Course Topics
This course will provide a general introduction to contemporary astronomy. Unfortunately it is
impossible in one semester to do justice to all potentially interesting topics. After beginning with
about three weeks of discussion of some "natural phenomena" and some of the needed ideas from physics,
we will spend about half of the semester studying the broad area of stellar astronomy. During this
part of the course we will also introduce many of the areas of physics necessary to appreciate the
origin and evolution of stars. What topics after stars? Unfortunately, it is simply not possible to do
justice to both the subject of solar system astronomy (the Sun and the planets) and that of the larger
universe (our galaxy, other galaxies, and cosmology). So, how about a sporting proposition here?
As we near the end of our work on stars, I will call for a vote! Would you like to study galaxies and
the universe, or would you like to study our Solar System? I'll make the decision if the vote is closely
split, but will go with your wishes if a strong preference is indicated.
Below, I have blocked out the semester, naming the text chapters relevant to each topic. In each
class, discussion will be focused on the more difficult material. However, you are responsible for
all of the material given in the text, as well as that given in class. Please read the identified chapters
of the text before our class discussion.
Week
|
Text
|
Topics
|
1
|
1, 2
|
Scale of the Universe, Nomenclature, Celestial Sphere
|
2
|
3
|
Motion of the Sun, Seasons, Lunar and Planetary Phases
|
3
|
3, 4
|
Eclipses, Planetary Motions, Gravitation
|
4
|
5
|
Electromagnetic Spectrum, Optics
|
5
|
5
|
Telescopes, Instruments, "Continuous Radiation"
First Exam (Approx.)
|
6
|
6
|
Radiation, Atoms and Spectral Lines, Doppler Effect
|
7
|
6, 8
|
Spectral Sequence, Parallax, HR Diagram, Binary Stars
|
8
|
8
|
Mass vs. Luminosity, Stellar Lifetimes, Star Clusters
|
9
|
8, 9
|
Star Formation, Structure of Stable Stars, Energy Sources
Second Exam (Approx.)
|
10
|
9, 10
|
Main Sequence Evolution, Red Giants, Planetary Nebulae
|
11
|
10, 11
|
White Dwarfs, Pulsars, Black Holes
|
OPTION 1:
|
12
|
12
|
The Milky Way Galaxy
|
13
|
13, 14
|
Other Galaxies, Galaxy Clusters, Peculiar Galaxies
Third Exam (Approx.)
|
14
|
14, 15
|
Exotic (violent) Galaxies; Cosmology Observations
|
15
|
15
|
Where and When did it begin? Cosmology Theory
|
OPTION 2:
|
12
|
16
|
Building From a Cloud to the Whole Solar System
|
13
|
17
|
The Moon and Terrestrial Planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars)
Third Exam (Approx.)
|
14
|
18
|
The Giant Planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune); Wannabes
|
15
|
19
|
Solar System Debris
|
FINAL EXAM: Friday, May 8, 2-5 PM
|
|
