Announcements

02/09/10 - Hassan's office hours have changed to Wednesday 1:30-3:30.

02/08/10 - Planetarium sessions begin this week. Be aware that Parkland may close if the weather is bad enough. Snow is forecast for tonight and tomorrow. If Parkland should close and we learn that early enough, I am told that email will be sent to students enrolled in that night's show. Otherwise you should monitor the news on radio or TV.

The textbook publisher offers free student Web resources at http://www.whfreeman/universe8e. These include online self-quizes, animations, .... Some of these I may use in class. Make the most of these resources!

The textbook for Astronomy 121 is Universe: The Solar System (3rd edition) by Freedman and Kaufmann. Make sure NOT to get Universe: Stars and Galaxies by Freedman and Kaufmann, which will be shelved nearby (sometimes the books are filed in the wrong stack). You have a choice of either a normal (paper) book or an eBook. All students also need an I-Clicker.

As of 1/7/10 the following were on the shelves at the IUB and TIS bookstores. Note that IUB chose to order "bundles" (shrink wraps containing both the book and an I-Clicker).

Illini Union Bookstore (IUB):
49 bundles	$ 96.22
 0 books, new
 0 books, used
 0 eBooks	 
   I-Clickers	$ 33.60 new, $ 25.20 used.

TIS:
 0 bundles	
 0 books, new	
30 books, used	$ 63.93
 0 eBooks	
   I-Clickers	$ 34.15 new, $ 25.61 used

The eBook is also available for purchase directly from the publisher at: http://www.whfreeman.com/newcatalog.aspx?disc=Astronomy+%26+Physics&course=Introduction+to+Astronomy&isbn=0716795620

   books, new	$ 83.95
   ebooks	$ 51.95

There should be no real disadvantage to a used I-Clicker. At worst, it might at some point need new batteries. But please check that the serial number (on a very small white tag on back) is still legible. If not, the I-Clicker may still work fine, but it is a bit of a pain to get it registered to you.

In the past, one semester access to the eBook has been included free if you buy a new copy of the paper book. New paper copies in the local bookstores may also come with a free "Starry Night" CD (not required for the course, but a nice freebie).

Your I-Clicker must be registered, after you use it on the first day in class, by going to www.iclicker.com/registration and providing the required information.

The contents of the syllabus, class materials, and lectures for this class are copyrighted. They are intended for the students' private use and may not be reproduced without the permission of the professor.