A new way of looking at the stars will soon be available online through Iowa State. The Polaris Project, a series of semester-long online astronomy classes, will enable students from around the world to explore the night sky via the Internet. The 100-level course, which is geared mainly toward college freshmen and advanced high school students, is expected to be offered this spring. “There are a lot of things we can do that a book can’t,” said Lee Anne Willson, university professor of physics and astronomy who spearheaded the program. Advantages of the online classes include animation of diagrams, computer graphics, discussion and chat groups, Willson said. Another potential of the online class will be to build cooperative arrangements with students worldwide, she said. The initial idea for the Polaris Project came from a workbook Willson created several years ago for an introductory astronomy class. Production Manager and Creative Director Doug Bennett, graduate assistant in astronomy and physics, and graphic designer Travis Engelhaupt were two students who helped make the project a reality. Engelhaupt, sophomore in computer science, said his involvement in the project happened by luck. A physics major at the time of the development, Engelhaupt was at a Physics Club meeting when Willson asked for help from students. Engelhaupt said he spends anywhere from three to 40 hours per week on the project. “When the deadlines come around, then you’re wishing you were someplace else,” he said, even though he said it is still worth it. “We used a lot of great technology and new software on the market to aid us. I am really pleased with what we have.” Several students are enrolled in the trial run of the first course, titled North Star, which explores the night sky starting in the backyard. Willson said students who want to be part of the initial testing can still sign up for Astronomy 290 and earn a credit for offering feedback. “We’re looking for people with a variety of backgrounds and interests in astronomy,” she said. “We need to find all the bugs before we make it available in a general way.” The next two courses, named Evening Star and Destination Star, are still under construction. The Evening Star program will take students on a trip to the solar system, while the Destination Star program will help students reach a star using current technology while increasing their understanding of space travel. Both will be offered for students for a trial period in coming semesters. Willson said pending the approval process, the first course should be ready for students in the spring. Interested students can access the course information through the Web site at www.polaris.iastate.edu