ASTR-104 Elementary Astronomy

Students develop an overview of the field of astronomy focusing on the structure and evolution of astronomical systems ranging in size from planets through galaxies. Students learn to use a variety of diagrams (e.g. HR diagram, Earth-Moon-Sun diagrams, stellar spectra) and algebraic calculations (e.g. Newton’s laws, Kepler’s laws, luminosities) to solve problems. Prominent topics include seasons, Moon phases, formation and structure of our Solar System, types and life cycles of stars, and galactic dynamics. ASTR-104 is a lecture/discussion course designed for non-science majors. For astronomy lab, see ASTR-114.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in MATH-070

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Analyze common astronomical diagrams (e.g. HR diagram, Earth-Moon-Sun diagrams, EM
   spectra diagrams) to solve problems.
2. 2. Explain how the relative positions of the Earth-Moon-Sun relate to the phases and rising and
   setting times of the Moon.
3. 3. Explain the consequences of the tilt of Earth’s axis that combine to produce the seasons we
   observe on Earth and describe other planets (real and hypothetical) having different axial tilt
   or orbital properties that (would) result in seasonal characteristics different from those
   experienced on Earth.
4. 4. Describe the overall structure of our Solar System and how the Nebular Hypothesis of Solar
   System formation accounts for similarities and differences between planets.
5. 5. Apply scientific reasoning and mathematical calculations to solve problems involving
   continuous spectra and absorption and emission lines and evaluate the reasonableness of
   the results for different stars.
6. 6. Compare and contrast different types of stars and explain the life cycle of stars using
   appropriate symbols, notation, and vocabulary.
7. 7. Explain the dynamics of galaxies and galaxy clusters and relate this behavior to
   contemporary astronomical ideas (e.g. Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy).
8. 8. Demonstrate increased attention to and appreciation of the patterns, organization, and
   vastness of the Universe exhibited in the night sky.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Analyze common astronomical diagrams (e.g. HR diagram, Earth-Moon-Sun diagrams, EM
   spectra diagrams) to solve problems.
2. 2. Explain how the relative positions of the Earth-Moon-Sun relate to the phases and rising and
   setting times of the Moon.
3. 3. Explain the consequences of the tilt of Earth’s axis that combine to produce the seasons we
   observe on Earth and describe other planets (real and hypothetical) having different axial tilt
   or orbital properties that (would) result in seasonal characteristics different from those
   experienced on Earth.
4. 4. Describe the overall structure of our Solar System and how the Nebular Hypothesis of Solar
   System formation accounts for similarities and differences between planets.
5. 5. Apply scientific reasoning and mathematical calculations to solve problems involving
   continuous spectra and absorption and emission lines and evaluate the reasonableness of
   the results for different stars.
6. 6. Compare and contrast different types of stars and explain the life cycle of stars using
   appropriate symbols, notation, and vocabulary.
7. 7. Explain the dynamics of galaxies and galaxy clusters and relate this behavior to
   contemporary astronomical ideas (e.g. Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy).
8. 8. Demonstrate increased attention to and appreciation of the patterns, organization, and
   vastness of the Universe exhibited in the night sky.