GSC 116: Introduction to Astronomy
EXPANDED COURSE OUTLINE
I. Catalog Description
A synthesis of our current knowledge of the cosmos and techniques used in its investigation. Primary emphasis is on the composition, history, and dynamics of the solar system (the sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and meteors) and theories of its origin and evolution. The second part of the course examines the nature of stars, galaxies, and the universe as interpreted from analysis of starlight. Topics include distance, magnitude, luminosity, temperature, and composition of stars, stellar evolution, other solar systems, and search for extraterrestrial life. Special attention is given to independent stargazing activities, current celestial events, and new information revealed by satellite data or unmanned space missions. 4 hours lecture
II. Prerequisites None
III. Objectives
This course reviews the historical observations, ancient and modern investigative techniques, and current space missions bearing on present-day knowledge of our solar system and distant star systems. After completing this course students should have developed significant working knowledge of the following:
1) Structure and composition of the solar system and its position in the in the Milky Way galaxy
2) Sun-Earth relations and bearing on seasons and variations of sun angle over time
3) Lunar phases and tides and their relationship to Earth-moon dynamics
4) Reasons for observed patterns and movements of planets and stars in the night sky
5) Special geometric conditions resulting in lunar and solar eclipses
6) Evolution of scientific thought from a geocentric to heliocentric point of view
7) Details of the planets’ composition and structure revealed by unmanned spacecraft
8) Influences of the universal force of gravity on celestial phenomena
9) Model for formation and evolution of the Solar system based on scientific observations
10) General nature of light and the electromagnetic spectrum as applied to analysis of stars, galaxies, and the universe
11) Measurement or determination of star distance, magnitude, luminosity, temperature, color, composition, mass, and age
12) Basic fusion processes in stars
13) Models of stellar evolution as inferred from stars at various stages of their life cycle
14) The concept of an expanding universe
15) Distance and time scales used by astronomers
16) Evidence for existence of planets in other star systems
Course material will be presented through a series of lectures, reading assignments, in-class activities, Internet examples, computer aids, and movies. Students will reinforce their knowledge through hands-on interaction with computer-based tutorials, movies, and planetarium software, personal astronomical observations and measurements, visits to astronomical observatories, and “stargazing,” activities. The activity or homework components of this course include the following:
Classroom Activities and Associated Homework
Instructor will periodically collect student work for credit. Much of this work will be introduced and carried out during class time through interactive exercises.
Required Astronomical Observations (please see supplementary handout for ideas and guidelines)
Each student must find time outside of class to carry out a personal astronomical observation that measures the variation of a celestial body with time. A written summary, complete with supporting graphs and drawings, is due at the beginning of Week 10.
Required Stargazing Activity, Observatory Visit, or Written Research Report
Each student must complete one of the following activities:
(1) Visit one of several astronomical observatories in southern California to view the displays and associated presentations or
(2) Participate in one of the hands-on stargazing activities conducted by the instructor. One or two will be offered each quarter or
(3) Research a relevant topic in astronomy, then write a short report in your own words. See supplementary handout for guidelines and formatting requirements.
V. Required Text
Bennet, J., Donahue, M., Schneider, N., and Voit, M., 2004, The Solar System—Selected chapters from The Cosmic Perspective (3rd Edition); Pearson Education, Inc.--Addison Wesley. This book includes a CD with “Voyager Sky Gazer” software plus online access privileges to “The Astronomy Place” tutorial website.
VI. Minimum Student Materials
Textbook, standard writing materials, graph paper, colored pencils, ruler, protractor, calculator, and inexpensive compass for determining geographic direction. Access to a computer with Internet access will be useful and pertinent, but is not required.
VII. Minimum College Facilities
Whiteboard, colored pens, overhead transparency projector, computer with internet access, computer projection facilities
VIII. Schedule of Lecture Topics and Subtopics; Associated Reading
-Motivation for studying the oldest science (astronomy)
-Computer Aids; Web Sites of Interest
-Preliminary definitions and concepts
-Measurements of Sun or Moon altitude, inclination, and azimuth
-Elementary stargazing; How to read a star chart; The celestial sphere
-Cosmic observations by ancient astronomers
-Sun-Earth relations; bearing on variation in sun angle and star visibility
-Earth-Moon relations; Lunar Phases; Tidal effects; Solar and lunar eclipses
**Assigned Reading: Chapter 3, Chapter 5
-Famous ideas, observations, and discoveries by the Babylonians, Aristotle, Eratosthenes, Hipparchus, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, Tycho Brahe, Kepler, Newton
-Evolution of scientific thought from the Geocentric to Heliocentric viewpoint
-Apparent star magnitude; Absolute star magnitude (luminosity)
-Temperature and chemical composition of stars
-Inferred distances to far away stars
IX. Evaluation
Student grades for this 4 unit course will be calculated as follows:
Classroom Activities and Homework 20%
Personal Astronomical Observations 20%
Stargazing Activity/Planetarium Visit/Research Report 10%
Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 25%
Passing letter grades will correspond approximately with these ranges:
100-90 (A); 89-80 (B); 79-70 (C); 69-60 (D)
A curve may be used to adjust these grades downward slightly, but no overall
course grade below 50% will be considered passing.
Exams will cover lectures, activities, and homework.
Make-up of exams, classroom activities, or homework assignments is permitted only for cases of documented emergency or prior consultation.