Astronomy

PHY 1060

This course starts with the subject and history of astronomy, the motion of celestial bodies, the laws of motion and gravity, electromagnetic waves, and stellar spectra. Some aspects of classical and relativistic mechanics are involved. Next, the Solar System is studied – the formation and properties of the Sun, the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. The properties of the planets are explained using basic physics. Past and present explorations of planets, asteroids, and comets are discussed. Then the course focuses on stars - location, structure, properties, energy production, classification, formation, evolution, and death. The beauty and diversity of interstellar matter are revealed. The properties of stellar remnants and star corpses (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes) are explained. In the end, the formation and the general properties of the Universe are discussed. These properties include the Milky Way galaxy, types and properties of other galaxies, Hubble’s law and expansion of the Universe, quasars and active galaxies, the Big Bang model, and the evolution and fate of the Universe.