Three hours lecture weekly. Topics include astronomical coordinate systems and spherical trigonometry, Newtonian mechanics and orbits, star properties and distance determinations, stellar structure, electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, and cosmology. Three hours lecture weekly. Mathematics 112 and 113 recommended. A laboratory course introducing basic observational, computing, and data analysis techniques in current use in astronomy.
Lecture focuses on instrumentation properties and use, and methods of analyzing observations.
Observatory work involves use and calibration of the 20 inch telescope and CCD camera, and performing CCD filter photometry on different astronomical objects. Students are introduced to spectroscopy by conducting radio observations at the Haystack radio telescope. Computer work involves image calibration and the extraction of useful physical information from student obtained images. Mathematics 112 and 113 recommended. Investigation of the geologic processes responsible for the creation of mountain ranges, volcanoes and earthquakes.