ASTR 270 TA Page
Welcome! This is your go-to page for all things related to ASTR 270 and TA support.
Table of Contents
About Me
👋 Hi there! I’m Andy Tzanidakis, your TA for ASTR 270. I’m a forth-year astronomy Ph.D. student studying Galactic stellar variables. I’m the current director and program coordinator for the University of Washington’s planetarium. I’m really looking forward to meeting and working with you all!
I’m deeply passionate about science communication and STEM education. I firmly believe that effective communication is one of the most vital skillsets in the professional world. In an era where science and technology are at the forefront of modern living, academics, scientists, and educators must pay special attention to how we communicate science to the public. Now more than ever, bridging the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding is crucial. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to participate in various science communication opportunities, and I’ll be eager to share the experiences and insights I’ve gained along the way.
Office Hours
Need help with homework, ideas for your upcoming project, technical assistance in the UW Planetarium, feedback on project drafts, or just want to hang out and chat about space and science communication? Feel free to drop by my office hours:
📍 Location: PAB B325 or Zoom
🕒 Times: Monday & Wednesday 2PM - 3PM
If the regular office hours do not align with your schedule, you can reserve a one-on-one meeting with me through Google Calendar.
TA Expectations & Guidelines
We the instructors are committed to helping you succeed in ASTR 270. As your TA, my primary role is to serve and prioritize your needs, supporting you in achieving your best in this course. We are dedicated to helping you with any questions, workshopping your ideas, providing critical project feedback, and fostering a safe, collaborative, and inclusive learning environment. I encourage you to reach out if you need help with anything, you can contact me directly at atzanida@uw.edu. The only expectation I have is that you remain respectful and mindful towards the instructors and your fellow peers.
UW Planetarium
The University of Washington Planetarium is one of the largest outreach programs at UW Astro, celebrating its third decade of inspiring cosmic exploration. Each year, the planetarium welcomes over 5,000 guests from across Washington state, sharing the wonders of the cosmos with the general public. As a student of ASTR 270, you will develop the essential skills to craft and deliver captivating planetarium shows using WorldWide Telescope, joining a vibrant community of volunteers dedicated to sharing the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe.
** Click here for the UW Planetarium Manual Handbook**
As the director of the UW Planetarium, I view the planetarium as our collective scientific home. I kindly ask that you treat the planetarium with the same respect and care you would show any treasured space of your own. This means being mindful to leave no trace behind and to carefully review our code of conduct and usage guidelines.
UW Planetarium Usage
What times is the planetarium available for practice?
Generally, the UW Planetarium will be available on Monday through Thursday 8AM - 6:30PM, and Friday 3PM - 6:30PM.
How do I reserve the planetarium for practice?
- Request practice time via the Google Calendar Itinerary
- I will review your request and approve your training within 1 business day
- You will receive an email from me approving your training request, along with information for accessing the planetarium
We please ask that during your practice session that no students outside of ASTR 270 are allowed to be at the UW Planetarium. This is because in the planetarium we host very expensive equipment, and we do not want any liability issues.
How can I get more familiar with the UW Planetarium software?
You can use the WorldWide Telescope application on your web browser to practice. Please keep in mind that some functionalities in the web version are not available at the UW Planetarium. If you have a machine running Windows, you can download the software on your machine and transfer your shows over to the planetarium.
I need help using the UW Planetarium dome
While you’re practicing at the planetarium, if you encounter any issues or have questions, please ask Andy for support. Generally, you best reach me via Slack (in our #astr270-spr2025 Slack channel), or via email (atzanida@uw.edu).
In case of an emergency, please call Andy Tzanidakis, +1 (347)-703-9210.
Feel free to email me anytime at atzanida@uw.edu with questions!