PHY206 Exploring the Universe Course Schedule

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

PHY206 Exploring the Universe Course Schedule The course will cover the following topics. The test dates are set in stone while the course content may shift around them. Motion of the Night Sky and Solar System Cycles Unit 1 Our Planetary Neighborhood Unit 2 Beyond the Solar System Unit 3 Astronomical Numbers Unit 4 Foundations of Astronomy Unit 5 The Night Sky Unit 6 The Year Unit 7 The Time of Day Unit 8 Lunar Cycles Unit 9 Calendars Unit 10 Geometry of the Earth, Moon, and Sun Unit 11 Planets: The Wandering Stars Unit 12 The Beginnings of Modern Astronomy Unit 13 Observing the Sky Thursday 2/17 Test 1 Gravity & Orbits, Light & Telescopes Unit 14 Astronomical Motion: Inertia, Mass, and Force Unit 15 Force, Acceleration, and Interaction Unit 16 The Universal Law of Gravity Unit 17 Measuring a Body’s Mass Using Orbital Motion Unit 18 Orbital and Escape Velocities Unit 19 Tides Unit 21 Light, Matter, and Energy Unit 22 The Electromagnetic Spectrum Unit 23 Thermal Radiation Unit 24 Atomic Spectra: Identifying Atoms by Their Light Unit 25 The Doppler Shift Unit 26 Detecting Light Unit 27 Collecting Light Unit 28 Focusing Light Unit 29 Telescope Resolution Unit 30 The Earth’s Atmosphere and Space Observatories Unit 31 Amateur Astronomy Monday 3/14 Test 2 The Solar System: Sun, Earth, Moon Unit 32 The Structure of the Solar System Unit 33 The Origin of the Solar System Unit 49 The Sun, Our Star Unit 50 The Sun’s Source of Power Unit 51 Solar Activity Unit 35 The Earth as a Terrestrial Planet Unit 36 Earth's Atmosphere and Hydrosphere Unit 37 Our Moon Monday 4/11 Test 3 The Solar System: Planets Unit 38 Mercury Unit 39 Venus Unit 40 Mars Unit 41 Asteroids Unit 42 Comparative Planetology Unit 43 Jupiter and Saturn Unit 44 Uranus and Neptune Unit 45 Satellite Systems and Rings Unit 46 Ice Worlds, Pluto, and Beyond Unit 47 Comets Unit 48 Impacts on Earth Monday 5/2 Test 4 Other Planetary Systems Unit 34 Other Planetary Systems Unit 83 Astrobiology Unit 84 The Search for Life Elsewhere Review Day (Monday 5/9) Thursday 5/19 10:15am 12:15pm Final Exam .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

A Needs Analysis Study of Amateur Astronomers for the National Virtual Observatory : Aaron Price1 Lou Cohen1 Janet Mattei1 Nahide Craig2
A Needs Analysis Study of Amateur Astronomers For the National Virtual Observatory : Aaron Price1 Lou Cohen1 Janet Mattei1 Nahide Craig2 1Clinton B. Ford Astronomical Data & Research Center American Association of Variable Star Observers 25 Birch St, Cambridge MA 02138 2Space Sciences Laboratory University of California, Berkeley 7 Gauss Way Berkeley, CA 94720-7450 Abstract Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative processes, a survey was con- ducted of the amateur astronomy community to identify outstanding needs which the National Virtual Observatory (NVO) could fulfill. This is the final report of that project, which was conducted by The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) on behalf of the SEGway Project at the Center for Science Educations @ Space Sci- ences Laboratory, UC Berkeley. Background The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) has worked on behalf of the SEGway Project at the Center for Science Educations @ Space Sciences Labo- ratory, UC Berkeley, to conduct a needs analysis study of the amateur astronomy com- munity. The goal of the study is to identify outstanding needs in the amateur community which the National Virtual Observatory (NVO) project can fulfill. The AAVSO is a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to the study of vari- able stars. It was founded in 1911 and currently has a database of over 11 million vari- able star observations, the vast majority of which were made by amateur astronomers. The AAVSO has a rich history and extensive experience working with amateur astrono- mers and specifically in fostering amateur-professional collaboration. AAVSO Director Dr. Janet Mattei headed the team assembled by the AAVSO.
