Welcome! 

I have the privilege of teaching astronomy at Johnson County Community College as well part-time for other institutions around the country.  Both my online and on-campus courses have course material on the Angel Learning Management System.  Go here to log into Angel.  All material is provided online at no charge, including the text.  These classes are introductory courses that I teach with the goal of exposing students to as much of the universe as I can fit into a semester course. 

Think you want to be a professional astronomer? 

Astronomy is a extremely broad and dynamic field of science.  Discoveries are happening daily and they are transforming our view of the cosmos at an accelerating rate.  Big questions about our universe are out there to be answered by eager new minds.  Go here to find out how you too could be a professional astronomer!

The Astronomical Society of Kansas City

Did you know that there is a large active astronomy club here in Kansas City?  Did you know that they built and operate the Powell Observatory in Louisburg, Kansas, about a half-hour south of JCCC?  They also have a dark-sky site farther south. The Observatory is the largest one in this part of the country that is open to the public.  Public viewing nights run for several months, from late spring to early fall.  Each Saturday night, there is a talk provided followed by viewing through their 30-inch telescope, as well as through other smaller telescopes that may be set up that night.  For more information about membership, the observatory and a calendar of events visit the ASKC site.

Chapter 1