Galactic Astronomy
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ASTR 503 – Galactic Astronomy Spring 2015 COURSE SYLLABUS
ASTR 503 – Galactic Astronomy Spring 2015 COURSE SYLLABUS WHO I AM Instructor: Dr. Kurtis A. Williams Office Location: Science 145 Office Phone: 903-886-5516 Office Fax: 903-886-5480 Office Hours: TBA University Email Address: [email protected] Course Location and Time: Science 122, TR 11:00-12:15 WHAT THIS COURSE IS ABOUT Course Description: Observations of galaxies provide much of the key evidence supporting the current paradigms of cosmology, from the Big Bang through formation of large-scale structure and the evolution of stellar environments over cosmological history. In this course, we will explore the phenomenology of galaxies, primarily through observational support of underlying astrophysical theory. Student Learning Outcomes: 1. You will calculate properties of galaxies and stellar systems given quantitative observations, and vice-versa. 2. You will be able to categorize galactic systems and their components. 3. You will be able to interpret observations of galaxies within a framework of galactic and stellar evolution. 4. You will prepare written and oral summaries of both current and fundamental peer- reviewed articles on galactic astronomy for your peers. WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED Materials – Textbooks, Software and Additional Reading: Required: • Galactic Astronomy, Binney & Merrifield 1998 (Princeton University Press: Princeton) • Access to a desktop or laptop computer on which you can install software, read PDF files, compile code, and access the internet. Recommended: • Allen’s Astrophysical Quantities, 4th Edition, Arthur Cox, 2000 (Springer) Course Prerequisites: Advanced undergraduate classical dynamics (equivalent of Phys 411) or Phys 511. HOW THE COURSE WILL WORK Instructional Methods / Activities / Assessments Assigned Readings There is far too much material in the text for us to cover every single topic in class. -
Telescopes and Binoculars
Continuing Education Course Approved by the American Board of Opticianry Telescopes and Binoculars National Academy of Opticianry 8401 Corporate Drive #605 Landover, MD 20785 800-229-4828 phone 301-577-3880 fax www.nao.org Copyright© 2015 by the National Academy of Opticianry. All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher. 2 National Academy of Opticianry PREFACE: This continuing education course was prepared under the auspices of the National Academy of Opticianry and is designed to be convenient, cost effective and practical for the Optician. The skills and knowledge required to practice the profession of Opticianry will continue to change in the future as advances in technology are applied to the eye care specialty. Higher rates of obsolescence will result in an increased tempo of change as well as knowledge to meet these changes. The National Academy of Opticianry recognizes the need to provide a Continuing Education Program for all Opticians. This course has been developed as a part of the overall program to enable Opticians to develop and improve their technical knowledge and skills in their chosen profession. The National Academy of Opticianry INSTRUCTIONS: Read and study the material. After you feel that you understand the material thoroughly take the test following the instructions given at the beginning of the test. Upon completion of the test, mail the answer sheet to the National Academy of Opticianry, 8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 605, Landover, Maryland 20785 or fax it to 301-577-3880. Be sure you complete the evaluation form on the answer sheet. -
PHYS 1302 Intro to Stellar & Galactic Astronomy
PHYS 1302: Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astronomy University of Houston-Downtown Course Prefix, Number, and Title: PHYS 1302: Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astronomy Credits/Lecture/Lab Hours: 3/2/2 Foundational Component Area: Life and Physical Sciences Prerequisites: Credit or enrollment in MATH 1301 or MATH 1310 Co-requisites: None Course Description: An integrated lecture/laboratory course for non-science majors. This course surveys stellar and galactic systems, the evolution and properties of stars, galaxies, clusters of galaxies, the properties of interstellar matter, cosmology and the effort to find extraterrestrial life. Competing theories that address recent discoveries