[Show full text]
Instrumental Methods for Professional and Amateur
Instrumental Methods for Professional and Amateur Collaborations in Planetary Astronomy Olivier Mousis, Ricardo Hueso, Jean-Philippe Beaulieu, Sylvain Bouley, Benoît Carry, Francois Colas, Alain Klotz, Christophe Pellier, Jean-Marc Petit, Philippe Rousselot, et al. To cite this version: Olivier Mousis, Ricardo Hueso, Jean-Philippe Beaulieu, Sylvain Bouley, Benoît Carry, et al.. Instru- mental Methods for Professional and Amateur Collaborations in Planetary Astronomy. Experimental Astronomy, Springer Link, 2014, 38 (1-2), pp.91-191. 10.1007/s10686-014-9379-0. hal-00833466 HAL Id: hal-00833466 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00833466 Submitted on 3 Jun 2020 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Instrumental Methods for Professional and Amateur Collaborations in Planetary Astronomy O. Mousis, R. Hueso, J.-P. Beaulieu, S. Bouley, B. Carry, F. Colas, A. Klotz, C. Pellier, J.-M. Petit, P. Rousselot, M. Ali-Dib, W. Beisker, M. Birlan, C. Buil, A. Delsanti, E. Frappa, H. B. Hammel, A.-C. Levasseur-Regourd, G. S. Orton, A. Sanchez-Lavega,´ A. Santerne, P. Tanga, J. Vaubaillon, B. Zanda, D. Baratoux, T. Bohm,¨ V. Boudon, A. Bouquet, L. Buzzi, J.-L. Dauvergne, A.
[Show full text]
Monitoring Solar Activity Trends with a Simple Sunspotter
Larsen, JAAVSO Volume 41, 2013 373 Monitoring Solar Activity Trends With a Simple Sunspotter Kristine Larsen Physics and Earth Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06053; [email protected] Presented at the 101st Annual Meeting of the AAVSO, November 11, 2012; received May 7, 2013; revised November 12, 2013; accepted November 13, 2013 Abstract With the Sun now in solar maximum, solar observations are a timely means to interest students and the general public in astronomy in general and variable stars in particular. The commercially produced Sunspotter is a solar projection system that allows for safer solar observations by several individuals simultaneously. Educational uses for the Sunspotter are reviewed, and the ability of the instrument to track trends in the sunspot cycle (compared to a standard telescope and the American Relative Sunspot Number (Ra)) is examined. 1. Introduction One of the areas where students and amateur astronomers have provided a valuable service to the discipline is in the field of solar observing. For example, Elizabeth Brown led the Solar Section of the Liverpool Astronomical Society in the 1880s, and then the British Astronomical Association in the 1890s. She aggregated the sunspot counts and drawings of other amateurs for use by the Greenwich Royal Observatory and other scientists interested in the growing field of solar astronomy (Brück 2009). In the United States, Vassar College astronomy professor Maria Mitchell set her students to work at first observing and then photographing the Sun as early as 1874 (Mitchell 1890). These observations were published in Scientific American nearly monthly between January 1875 and January 1881.
[Show full text]
Astrotourism–Exceeding Limits of the Earth and Tourism Definitions?
sustainability Article Astrotourism–Exceeding Limits of the Earth and Tourism Definitions? Martina Pásková , Nicol Budinská and Josef Zelenka * Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; [email protected] (M.P.); [email protected] (N.B.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Emerging forms of alternative or even niche tourism represent a dynamic trend in tourism development. Astrotourism is completely off the beaten path. The aim of this study is to provide a deeper insight into this phenomenon. It strives to reveal motivations, experiences, and perceptions of its participants. It also aspires to propose its complex definition as an activity including both terrestrial astrotourism and space tourism. It is suggested to perceive it not only as a form of alternative and/or niche tourism, but also that of mass and professional tourism. To reach these objectives, the authors analyzed relevant published studies and astrotourism products presented on relevant websites and social media. They elaborated the collected secondary data by mental mapping and the comparative analysis of terrestrial and space tourism products. Moreover, the authors collected primary data through a survey with open-ended questions addressed to persons interested in astrotourism and through semi-structured interviews with terrestrial astrotourism participants and personalities. The results provide insight into both the specifity and variability of astrotourism and their typical products, as well as a discussion of their future trends. They also bring a motivation spectrum for the astrotourism participants and benefits perceived by them. Keywords: astrotourism; space tourism; terrestrial astrotourism; tourism participant motivation; archaeoastronomy Citation: Pásková, M.; Budinská, N.; Zelenka, J.
