CSU Stanislaus Astronomy Group

Welcome to the CSU Stanislaus Astronomy Wiki. This is the main repository of information about the astronomical research, astronomy classes, astronomers, and astronomy students in the Department of Physics, Physical Science, and Geology.

News

• (Feburary 4) The CSU Stanilslaus Observatory is now on facebook. Become a fan of the observatory today.

• (January 29) Public Observing Night — The first public observing night is Tuesday, February 3. See the event page for details.

• (January 9) The international year of astronomy is here! To find out more about it visit the international year of astronomy web page, the U.S. year of astronomy web page, or even the NASA year of astronomy web page. We will have regular viewing from the roof of the new science building, and inaugurate the new telescope this year as part of our local celebration. Please subscribe to the mailing list or keep watching the public events page to find out about events happening on the CSU Stanislaus campus.

• (December 30) Two astronomy classes are being offered in the Spring of 2009. Descriptive Astronomy will be a one semester introduction to the Universe in which we live, including topics like stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmology. Contemporary Astronomy will focus on the search for life beyond Earth. How we define life, what we may find, and how we are currently conducting the search. Both this astronomy classes fulfill certain GE requirements.

• (April 17) 2009 is the international year of Astronomy. To find out more about planned events please check the

  international information page, U.S. information page, or the NASA information page. CSU Stanislaus will also be participating with public activities to celebrate the international year of astronomy. Monitor this page or join our mailing list to stay informed.
  

• (March 24) The Governor has proposed a 10% budget cut to the CSU System. Such a cut could have a devastating effect on our university's ability to provide an affordable education to residents of the central valley. California's public higher education system is part of what makes California great, and it is by providing excellent higher education at affordable prices that California has become such a major economic force. Although a 10% cut to the CSU budget would serve to balance the budget temporarily, California will suffer long term economic effects from this reduced investment in education. Please

  learn more about the budget crisis and get involved in helping us maintain our distinction in public higher education.

• (January 14) Two astronomy classes are being offered in the Spring of 2008.

  Descriptive Astronomy features a one semester introduction to the Universe in which we live, touching on topics like stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmology. Contemporary Astronomy will be taking a detailed look at the possibility of life beyond Earth by studying what makes Earth able to support life and figuring out how scientists go about looking for life on other planets.

• (January 9) Assistant Professor

  Christopher De Vries presented the results of a study of the modeled radio emission from molecular clouds at the 211^th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Austin, TX. These clouds may react to strong interstellar winds by collapsing to form a new star. Dr. De Vries's work uncovers the tell tale signs of such a process whose signature may soon be found by the world's large radio telescopes.

• (January 1) Find out about public observing events by subscribing to our

  Friends of Astronomy mailing list. Be the first on your block to know what's happening in the sky.

Interested in a career in astronomy?

This career guide will tell you what astronomers do and how you can join their ranks.