Astronomy
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Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe. See the Wikipedia article on astronomy for a good introduction to this fascinating field.
Mission Statement
The mission of the astronomy courses at Houston Community College is to provide quality education and to assist a diverse student body to prepare for careers in various fields involving astronomy, space exploration, and related sciences.
Astronomy at HCC
Information and Links (2008)
Tutoring
Current News
ScienceDaily Space & Time News
Astronomy Career Information
Local Astronomy Clubs
Fort Bend Astronomy Club
Houston Astronomical Society
North Houston Astronomy Club
Astronomy Day
Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Planetarium
The George Observatory
Other Astronomical Sites of Interest
| SWC Star Party Schedule | Jet Propulsion Lab Photojournal | National Aeronautics and Space Administration | HubbleSite |
Course Descriptions
ASTR 1303 Stars and Galaxies
Prerequisites: Must be placed into GUST 0341 (or higher) in reading and placed into Math 0312 (or take Math 0308 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
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. Core curriculum course. Sample Course Outline
ASTR 1304 Solar System Astronomy
Prerequisites: Must be placed into GUST 0341 (or higher) in reading and placed into Math 0312 (or take Math 0308 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
An introduction to present theories about the structure and evolution of the solar system, compared to other models and theories since antiquity. A survey of the Sun, planets, moons, rings, asteroids, comets and debris in our solar system. The possibility of life in the Universe. Core curriculum course. Sample Course Outline
| Images of Planets and Stars, Shown to Scale |
ASTR 1403 Stars and Galaxies
Prerequisites: Must be placed into GUST 0341 (or higher) in reading and placed into Math 0312 (or take Math 0308 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 4 (3 lecture, 3 lab)
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. Core curriculum course.
| NGC 457, a star cluster in Cassiopeia, is called the "ET Cluster" or the "Owl Cluster." |
ASTR 1404 Solar System Astronomy
Prerequisites: Must be placed into GUST
0341 (or higher) in reading and placed into Math 0312 (or take Math 0308 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 4 (3 lecture, 3 lab)
An introduction to present theories about the structure and evolution of the solar system, compared to other models and theories since antiquity. A survey of the Sun, planets, moons, rings, asteroids, comets and debris in our solar system. The possibility of life in the Universe. Laboratory topics include planetary, lunar and solar observations with telescopes and/or the naked eye; measurements of the gravitational constant, gravitational acceleration and the speed of light; analysis of spectra and spacecraft images; and impact cratering simulations. Core curriculum course.
The George Observatory, Brazos Bend State Park