[Show full text]
How to Become an Astronomer a Guide for Students of All Ages
How to Become an Astronomer A guide for students of all ages This information is provided by the ASA Education and Public Outreach Chapter. It may be freely copied for wide distribution provided the ASA letterhead is retained. Preface This webpage was produced by the Astronomical Society of Australia in response to many enquiries from those who share our interest in astronomy. The Society has no permanent headquarters, such as an observatory, but brings together professional scientists and students working in astronomy or a closely related subject, plus astronomy educators and some amateur astronomers who are involved in research projects. The Society represents these people, arranges scientific conferences, and publishes research papers. In general, keen amateur astronomers are best catered for by local amateur astronomy groups as mentioned in the section 'Information and Courses in Astronomy'. Introduction Astronomy is a very exciting and challenging subject which involves many of the other sciences such as physics, mathematics, chemistry and geology, and, more recently, even palaeontology and biology. Many people are fascinated by the splendour and enormity of objects in space and become amateur astronomers while still at school. Astronomy can be an engrossing hobby for people of all ages, and there are many clubs and societies in Australia which provide information and facilities for looking through quite large telescopes that would be out of the range of most lone amateurs. Because of the wide public interest in astronomy, many universities and colleges organise evening courses on the subject, designed for people who do not have an advanced scientific background. Some offer online courses in astronomy.
[Show full text]
The Astronomy of Sir John Herschel
Introduction m m m m m m m m m m m Herschel’s Stars The Stars flourish, and in spite of all my attempts to thin them and . stuff them in my pockets, continue to afford a rich harvest. John Herschel to James Calder Stewart, July 17, 1834 n 2017, TRAPPIST-1, a red dwarf star forty light years from Earth, made headlines as the center of a system with not one or two but Iseven potentially habitable exoplanets.1 This dim, nearby star offers only the most recent example of verification of the sort of planetary system common in science fiction: multiple temperate, terrestrial worlds within a single star’s family of planets. Indeed, this discovery followed the an- nouncement only a few years earlier of the very first Earth-sized world orbiting within the habitable zone of its star, Kepler-186, five hundred light years from Earth.2 Along with other ongoing surveys and advanced instruments, the Kepler mission, which recently added an additional 715 worlds to a total of over five thousand exoplanet candidates, is re- vealing a universe in which exoplanets proliferate, Earth-like worlds are common, and planets within the habitable zone of their host star are far from rare.3 Exoplanetary astronomy has developed to the point that as- tronomers can not only detect these objects but also describe the phys- ical characteristics of many with a high degree of confidence and pre- cision, gaining information on their composition, atmospheric makeup, temperature, and even weather patterns. 3 © 2018 University of Pittsburgh Press. All rights reserved.
[Show full text]
Space Based Astronomy Educator Guide
* Space Based Atronomy.b/w 2/28/01 8:53 AM Page C1 Educational Product National Aeronautics Educators Grades 5–8 and Space Administration EG-2001-01-122-HQ Space-Based ANAstronomy EDUCATOR GUIDE WITH ACTIVITIES FOR SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION * Space Based Atronomy.b/w 2/28/01 8:54 AM Page C2 Space-Based Astronomy—An Educator Guide with Activities for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education is available in electronic format through NASA Spacelink—one of the Agency’s electronic resources specifically developed for use by the educa- tional community. The system may be accessed at the following address: http://spacelink.nasa.gov * Space Based Atronomy.b/w 2/28/01 8:54 AM Page i Space-Based ANAstronomy EDUCATOR GUIDE WITH ACTIVITIES FOR SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION | OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND EDUCATION | EDUCATION DIVISION | OFFICE OF SPACE SCIENCE This publication is in the Public Domain and is not protected by copyright. Permission is not required for duplication. EG-2001-01-122-HQ * Space Based Atronomy.b/w 2/28/01 8:54 AM Page ii About the Cover Images 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. EIT 304Å image captures a sweeping prominence—huge clouds of relatively cool dense plasma suspended in the Sun’s hot, thin corona. At times, they can erupt, escaping the Sun’s atmosphere. Emission in this spectral line shows the upper chro- mosphere at a temperature of about 60,000 degrees K. Source/Credits: Solar & Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA.
