Henderson, Nev. Nevada State College has acquired cutting-edge telescopes to enhance the learning experience of students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences astronomy courses.
When the college opened the new 42,000-square-foot Liberal Arts and Sciences building this fall, one 11-inch and two 16-inch diameter telescopes by Celestron were added to the collection of 8-inch telescopes that were previously available to students. The larger telescopes provide clearer views of the galaxies by collecting more light through the wider lenses. Each telescope is also equipped with auto guides requiring students to simply type in coordinates instead of manually adjusting the lenses to locate specific stars.
Many students are not aware of how the sciences are so integrated into their everyday lives, said Dr. Sandip Thanki, chair of physical sciences at Nevada State College. What students are able to do now is more advanced in comparison to what was available a couple of years ago due to the ever-evolving technology.
Hands-on learning using advanced technology provides students with a taste of what astronomers due on a daily basis for research, Thanki said. It also makes physical sciences more accessible.
The Celestron telescopes feature Charge Coupled Device (CCD) cameras, which act similar to modern, personal digital cameras. Instead of manually pointing out various objects in the sky, pictures can be taken of the galaxies allowing students to perform research, produce reports and learn more from their findings.
In addition to the new telescopes, the LAS building features 42 offices, four fully equipped science labs and several classrooms and state-of-the-art equipment such as a functioning seismograph one of only 10 in the state (most of which are located in the north). Other technologies available include: an oscilloscope to measure the speed of light and electrical signals and a ballistic pendulum, used in physics classes to demonstrate properties of momentum and energy.
We are a young school, but we’re offering students access to technology they can’t get just anywhere. This is state-of-the-art equipment, Thanki said. This will truly prepare our students for any number of careers.
Nevada State College is a comprehensive four-year public college offering degrees including nursing, business administration and education. The college opened its doors to students in September 2002 after the Board of Regents and the Nevada State Legislature determined the need for enhanced educational opportunities in Southern Nevada in 1997.
NSC’s main campus is located on more than 500 acres in the foothills of Henderson and provides progressive bachelor’s programs in several in-demand fields of study. Nevada State College offers a low student-to-professor ratio and competitive tuition rates.
For more information on Nevada State College, call: 702.990.2000 or visit: nsc.edu.
http://archive.nsc.edu/news/archive/2008-archive/nevada-state-college-enhances-astronomy-course-with-state-of-the-art-telescopes.aspx