Describe the evolution of close binary stars, including possible effects of mass transfer such as novae and Type I supernovae. Outline the theoretical formation of neutron stars and describe their properties. Recount the discovery of pulsars and their identification as rapidly spinning neuron stars. Describe the observed properties of pulsars and binary pulsars. Describe the theoretical formation of black holes and their properties.
Recount attempts to observe black holes indirectly and list examples of black hole candidates.
Describe the characteristics of open and globular star clusters and explain how the study of their distribution and of variable stars and proper motion enabled Harlow Shapley to estimate the size of the Milky Way and location of Earth's solar system within it. Describe the features of the Milky Way galaxy of its major components, including the nature of the stellar orbits in each region. Explain the reason for differing populations of stars within the galaxy and relate their distribution to the process of the formation of the Milky Way. Describe observations of spiral arms within the Milky Way and other galaxies and explain the two major mechanisms that create spiral structure and their role in star formation. Describe observations of the nucleus of the Milky Way at non-visible wavelengths and the nature of the suspected black hole at the center.