are discussed. The role of technology in space sciences, the spin-offs and implications of such are presented. Visual observations and laboratory exercises illustrating various techniques in astronomy are integrated into the course. Recent results obtained by NASA and other agencies are introduced. Up to three evening observing sessions are required for this course, one of which will take place off-campus at George Observatory at Brazos Bend State Park. TCCNS Number: N/A Demonstration of Core Objectives within the Course: Assigned Core Learning Outcome Instructional strategy or content Method by which students’ Objective Students will be able to: used to achieve the outcome mastery of this outcome will be evaluated Critical Thinking Utilize scientific Star Property Correlations – They will be instructed to processes to identify students will form and test prioritize these properties in Empirical & questions pertaining to hypotheses to explain the terms of their relevance in Quantitative natural phenomena. correlation between a number of deciding between competing Reasoning properties seen in stars. -
Galactic Astronomy with AO: Nearby Star Clusters and Moving Groups
Galactic astronomy with AO: Nearby star clusters and moving groups T. J. Davidgea aDominion Astrophysical Observatory, Victoria, BC Canada ABSTRACT Observations of Galactic star clusters and objects in nearby moving groups recorded with Adaptive Optics (AO) systems on Gemini South are discussed. These include observations of open and globular clusters with the GeMS system, and high Strehl L observations of the moving group member Sirius obtained with NICI. The latter data 2 fail to reveal a brown dwarf companion with a mass ≥ 0.02M in an 18 × 18 arcsec area around Sirius A. Potential future directions for AO studies of nearby star clusters and groups with systems on large telescopes are also presented. Keywords: Adaptive optics, Open clusters: individual (Haffner 16, NGC 3105), Globular Clusters: individual (NGC 1851), stars: individual (Sirius) 1. STAR CLUSTERS AND THE GALAXY Deep surveys of star-forming regions have revealed that stars do not form in isolation, but instead form in clusters or loose groups (e.g. Ref. 25). This is a somewhat surprising result given that most stars in the Galaxy and nearby galaxies are not seen to be in obvious clusters (e.g. Ref. 31). This apparent contradiction can be reconciled if clusters tend to be short-lived. In fact, the pace of cluster destruction has been measured to be roughly an order of magnitude per decade in age (Ref. 17), indicating that the vast majority of clusters have lifespans that are only a modest fraction of the dynamical crossing-time of the Galactic disk. Clusters likely disperse in response to sudden changes in mass driven by supernovae and stellar winds (e.g. -
Dwarfs Walking in a Row the filamentary Nature of the NGC 3109 Association
A&A 559, L11 (2013) Astronomy DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201322744 & c ESO 2013 Astrophysics Letter to the Editor Dwarfs walking in a row The filamentary nature of the NGC 3109 association M. Bellazzini1, T. Oosterloo2;3, F. Fraternali4;3, and G. Beccari5 1 INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Bologna, via Ranzani 1, 40127 Bologna, Italy e-mail: [email protected] 2 Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, Postbus 2, 7990 AA Dwingeloo, The Netherlands 3 Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen, Postbus 800, 9700 AV Groningen, The Netherlands 4 Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia - Università degli Studi di Bologna, viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy 5 European Southern Observatory, Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 2, 85748 Garching bei Munchen, Germany Received 24 September 2013 / Accepted 22 October 2013 ABSTRACT We re-consider the association of dwarf galaxies around NGC 3109, whose known members were NGC 3109, Antlia, Sextans A, and Sextans B, based on a new updated list of nearby galaxies and the most recent data. We find that the original members of the NGC 3109 association, together with the recently discovered and adjacent dwarf irregular Leo P, form a very tight and elongated configuration in space. All these galaxies lie within ∼100 kpc of a line that is '1070 kpc long, from one extreme (NGC 3109) to the other (Leo P), and they show a gradient in the Local Group standard of rest velocity with a total amplitude of 43 km s−1 Mpc−1, and a rms scatter of just 16.8 km s−1. It is shown that the reported configuration is exceptional given the known dwarf galaxies in the Local Group and its surroundings. -
