ASTR 1010 - Course Overview

Astronomy from early ideas of the cosmos to modern observational techniques. The solar system planets, satellites, and minor bodies. The origin and evolution of the solar system.

Text: Seeds, Michael A.; Foundations of Astronomy, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing, 1999.

Optional text: Magnani and LaRosa, Physics of the Solar System: A Companion to Introductory Astronomy Textbooks, Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 1998.

This course introduces you to astronomy, with a focus on the solar system. The basic goal of this course is not to teach you an enormous number of disjointed facts about the solar system, but rather to show you that the solar system is actually comprehensible. There is no prerequisite for this course, but you will have to know some basic mathematics, such as how to solve simple algebraic equations. One of the goals of this course is to show you that astronomy is a quantitative science and that we can actually determine such things as the masses and radii of the planets. This requires some basic math, but do not be scared. We can deduce a lot of information with logical reasoning and by comparing observational data. Another important goal (the most important goal, in my opinion) of this course is to show you that we can understand how the solar system "works" using only a small number of physical principles (e.g., the law of gravitation) which we can apply to many different classes of objects.

In order to understand and appreciate how the solar system works, we have to first go over some basic (and truly ancient) astronomical ideas, such as the celestial sphere and the motion of the planets in the sky. This will also introduce us to astronomical language, which takes some time to get used to. To go from mere descriptions to real understanding we will follow the first scientists of the modern era and learn, for example, about Kepler’s laws (which swept thousands of years of assumed "truth" away) and Newton’s laws of motion and gravity. With this toolbox of ideas and methods we will then try to understand how the solar system formed and why the planets are where they are. The planets themselves are not just random objects; they have similarities and differences that we can understand in terms of basic physical principles. However, many planets have unique features that help us to understand why, for instance, Earth has liquid water on its surface and oxygen in its atmosphere, whereas Venus and Mars are lifeless planets (at least today).

The required textbook for this class is Foundations of Astronomy by Michael A. Seeds. We also have an optional textbook, Physics of the Solar System by Loris Magnani and Theodore N. LaRosa. The latter book is a companion to introductory astronomical textbooks. This book is very useful if you are not familiar with the physics terms that the main textbook uses. Also, it gives very detailed explanations of the physical concepts that we will encounter in the class. There is a CD-ROM included with the Seeds text which you may want to explore.

Each of the written assignments for this course is weighted equally. Together they will contribute 40 percent to your course grade. The final examination will be worth 60 percent of your course grade, and will be very similar in format to the self-assessment tests contained in this course. You will be expected to solve some math problems, selecting the answer closest to your calculated result. (You will need to bring a scientific calculator to the test site!)

You must pass the final to pass the course, regardless of grades earned on lessons. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by IDL policies and procedures. See your Student Handbook for detailed information.