If you would like to conduct astronomical observations for your creative project (or if you just want to have some fun!), check out the 21-inch telescope in the Steward Observatory dome (right next to the ASTR 204 classroom). You can reserve 45min time slots on the telescope by using the sign-up sheets posted on the bulletin board directly across from the ``rogues gallery'' of Steward Observatory employee photos in the Main Building. The telescope is available between 7:30 and 10:30 pm from Monday through Thursday. There are two undergraduate telescope operators supervising the telescope at all times who will close the telescope if the sky is more than 30% cloudy. A maximum of 8 to 10 people are allowed in the dome at any one time. You do not have to show up if it is raining or very cloudy during your time slot.

If you decide on an observing project, you should sign up for the blocks of telescope time that you will need as soon as possible, as the demand for telescope time increases quickly during the semester. Make sure that your time slots are after the monsoon season ends or you probably won't get much data.

If you want to do an observing project, you should think up some ideas and then discuss them with the instructor or the TA.

For more information about the White telescope, and the very first observatory in Southern Arizona, click here.