share)

Suggested links to purchase a "beginner-level" binoculars below. It is okay to borrow or share a binoculars.

(Recommended) Harbor Freight 10 × 50 mm binoculars, $20 - $25):

• harborfreight.com/10-x-50-wide-angle-binoculars-94527.html

(Alternate) Barska 10 × 50 mm binoculars, $35 - $45): 

• homedepot.com/p/BARSKA-Colorado-10x-50-mm-Waterproof-Binoculars-CO10672/205635258 Links to an external site.
• target.com/p/barska-12x50mm-porro-binoculars-blue/-/A-82539220 Links to an external site.

Purchase binoculars from a local store with a return policy. Keep the receipt. Test it right away. Return to store for refund/exchange if:

• Nothing can be seen through it.
• It can't be focused/adjusted to see distant objects outside sharply. (Link to a how-to video here Links to an external site..)
• View seems okay at first, but it somehow gives you headaches.

Check with the instructor regarding questions about these binoculars, or using other types of equipment (spotting scopes, telescopes, etc.).

Necessary Tools

Please contact me if you have problems accessing these necessary tools.

• Laptop (or tablet, or phone) applications capable of editing and exporting written/typed work (DOC, PDF formats) and screenshot images (JPEG, HEIC, GIF, PNG formats).
  
  
• Stellarium, a free virtual planetarium. Stellarium Web works online within any laptop web browser (stellarium-web.org Links to an external site.), or the Stellarium Mobile app can be installed on phones and tablets from the App Store (iOS Links to an external site.) or Google Play (Android Links to an external site.).

Accommodations

You can arrange reasonable learning accommodations for this course (or for selected components that may be inherently inaccessible) through Cuesta College Disabled Student Programs & Services, and they coordinate with you and me on the specific details.

Course Standards

In this course, I will help you learn to the best of their ability, and be fair in grading your work. In return, you can always ask for help and/or extensions on difficult assignments, and submit only your own individual work. Together we can do this, and successfully explore the universe and our place in it!

No AI: you are prohibited from using AI for all assignments. Demonstrate what you learned in completing assignments, and share your experiences with other students in discussion boards. Show your skills and share your thoughts!

(Review the Cuesta College Student Code of Conduct for a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable behavior.)