Astronomy

Introduction to astronomy intended primarily for nonscience majors. Includes the history of astronomy; the apparent motions of the moon, sun, stars, and planets; gravitation and planetary orbits; the physics of the earth and its atmosphere; and the exploration of the solar system. This course is similar to ASTR W1403. You cannot enroll in both courses and receive credit for both.

Examines the properties of stars, star formation, stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and the cosmological origin and evolution of the universe. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR BC 1754 and ASTR C1404.

Topics include the physics of stellar structure, stellar atmospheres, radiation transport, nucleosynthesis, stellar evolution, star formation, pulsation, interacting binary stars, white dwarfs, and neutron stars.

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of fluid dynamics with focus on standad applications of the theory to a variety of important astrophysical situations and objects. A brief introduction to several key numberical concepts. A brief description of the complications that arise when a fluid is magnetized.

First term of a two-term calculus-based introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include the physics of stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres and spectral classifications, stellar energy generation and nucleosynthesis, supernovae, neutron stars, white dwarfs, and interacting binary stars.

Several members of the faculty each offer a brief series of talks providing context for a current research topic in the field and then present results of their ongoing research. Opportunities for future student research collaboration are offered. Grading is Pass/Fail.