A survey course intended for the non-science major. Topics studied will include most of the following: historical astronomy, electromagnetic radiation, telescopes, the Earth-Moon system, the solar system, the sun, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, quasars and cosmology. The laboratory portion of the course may include optics, visual astronomical observing techniques, use of the telescope, spectroscopy, and distance measurement. Credit not granted for both ASTR& 100 and ASTR& 101.
Prerequisites
Math 099 or higher placement
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- Discuss some of the history of astronomy
- Identify major seasonal constellations and some of the brighter stars in the night sky.
- Identify lunar phases and, given a lunar phase, predict rising and setting times.
- Describe conditions necessary for solar and lunar eclipses.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxies, quasars, and black holes.
- Describe the role of gravity in various astronomical processes.
- Describe how astronomers employ electromagnetic radiation to learn about astronomical objects.
- Perform simple algebra and calculations involving relations used in astronomy such as Wien’s Displacement Law, Kepler’s Third Law, and other relations used in introductory astronomy.
- Discuss qualitatively current theories of cosmology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of telescope powers (resolving power, light-gathering power, and magnification) to compare telescopes of different apertures and designs.
- Motions in the Sky
- Seasonal Changes in the Night Sky
- Astronomical History
- Early Astronomy
- Developments in Astronomy of Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler
- Newton’s Laws and the Celestial Clockwork
- Orbits of the Planets and Moons
- Light, Optics, and Optical Astronomy
- The Solar System
- The Planets
- Asteroids, Comets, and Meteoroids
- Radio, Infrared, and High-Energy Astronomy
- Stars
- Interstellar Distances
- Spectral Analysis of Starlight
- Nuclear Fusion
- Stellar Evolution
- Galaxies
- Other Astronomical Objects
- Quasars
- Black Holes
- Cosmology
- The Expanding Universe
- Cosmological Models
- The Big Bang
- Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe
Laboratory Work 20%; Papers 20%; Other Written Assignments 10%; Exams and Quizzes 50%
PO5 should be assessed: Students will be able to solve problems by gathering, interpreting, combining and/or applying information from multiple sources.