ASTR 110N - Introduction to Astronomy

Credit(s): 3

This course is an introduction to the history of astronomy, tools of the astronomer, the solar system, stellar bodies and phenomena, and the origin and evolution of the universe. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

Course Learning Outcomes

Understand motions of the night sky including seasonal and circumpolar stars, phases of the moon, eclipses and seasons.
Understand that the electromagnetic spectrum consists of many kinds of light and all light shares three aspects: travel speed, spreading out (1/r2 law), and that it travels in waves.
Describe how stars are classified and why the HR diagram is useful.
Discuss the basics of stellar evolution and how astronomers determine how this is the case.
Explain the basics of our solar system.
Develop an historic perspective of astronomy and know how our views of the universe have evolved over the centuries.
Apply scientific concepts and methods of inquiry.