Topics include the celestial coordinate system, time keeping, constellations, ancient astronomy, the planetary system, the sun, stellar evolution, neutron stars, black holes, galactic astronomy, and the origin of the Universe. Extensive use of computer simulation, visual aids, and demonstrations to illustrate the ideas of astronomy. Minimal mathematical level required. Students who have completed or who are enrolled in Physics 116 may not enroll in Physics 115. Topics covered include the celestial coordinate system, celestial mechanics, light and telescopes, the solar system, the sun, stellar evolution, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology.
Minimal mathematics is used.
Students who have completed or who are enrolled in Physics 115 may not enroll in Physics 116. The final grade is based on the laboratory, three in-class exams, and a final comprehensive exam. An optional paper may be written to replace one of the in-class exams. The labs will be outdoors with telescopes when possible, and indoors with planetarium software otherwise. There will be one trip to the Fernbank Planetarium and Observatory.