Astronomy

This course offers an introduction to our present knowledge of the universe and the historical development of humanity’s changing understanding of the cosmos. Emphasis not only on the nature of planets, stars, and galaxies, but also on the evolutionary processes which occur in the universe, including cosmology and the origin of the elements, the formation and life cycles of stars, and the development of planetary systems. Three lecture/lab sessions per week. Not open to physical science majors. Astronomy 110 does not count toward Astronomy or Astronomy-combined majors.

A survey of planets and their motions, planetary satellites, comets, meteorites, and interplanetary material. Several problem sets and exams, short research paper, and one evening lab session each week. Offered in rotation with Astronomy 178, 179.

An introduction to the properties of stars, their motions, and their distributions in space. Several problem sets and exams, short research paper, and one evening lab session each week. Offered in rotation with Astronomy 177, 179.

An introduction to the structure of galaxies and to the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe. Several problem sets and exams, short research paper, and one evening lab session each week. Offered in rotation with Astronomy 177, 178.

A survey of cosmological discoveries and their impact on our understanding of our location in space and time. Several problem sets and exams, short research paper and oral presentation, and occasional outdoor labs. This course applies to the science distribution area, but not science with a laboratory.

A survey of planetary systems around other stars and current research into the possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe.  Several problem sets and exams, short research paper and oral presentation, and occasional outdoor labs.  This course applies to the science distribution area, but not science with a laboratory.

Astronomical study and research is heavily dependent on the use of computers for analyzing data as well as communicating that data to collaborators, other scientists, and the public.  We regularly carry powerful computers in our pockets, ostensibly to make telephone calls, but the normal course of education does not teach how to undertake technical tasks on the computer.  In this class, students will gain proficiency in many areas required for professional proficiency in astronomy.  Namely, this will include Linux use and file management using a variety of desktop managers, typesetting documents in LaTeX, construction of scientific figures, and an introduction to astronomical programing in FORTRAN and python.

Of interest to majors in physics or physics-astronomy, this course considers the application of the principles of atomic structure and the radiation laws to the interpretation of the spectra of stars and nebulae; the physical principles underlying the study of the structure of stars, energy generation by thermonuclear reactions, and nucleosynthesis; and theoretical and observational aspects of stellar evolution. Several problem assignments and a midterm examination. Offered in alternate years with Astronomy 320.

Intended for physics-astronomy majors but also open to majors in related sciences. The constituents and structure of our own and other galaxies, the nature of quasars and active galaxies, and the large-scale structure of the universe itself. Reading assignments will be made in various books and scientific journals. Several problem assignments and a mid-term test. Offered in alternate years with Astronomy 310.

Intended for majors in physics-astronomy and related sciences. The study of the universe: how it originated, the formation and evolution of structures, the curvature of space and time. Several problem sets, exams, research paper. Offered in alternate years.

Intended for majors in astronomy, astronomy-geology, and related sciences. The study of solar system objects: interiors, surfaces, atmospheres, and orbital mechanics. Several problem sets, exams, research paper.

Intended for majors in astronomy, physics-astronomy, and related sciences. The study of observational astronomy across the full electromagnetic spectrum as well as gravitational waves. Specifically looking at detector technologies, telescope design, data reduction, the current state of the art in both ground-based and space-based observational astronomy missions, and the physics governing emission across the spectrum. Several problem sets, exams, project.

We will learn Einstein's Theory of General Relativity and apply it to neutron stars and black holes---compact objects at the frontier of human knowledge about the fundamental nature of space, time, and matter. John Wheeler famously characterized General Relativity as saying, "Space tells matter how to move. Matter tells space how to curve." The theory is written in the language of differential geometry, so along the way to articulating and using the theory, we will introduce mathematical constructs from this branch of mathematics. We will necessarily develop our formal mathematical reasoning ability, and both linear algebra and multi-variate calculus will serve as essential background knowledge. At the same time, we will take a *physics first* approach, and introduce needed differential geometry concepts gradually, applying them to physics problems at each earliest opportunity. Toward the end of the course, using knowledge gained in the first portion of the class, students will work on projects relating to contemporary research on black holes or neutron stars. May be elected as Physics 301. Distribution area: none. Prerequisites: Mathematics 225 and Physic 156. Corequisites: Mathematics 240 and Physics 245.

Discussion and directed reading and/or observational work on a topic of interest to the individual student.

Oral reports by students on reading and research projects. Faculty and visiting scientist guest lectures. Discussion of recent works of importance to the field and problem-solving exercises. No examinations. One meeting per week. May be repeated for a maximum of two credits.

An advanced interdisciplinary independent study project for astronomy or astronomy-combined majors; students wishing to do a senior research project should choose project advisors and propose an interdisciplinary topic during the second semester of their junior year.

Preparation of an honors thesis. Required of and limited to senior honors candidates in astronomy.