Stars and Galaxies (ASTR 1303)

An introduction to the present cosmological theories about the structure and evolution of the universe. A comparison with previous models since antiquity. A study of the celestial sphere and the constellations, the motions in the sky. A study of gravity, light, radiation, optics, telescopes and spacecraft. A survey of the stars, clusters, galaxies, superclusters, their properties, structure and evolution. Laboratory includes an introduction to observational techniques using telescopes, in-class projects/exercises on spectroscopy, stellar positions, solar heating, planetary motions, solar and astrophotography, star clusters, galaxies, and cosmology.