Q:  How can I get into the program?
A: If you are a sophomore or above, study the program web pages, and just sign up if you feel it's the right program for you. There is no pretest and no signature requirement, except for first-year students.

Q:  How can first-year students get into the program?
A: Study the program web page, and make sure it's the right program for you. Take the AstroSurvey on inQsit. Then email your most recent self-evaluations and evaluations from faculty to Dr. Zita (always put ASTRO in the subject header). Nicely ask your recent professor's secretary to email the evals directly to Zita, and remember to say thank you.

Q:  When do we meet?
A:  Please see the program web page for the schedule details for this year. We usually meet 2-3 afternoons/evenings per week, with one hour after class one night per week for observing. You will also spend extra time meeting a small team of classmates to prepare for classes.

Q:  Will we study the particular phenomenon or idea that I'm interested in?
A:  Yes, you can do your research project on it, with help from your professor and support staff.

Q:  What texts and equipment do I need?
A:  See the lists at the bottom of our home page.  Please order your texts (online) well before class so you have them the first day, as the bookstore cannot be counted on to have our texts.

Q:  Do I need a computer at home, since much of the program requires Internet use?
A:  No - you can use the computers at school.  You will be expected to meet your small team of classmates several times per week, so you might plan on using the campus computers before or after those meetings.

Q:  What telescope should I buy?
A:  Don't buy a telescope yet!  Buy or borrow a 10 x 50 binoculars and a tripod.  They are much easier to use, therefore you will use them more.  You can also use the college's telescopes and try out different types;  test drive as many as you can before you decide to make a major investment in a telescope.

Q:  How much math and science do I have to know?
A:  You should be comfortable with algebra and trigonometry, and willing to learn more math.  We do not assume that you have any background at all in physics or astronomy.

Q:  How hard is the program?
A:  While we do not assume much background knowledge, you will be expected to do a lot of work and to learn a lot.  Be prepared for up to 300 pages of reading each week, one or two short papers per week, quantitative homework every week, extra meetings with your class teammates, and observing on clear nights.  You will do a research project, write it up as a web page or powerpoint lecture, and present your work to the class. We will help you develop the skills you need to do all this.  This is a fine program for beginners, but not for flakes.  If you want a light and easy spring quarter, this is not the program for you. If you want a fun and challenging program, this is a good one.

Q:  What other prerequisites are there?
A:  See the program description for details.  "Maturity" means you take responsibility for your own learning and keep the commitments in the program covenant, at a minimum.

Q:  Will we take a field trips?
A:  Students are invited to organize your own weekend or midquarter trips together to eastern Washington where the skies are clearer. Goldendale observatory is a good place with nearby camping. Plan a month in advance, to be sure the observatory is open when you want to go. Campus vans can be reserved by contacting Sherry Parsons at the Motorpool x6354.