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Fall Semester
Astronomy: Solar System
Students investigate the development of astronomy from the ideas of the ancients to the modern technological exploration of our solar system. The course focuses on the origin, dynamics and physical characteristics of members of the solar system (sun, planets, satellites, meteoroids, asteroids, and comets). Through a study of planetary geology, students will gain an appreciation for the interdisciplinary mature of astronomy. Class activities will include planetarium observations, as well as laboratory experiences based on data provided by NASA, Harvard Smithsonian MicroObservatory and other astronomy-based facilities.
Spring Semester
Astronomy: Universe
Students investigate astronomy from the stellar and galactic view.
They
begin with the physical properties of stars and stellar evolution (how
an astronomer infers a star's origin and eventual demise.) They
progress to studies of galaxies, using the Milky Way as the standard
for comparison. The universe on a grand scale then becomes the topic
for discussions on clusters of galaxies and cosmology (the origin and
evolution of the universe). The planetarium, MicroObservatory Net and
Mt. Wilson 24" Schmidt will aid laboratory studies, as well as
information from many other NASA sights including the Hubble Telescope.
Important links
Website to find
deep sky objects in constellations