[Show full text]
Ground-Based Search for the Brightest Transiting Planets with the Multi-Site All-Sky Camera - MASCARA
Ground-based search for the brightest transiting planets with the Multi-site All-Sky CAmeRA - MASCARA Ignas A. G. Snellena, Remko Stuika, Ramon Navarrob, Felix Bettonvilb, Matthew Kenworthya, Ernst de Mooijc , Gilles Ottena , Rik ter Horstb & Rudolf le Poolea aLeiden Observatory, Leiden University, Postbus 9513, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands bNOVA Optical and Infrared Instrumentation Division at ASTRON, PO Box 2, 7990 AA, Dwingeloo, The Netherlands cDepartment of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, 50 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H4, Canada ABSTRACT The Multi-site All-sky CAmeRA MASCARA is an instrument concept consisting of several stations across the globe, with each station containing a battery of low-cost cameras to monitor the near-entire sky at each location. Once all stations have been installed, MASCARA will be able to provide a nearly 24-hr coverage of the complete dark sky, down to magnitude 8, at sub-minute cadence. Its purpose is to find the brightest transiting exoplanet systems, expected in the V=4-8 magnitude range - currently not probed by space- or ground-based surveys. The bright/nearby transiting planet systems, which MASCARA will discover, will be the key targets for detailed planet atmosphere obs ervations. We present studies on the initial design of a MASCARA station, including the camera housing, domes, and computer equipment, and on the photometric stability of low-cost cameras showing that a precision of 0.3-1% per hour can be readily achieved. We plan to roll out the first MASCARA station before the end of 2013. A 5-station MASCARA can within two years discover up to a dozen of the brightest transiting planet systems in the sky.
[Show full text]
Ms. Hisako Koyama: from Amateur Astronomer to Long-Term Solar
PUBLICATIONS Space Weather COMMENTARY Ms. Hisako Koyama: From Amateur Astronomer 10.1002/2017SW001704 to Long-Term Solar Observer Key Points: Delores Knipp1,2 , Huixin Liu3 , and Hisashi Hayakawa4,5 • Ms. Hisako Koyama was a dedicated solar observer, and a long-serving staff 1Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA, 2High Altitude member of the National Museum of 3 Nature and Science, Tokyo Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA, Department of Earth and Planetary Science, 4 • She created a multidecadal record of Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan, Graduate School of Letters, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan, sunspots that serves as a backbone of 5Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan the recent sunspot number recalibration • We tell her little-known story so that Abstract The path to science for a girl of any nationality born in the early twentieth century was her contributions to science may be known formidable-to-nonexistent. Yet paths were forged by a few. We present the little-known story of one of Japan’s premier solar observers and her contribution to the world’s understanding of sunspots and space weather cycles. Ms. Hisako Koyama, born in Tokyo in 1916, became a passionate amateur astronomer, a dedicated solar observer, and a long-serving staff member of the National Museum of Nature and Science, Correspondence to: D. Knipp, Tokyo. As a writer for amateur astronomy journals she advised many on the details and joys of sky viewing. [email protected] She created a consistent, extended record of sunspots.
