1(2L-4P)
Prerequisite(s): One of ASTRO 101, PHYS 111, 121 or 128.
An introduction to the use of telescopes for photometric studies of variable stars and star clusters. Astronomical coordinate systems and techniques for measurement of stellar distances and ages will be discussed. Evening labs will acquaint students with the use of several CCD cameras and telescopes.
Note: Students with credit for ASTRO 212 may not take this course for credit. Offered for the first time in 2004-2005, then in alternate years.
1 (2L-4P)
Prerequisite(s): One of ASTRO 101, PHYS 111, 121 or 128.
A lab-based introduction to stellar spectral classification, spectroscopic parallax measurement, orbit analysis of spectroscopic binaries, redshift measurements of galaxies and CCD imaging techniques. Students will use telescopes to obtain spectroscopic data and will use digital CCD cameras to image star clusters and nebulae.
Note: Students with credit for ASTRO 212 may not take this course for credit.
Offered for the first time in 2005-2006, then in alternate years.
2(3L)
Prerequisite(s): ASTRO 101 or 213 or 214; PHYS 128 or PHYS 251; MATH 224 or 226 or 238.
An examination of spiral, elliptical, peculiar and radio galaxies, dark matter, Hubble's law of universal expansion, galactic collisions and cannibalism, quasars and supermassive black holes. The course also investigates Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the age, expansion and future of the universe, space curvature, rival cosmographical theories and dark sky paradox.
Note: Offered in 2004-2005, then in alternate years.
2(3L)
Prerequisite(s): ASTRO 101 or 213 or 214; PHYS 128 or PHYS 251; MATH 224 or 226 or 238.
An examination of the successes and failures of stellar evolution theory in tracking the protostar, main-sequence, red giant, supernova, pulsar and black hole stages in the lives of stars. Students will study physical models of stellar structure and nuclear energy generation and investigate the solar neutrino mystery.
Note: Offered in 2005-2006, and alternate years thereafter.
2(3L)
Prerequisite(s): ASTRO 101 or 213 or 214; PHYS 128 or PHYS 251; MATH 224 or 226 or 238.
An investigation of the formation, evolution and dynamics of the solar system. The physical properties of the sun, planets and other bodies are examined and used to constrain evolutionary models. The prospects and evidence for the existence of life elsewhere in the solar system and the detection of extrasolar planets are also considered.
Note: Offered in 2004-2005, then in alternate years.
2(3L)
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 251; MATH 338, and at least 3 credit units in astronomy, or permission of the department.
An introduction to general relativity as a theory of gravitation with applications to cosmology. Includes: principles of special and general relativity, tensor calculus in curved spacetime, Einstein's field equations, Schwarzschild solution, experimental tests of general relativity, black holes, standard cosmological models, unresolved cosmological issues, gravitational waves.
Note: Offered in 2005-2006, then in alternate years.