A Newly-Discovered Accurate Early Drawing of M51, the Whirlpool Nebula
Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage , 11(2), 107-115 (2008). A NEWLY-DISCOVERED ACCURATE EARLY DRAWING OF M51, THE WHIRLPOOL NEBULA William Tobin 6 rue Saint Louis, 56000 Vannes, France. E-mail: [email protected] and J.B. Holberg Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, 1541 East University Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85721, U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract: We have discovered a lost drawing of M51, the nebula in which spiral structure was first discovered by Lord Rosse. The drawing was made in April 1862 by Jean Chacornac at the Paris Observatory using Léon Foucault’s newly-completed 80-cm silvered-glass reflecting telescope. Comparison with modern images shows that Chacornac’s drawing was more accurate with respect to gross structure and showed fainter details than any other nineteenth century drawing, although its superiority would not have been apparent at the time without nebular photography to provide a standard against which to judge drawing quality. M51 is now known as the Whirlpool Nebula, but the astronomical appropriation of ‘whirlpool’ predates Rosse’s discovery. Keywords: reflecting telescopes, nebulae, spiral structure, Léon Foucault, Lord Rosse, M51, Whirlpool Nebula 1 REFLECTING TELESCOPES AND SPIRAL STRUCTURE The French physicist Léon Foucault (1819–1868) is the father of the reflecting telescope in its modern form, with large, optically-perfect, metallized glass or ceramic mirrors. Foucault achieved this breakthrough while working as ‘physicist’ at the Paris Observatory in the late 1850s. The largest telescope that he built (Foucault, 1862) had a silvered-glass, f/5.6 primary mirror of 80-cm diameter in a Newtonian configura- tion (see Figure 1). -
Galaxies: Outstanding Problems and Instrumental Prospects for the Coming Decade (A Review)* T (Cosmology/History of Astronomy/Quasars/Space) JEREMIAH P
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 74, No. 5, pp. 1767-1774, May 1977 Astronomy Galaxies: Outstanding problems and instrumental prospects for the coming decade (A Review)* t (cosmology/history of astronomy/quasars/space) JEREMIAH P. OSTRIKER Princeton University Observatory, Peyton Hall, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 Contributed by Jeremiah P. Ostriker, February 3, 1977 ABSTRACT After a review of the discovery of external It is more than a little astonishing that in the early part of this galaxies and the early classification of these enormous aggre- century it was the prevailing scientific view that man lived in gates of stars into visually recognizable types, a new classifi- a universe centered about himself; by 1920 the sun's newly cation scheme is suggested based on a measurable physical quantity, the luminosity of the spheroidal component. It is ar- discovered, slightly off-center position was still controversial. gued that the new one-parameter scheme may correlate well The discovery was, ironically, due to Shapley. both with existing descriptive labels and with underlying A little background to this debate may be useful. The Island physical reality. Universe hypothesis was not new, having been proposed 170 Two particular problems in extragalactic research are isolated years previously by the English astronomer, Thomas Wright as currently most fundamental. (i) A significant fraction of the (2), and developed with remarkably prescience by Emmanuel energy emitted by active galaxies (approximately 1% of all galaxies) is emitted by very small central regions largely in parts Kant, who wrote (see refs. 10 and 23 in ref. 3) in 1755 (in a of the spectrum (microwave, infrared, ultraviolet and x-ray translation from Edwin Hubble). -
Observational Cosmology - 30H Course 218.163.109.230 Et Al
