Janice A. Hester, Ph.D.

Residential Faculty - Astronomy

Physical Science

Physical Science

Office: RDM-S Saguaro - Room: 273

480-461-7313 (alt)

Office Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
 
 
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
 
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
 
Online
 
Online
 
Online
By appointment
 
By appointment
 
By appointment

  • In-person PHY office hours: Before and after class in PV105
  • Online AST office Hours: MW 11:30 - 1:00 over Zoom

I am always happy to have students during office hours.  For online office hours, please message me beforehand so that I have an online meeting open for you.

If you wish to set up a meeting outside of normal office hours, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance. Since I may have conflicts with your preferred time, please suggest 2-3 times when you would be available to meet.

  • Office at Red Mountain: S-273
  • Office at Southern & Dobson: PS-208

Classes Taught

Fall 2026

AST111 Introduction to Solar System Astronomy 4 Credits

Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. The scientific method, properties of light, astronomical instruments, our Solar System and solar systems around other stars. Includes hands-on astronomical observations and laboratory exercises.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.

Course Notes: Note that AST111 is not a prerequisite for other AST courses, AST106, 111, and 112 cover three areas of study in astronomy. These courses can be taken in any order or combination. AST106 and AST112 are not prerequisites of this course.

General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
15747
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/24/2026 – 10/16/2026

Class Ended

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.

Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Class 15747 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Class 15747 This class may include optional synchronous components such as review sessions, office hours, etc.. Coursework must be completed according to deadlines. Students are required to submit an initial assignment due within the first few days of class. Students are required to have access to a computer and Internet. A webcam and microphone are recommended. A mobile device may not be sufficient for all course content.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 15747 must also register for .
16338
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/24/2026 – 10/16/2026

Class Ended

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.

Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Class 16338 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Class 16338 This class may include optional synchronous components such as review sessions, office hours, etc.. Coursework must be completed according to deadlines. Students are required to submit an initial assignment due within the first few days of class. Students are required to have access to a computer and Internet. A webcam and microphone are recommended. A mobile device may not be sufficient for all course content.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 16338 must also register for .
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics 4 Credits

Kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, conservation laws, dynamics of particles, solids, fluids, mechanical waves, and sound.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or permission of Department or Division. One year of high school physics suggested but not required.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
32142
Red Mountain Campus

RDM P105
In-Person
Lecture
08/25/2026 – 12/18/2026
TuTh
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Class Started

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 32142 must also register for .
32143
Red Mountain Campus

RDM P105
In-Person
Lab
08/25/2026 – 12/18/2026
TuTh
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Class Started

Notes: Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 32143 must also register for .

Fall Flex Start 2026

AST112 Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology 4 Credits

Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. Structure and evolution of stars; supernovae, black holes, and quasars; nebulae; star clusters; galaxies; cosmology, including the birth and death of the universe.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.

Course Notes: Note that AST112 is not a prerequisite for other AST courses, AST106, 111, and 112 cover three areas of study in astronomy. These courses can be taken in any order or combination. AST106 and AST111 are not prerequisites of this course.

General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
16271
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
10/19/2026 – 12/18/2026

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.

Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Class 16271 This class may include optional synchronous components such as review sessions, office hours, etc.. Coursework must be completed according to deadlines. Students are required to submit an initial assignment due within the first few days of class. Students are required to have access to a computer and Internet. A webcam and microphone are recommended. A mobile device may not be sufficient for all course content.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 16271 must also register for .
16340
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
10/19/2026 – 12/18/2026

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.

Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Class 16340 This class may include optional synchronous components such as review sessions, office hours, etc.. Coursework must be completed according to deadlines. Students are required to submit an initial assignment due within the first few days of class. Students are required to have access to a computer and Internet. A webcam and microphone are recommended. A mobile device may not be sufficient for all course content.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 16340 must also register for .

Spring 2027

AST111 Introduction to Solar System Astronomy 4 Credits

Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. The scientific method, properties of light, astronomical instruments, our Solar System and solar systems around other stars. Includes hands-on astronomical observations and laboratory exercises.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.

Course Notes: AST106, AST111, and AST112 cover three areas of Astronomy. These courses can be taken in any order or combination.

General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
11495
Dobson Campus

PS 105
In-Person
Lecture
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027
TuTh
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Open

18 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 11495 must also register for .
12315
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/19/2027 – 03/12/2027

Open

24 of 28
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.

Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 12315 must also register for .
11496
Dobson Campus

PS 105
In-Person
Lab
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027
TuTh
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Open

18 of 24
Seats Available

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 11496 must also register for .
12316
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/19/2027 – 03/12/2027

Open

24 of 28
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.

Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 12316 must also register for .
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics 4 Credits

Kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, conservation laws, dynamics of particles, solids, fluids, mechanical waves, and sound.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or permission of Department or Division. One year of high school physics suggested but not required.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
10939
Red Mountain Campus

RDM P105
In-Person
Lecture
01/20/2027 – 05/14/2027
MoWe
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Open

21 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 10939 must also register for .
10985
Red Mountain Campus

RDM P105
In-Person
Lab
01/20/2027 – 05/14/2027
MoWe
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Open

21 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 10985 must also register for .

Spring Flex Start 2027

AST112 Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology 4 Credits

Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. Structure and evolution of stars; supernovae, black holes, and quasars; nebulae; star clusters; galaxies; cosmology, including the birth and death of the universe.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.

Course Notes: AST106, AST111, and AST112 cover three areas of Astronomy. These courses can be taken in any order or combination.

General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
11269
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
03/22/2027 – 05/14/2027

Open

16 of 28
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.

Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Students are required to submit an initial assignment due within the first few days of class. Students are required to have access to a computer and internet. A webcam and microphone are recommended. A mobile device may not be sufficient for all course content.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 11269 must also register for .
11270
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
03/22/2027 – 05/14/2027

Open

16 of 28
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.

Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 11270 must also register for .

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