Astronomy Center at USC

The Astronomy Center is located on the basement level (map) of the Jones Physical Science Building (PSC) and is where students enrolled in the self-paced astronomy courses may study, take tests, and complete required labs. These pages contain information about Astronomy at USC and also contain links to a variety of astronomically interesting sites for anyone else interested in astronomy.

Important dates for the start of the Summer I semester...

*There is a MANDITORY 50-minute orientation meeting on Monday, May 28th for new ASTR 111 and/or 111A students. The time of this orientation depends on the section in which you are registered. All students should report to the Astronomy Center at time listed on your course schedule for orientation. Please familiarize yourself with your course syllabus (left) before orientation.

*Lab orientations ("Lab 0") will be held on Tuesday May 29th. You will sign up for your lab orientation time during the first class meeting.

*The regular lab schedule (Labs 2-4 & 211 labs) will begin on Wednesday, May 30th. You may begin to sign up for your required labs beginning on this day.

*Planetarium sessions (Unit 51) will be held on Wednesday, June 6th. You will be given the opportunity to sign up for this unit during the first class meeting. Sign-up sheets will be posted outside the EV room. Note: Unit 51 can be used for credit in ASTR 111 only.

*The Drop Date is June 7th. Dropping the course after this date will result in a grade of 'WF' for the course.

See all course announcements...

Date	Unit	Time	Status
			There are no updates at this time.

[Full Observatory Unit Schedule for the Summer Semester] (available soon)

*Observatory units are weather dependant and will be canceled if poor weather develops (except Unit 59). Cancellations will be posted above at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the unit. Once a unit is canceled, it can not be "uncanceled" even if the weather conditions improve. Cancellation decisions will be based on current and forecasted weather conditions.

*Sign-up sheets for observatory units will be posted on the board outside room 007C. Availability is on a first come first serve basis. If a unit fills up, you may come to the unit as a standby in the event that a seat opens up.

*Units 49, 50 & 55 require a 3-page report (per unit) to be written and submitted within 7 days after completion of the unit(s). [Report Guidelines] [Sample Report]

*Students may NOT receive credit for more than one of units 45, 46, 47 or 48.

John L. Safko, Distinguished Professor Emeritus