 | The University of Virginia record February, 1908 |  |
SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY.
Professor Stone.
Mr. Olivier.
Required for Admission to the Work of the School: The General
Entrance Examination, and Course 1A in the School of Mathematics
or its equivalent.
Primarily for Undergraduates.
Course 1B: General Astronomy: Mathematics 1A prerequisite.—
The primary aim of this course is to give such a knowledge of the facts,
principles, and methods of Astronomy as every well-educated person should
possess.
The instruction is given by oral examinations, by lectures, and by the
assignment of problems. The mental discipline of the student is kept
constantly in view, and an earnest effort is made to create a habit of clear
and logical thinking.
Text-Book.—Young's General Astronomy.
For Undergraduates and Graduates.
Course 2C: Celestial Mechanics: Course 1B and Mathematics 2B
(or its equivalent) prerequisite.—The principal subjects considered are
rectilinear motion, central forces, potential, problems of two, three and n
bodies, perturbations, determination of a preliminary orbit.
Course 3C: Practical Astronomy: Course 1B and Mathematics 2B
(or its equivalent) prerequisite.—Spherical Astronomy and theory of
astronomical instruments, with practical exercises in making and reducing
astronomical observations.
For Graduates Only.
Course 4D: Celestial Mechanics: Course 2C prerequisite.—Problem
of three bodies, and theory of perturbations.
Course 5D: Lunar Theory: Course 2C prerequisite.
Course 6D: Recent Advances in Celestial Mechanics: Course 4D
prerequisite.—Researches of Hill, Newcomb, Guldin, Poincaré, and others.
Course 7D: Advanced Spherical Astronomy: Course 3C prerequisite.—Determination
of the positions of the fixed stars, preparation of
star catalogues, statistical study of the structure of the sidereal universe.
For information in regard to Fellowships in Astronomy application
should be made to the Professor in charge of the School.
The Astronomical Observatory is situated upon an elevation known
as Mount Jefferson, which furnishes an unobstructed horizon. The principal
building is a rotunda forty-five feet in diameter, and contains the
great Clark refractor of twenty-six inches aperture. The building and
instrument are the gift of Leander J. McCormick, Esq., of Chicago. The
computing rooms are adjoining, and contain clock, chronograph, etc., and
a working library. In a smaller building are a three-inch Fauth transit
and a four-inch Kahler equatorial.
A temporary Students' Observatory has been recently erected in the
rear of Dawson's Row, and is intended more especially for the use of
students in Course 1B.
| The University of Virginia record February, 1908 | |