Astronomy is a fast-changing field and it is important and interesting to keep up on the latest infromation. 2009 was celebrated as the International Year of Astronomy in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical observations with a telescope. A daily podcast was started in conjunction with that celebration; it is called 365 Days of Astronomy because it was expected to last just one year. However, at the end of 2009 they decided to continue it indefinitely. Many different people contribute episodes to it.

To earn a "D" in this class you need to subscribe to the 365 Days of Astronomy and listen to it most days. This is easily done if you have an iPod, but even if you don't you can still listen to the episodes on your computer. (If you don't have access to a computer you can read the transcripts in the computer lab.) The secret flower is orchid. Subscribe at 365DaysofAstronomy.org. Show me you have subscribed by May 10.

To earn a "C" in this class you need to submit a short one-paragraph report on each of two episodes of 365 Days of Astronomy that you heard. This can be done on paper or by e-mail to larry.smith@snow.edu. Make sure you include the date of the podcast, the title, a synopsis, and why you liked it. These are due by May 14.

To earn a "B" in this class you need to write a script for a podcast like those you hear on 365 Days of Astronomy. This is due by May 23.