The Randolph-Macon physics department will improve the laboratory component of its Introductory Astronomy offering by unifying the experience around a central theme. The purchase of key items of laboratory and observatory equipment will focus the educational task on the range of observing tools and techniques available in modern visible- light astronomy. Experiments in photography, spectroscopy, and photometry will be offered. Each method will be studied in an indoor laboratory setting to provide sufficient skill development prior to applying the techniques in the college observatory. The project will add laboratory spectrometers, a telescope-mounted photometer, and a computer for instrument control to the equipment already available.