[Show full text]
Index to JRASC Volumes 61-90 (PDF)
THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA GENERAL INDEX to the JOURNAL 1967–1996 Volumes 61 to 90 inclusive (including the NATIONAL NEWSLETTER, NATIONAL NEWSLETTER/BULLETIN, and BULLETIN) Compiled by Beverly Miskolczi and David Turner* * Editor of the Journal 1994–2000 Layout and Production by David Lane Published by and Copyright 2002 by The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada 136 Dupont Street Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1V2 Canada www.rasc.ca — [email protected] Table of Contents Preface ....................................................................................2 Volume Number Reference ...................................................3 Subject Index Reference ........................................................4 Subject Index ..........................................................................7 Author Index ..................................................................... 121 Abstracts of Papers Presented at Annual Meetings of the National Committee for Canada of the I.A.U. (1967–1970) and Canadian Astronomical Society (1971–1996) .......................................................................168 Abstracts of Papers Presented at the Annual General Assembly of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (1969–1996) ...........................................................207 JRASC Index (1967-1996) Page 1 PREFACE The last cumulative Index to the Journal, published in 1971, was compiled by Ruth J. Northcott and assembled for publication by Helen Sawyer Hogg. It included all articles published in the Journal during the interval 1932–1966, Volumes 26–60. In the intervening years the Journal has undergone a variety of changes. In 1970 the National Newsletter was published along with the Journal, being bound with the regular pages of the Journal. In 1978 the National Newsletter was physically separated but still included with the Journal, and in 1989 it became simply the Newsletter/Bulletin and in 1991 the Bulletin. That continued until the eventual merger of the two publications into the new Journal in 1997.
[Show full text]
Astronomy Outreach, Amateur Astronomy and Exoplanet Research
Astronomy outreach, amateur astronomy and exoplanet research Olivier Guyon (Subaru Telescope, Univ. of Arizona) Why are we into astronomy ? It's fun The night sky is beautiful What is out there ? Astronomy's big questions How did the universe form galaxies, planets ? Are we alone ? Other life forms in the universe ? Why are we into astronomy ? Astronomy is not very useful on the short term Astronomers won't make cars better, find cure for deseases etc... Some parts of astronomy are useful on the short term: Identify asteroids that may impact Earth Predict solar storms, impact of astronomical effects on climate changes Very little private funding in astronomical research is motivated by economic profit (astronomers don't work for banks and car makers) Astronomy (amateur and prof.) is motivated by curiosity (of public and amateurs) Why professional astronomy ? Relationship between public, amateurs and astronomers Some projects require too much resources for amateur astronomers → governments fund people/projects to work on specific astronomy problems Origins of professional astronomy: boundary between amateurs & professional astromy often fuzzy Public and amateurs curiosity funds astronomical research Outreach efforts and amateur astronomers are at the reason astronomical research is possible Exoplanets discoveries (confirmed exoplanets only) Jupiter → Earth Mass Olivier Guyon (Subaru Telescope, Univ. of Arizona) Exoplanets 839 exoplanets confirmed belonging to 662 exoplanetary systems Almost all planets are indirectly detected... we do not
[Show full text]
Sidereal Times, Directors Report 2-4-06 AAAP Meeting Feb 14 (8:00 Peyton Hall)
ereal tim id The Offi cial Publication of the es s Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton Director: Treasurer: Program Chairman: Rex Parker Ron Mittlestaedt Ken Kremer (609) 730-0670 (609) 771-6981 (609) 558-4955 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Assistant Director: Secretary: Editor: John Miller Ludy D’Angelo Victor Belanger (609) 252-1223 (609) 882-9336 (609) 448-8598 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Volume 35 February 2006 Number 2 Sidereal Times, Directors Report 2-4-06 AAAP Meeting Feb 14 (8:00 Peyton Hall). Continuing our intellectual excursion through the different domains of astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary sciences, the next AAAP meeting will make a stop in the realm of celestial mechanics. From its rich tradition going back to Kepler and Newton, and Copernicus and Ptolemy before them, this fi eld has recently been infl uenced by modern high technology to give a revitalized and more detailed picture. At our Feb 14 meeting this will be presented with a new fl air by Dr Mary Lou West, from the Dept of Mathematical Sciences at Montclair State Univ in NJ. More background on her lecture, “How Things Move in Space”, can be found in Program Chair Ken Kremer’s article in this issue. ADVANCE NOTICE: Change in March AAAP meeting date-- mark your calendar! We will have two meetings in March: our lecture is being co-sponsored The HII Region M42 in Orion’s sword, (Tak FS128 / ST-10XME astrophoto by AAAP along with Princeton University’s Dept of by RAP) Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE).
[Show full text]