A course reserved exclusively for students not well-versed in the physical sciences. The properties of the astronomical universe and the methods by which astronomers investigate it are discussed. Topics include the nature and properties of stars, our Galaxy, external galaxies, cosmology, the origin and character of the solar system, and black holes. Three one-hour lectures per week.
Limited to 35 students. No student who has taken any upper-level math or science course and received a grade of B or higher in either high school or college, will be admitted. Fall and spring semesters. Fall semester Simpson Lecturer Melia. Spring semester Professor Burbine.
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2022, Fall 2023An introductory course appropriate for both physical science majors and students with a strong pre-calculus background. Topics include: the observed properties of stars and the methods used to determine them, the structure and evolution of stars, the end-points of stellar evolution, our galaxy, the interstellar medium, external galaxies, quasars and cosmology. To be taught at the University of Massachusetts.
Spring semester. Professor TBA.
2023-24: Not offered
Are we alone in the universe? The essence of that question has likely been a source of inspiration since the dawn of humanity. The modern science of astrobiology is a transdisciplinary study of extraterrestrial life in the universe drawing from active research in astrophysics, biology, chemistry, and geology. A microbiologist, an astronomer, and a planetary scientist have teamed up to take you through this inter-disciplinary course, where we will look at the history of the extraterrestrial debate and analyze the science behind it. We will investigate the properties of life as we know it and extrapolate these properties to consider the potential for simple life forms to exist on Mars and elsewhere in our solar system, to the possibility of intelligent life on habitable planets near distant stars, and finally the implications of extraterrestrial life to life on Earth. Weekly critical commentary writing assignments will probe the peer-reviewed literature on this topic. To be given at Hampshire College.
Fall semester. Professors Dyar, Hameed, and Tor.
2023-24: Not offered(ASTFC) Cosmological models and the relationship between models and observable parameters. Topics in current astronomy which bear upon cosmological problems, including background electromagnetic radiation, nucleosynthesis, dating methods, determination of the mean density of the universe and the Hubble constant, and tests of gravitational theories. Discussion of some questions concerning the foundations of cosmology and speculations concerning its future as a science.
Requisite: One semester of calculus and one semester of some physical science; no Astronomy requisite. Omitted 2011-2012. Professor TBA.
2023-24: Not offeredThis is a junior/senior level course introducing students to the various observational and theoretical aspects of high-energy astrophysics, in which we study how relativistic processes produce X-rays, gamma rays, and other energetic particles. Many of the relevant interactions take place on or near compact objects, such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. But some of the high-energy radiation is also produced in the medium between the stars and some in regions outside of our Galaxy. We will learn how the radiating particles become so energetic, and how they produce the radiation reaching Earth. And we will learn how experimental astrophysicists devise the detectors they need to interrogate this radiation to acquire the information we need to discern what is happening in these very distant sources.
Requisite: MATH 121 and PHYS 225. Fall semester. Simpson Lecturer Melia.
2023-24: Not offeredAn introduction to the techniques of gathering and analyzing astronomical data, particularly in the optical and infrared regions of the spectrum. Telescope design and optics. Instrumentation for imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy. Astronomical detectors. Computer graphics and image processing. Error analysis and curve fitting. Data analysis and astrophysical interpretation. Evening laboratories to be arranged. To be taught at Smith College.
Requisite: Two courses in PHYS and one of ASTR 224, 330, 335. Not open to first-year students. Spring semester. Omitted 2011-12.
Other years: Offered in Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024Students electing this course will be required to do extensive reading in the areas of astronomy and space science. Two term papers will be prepared during the year on topics acceptable to the Department.
Open to Seniors. Fall semester. The Department.
2023-24: Not offeredIndependent Reading Course.
Fall and spring semesters. The Department.
Other years: Offered in Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023Opportunities for theoretical and observational work on the frontiers of science are available in cosmology, cosmogony, radio astronomy, planetary atmospheres, relativistic astrophysics, laboratory astrophysics, gravitational theory, infrared balloon astronomy, stellar astrophysics, spectroscopy, and exobiology. Facilities include the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory, the Laboratory for Infrared Astrophysics, balloon astronomy equipment (16-inch telescope, cryogenic detectors), and modern 24- and 16-inch Cassegrain reflectors. An Honors candidate must submit an acceptable thesis and pass an oral examination. The oral examination will consider the subject matter of the thesis and other areas of astronomy specifically discussed in Astronomy courses.
Open to seniors. Required of Honors students. Fall semester. The Department.
Other years: Offered in Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2024