Observational cosmology - 30h course 218.163.109.230 et al. (2004–2014) PDF generated using the open source mwlib toolkit. See http://code.pediapress.com/ for more information. PDF generated at: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 03:42:03 UTC Contents Articles Observational cosmology 1 Observations: expansion, nucleosynthesis, CMB 5 Redshift 5 Hubble's law 19 Metric expansion of space 29 Big Bang nucleosynthesis 41 Cosmic microwave background 47 Hot big bang model 58 Friedmann equations 58 Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker metric 62 Distance measures (cosmology) 68 Observations: up to 10 Gpc/h 71 Observable universe 71 Structure formation 82 Galaxy formation and evolution 88 Quasar 93 Active galactic nucleus 99 Galaxy filament 106 Phenomenological model: LambdaCDM + MOND 111 Lambda-CDM model 111 Inflation (cosmology) 116 Modified Newtonian dynamics 129 Towards a physical model 137 Shape of the universe 137 Inhomogeneous cosmology 143 Back-reaction 144 References Article Sources and Contributors 145 Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 148 Article Licenses License 150 Observational cosmology 1 Observational cosmology Observational cosmology is the study of the structure, the evolution and the origin of the universe through observation, using instruments such as telescopes and cosmic ray detectors. Early observations The science of physical cosmology as it is practiced today had its subject material defined in the years following the Shapley-Curtis debate when it was determined that the universe had a larger scale than the Milky Way galaxy. This was precipitated by observations that established the size and the dynamics of the cosmos that could be explained by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. -
Aplea for Reflectors
A PLEA FOR REFLECTORS Pedro RÉ http://pedroreastrophotography.com/ In 1867 John Browing (c1833-1925)1 published a trade catalogue entitled “A Plea for Reflectors: Being a Description of the New Astronomical Telescopes with Silvered-Glass Specula; And Instructions for adjusting and Using Them”. This catalogue had six editions that were published until 18762. Browning describes his range of reflecting telescopes, how to use them and compares these with achromatic refractors of comparable apertures. It also contains numerous details of its extensive range of glass silvered specula, eyepieces, micrometres, barometers and microscopes (Figure 1). The back of the booklet contains testimonials from satisfied customers, many of them distinguished amateurs and professionals. By publishing “A Plea for Reflectors”, J. Browning & Co. became one of the first to mass produce telescopes for the amateur (Figure 2). The popularity of the Newtonian reflector as the instrument of choice for the amateur astronomer followed the pioneering work of George Henry With (1827-1904). With began making silvered-glass mirrors in the early 1860's following his retirement as schoolmaster at the Blue Coat School, Hereford. With did not actually make telescopes. His principal customer was John Browning, the London instrument maker well-known for his spectroscopes and telescopes. Browning's business flourished to circa 1905, possibly first starting at 1 Norfolk Street, Strand circa 1866. The firm had their 'factory' in Vine Street EC3 (1872-76) and Southampton Street north off the Strand (1877-82) and William Street (1887). The shop was at 111 Minories (near Tower Hill) working under the name Spencer, Browning and Co. -
The Herschels and Their Astronomy
The Herschels and their Astronomy Mary Kay Hemenway 24 March 2005 outline • William Herschel • Herschel telescopes • Caroline Herschel • Considerations of the Milky Way • William Herschel’s discoveries • John Herschel Wm. Herschel (1738-1822) • Born Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel in Hanover, Germany • A bandboy with the Hanoverian Guards, later served in the military; his father helped him to leave Germany for England in 1757 • Musician in Bath • He read Smith's Harmonies, and followed by reading Smith's Optics - it changed his life. Miniature portrait from 1764 Discovery of Uranus 1781 • William Herschel used a seven-foot Newtonian telescope • "in the quartile near zeta Tauri the lowest of the two is a curious either Nebulous Star or perhaps a Comet” • He called it “Georgium Sidus" after his new patron, George Ill. • Pension of 200 pounds a year and knighted, the "King's Astronomer” -- now astronomy full time. Sir William Herschel • Those who had received a classical education in astronomy agreed that their job was to study the sun, moon, planets, comets, individual stars. • Herschel acted like a naturalist, collecting specimens in great numbers, counting and classifying them, and later trying to organize some into life cycles. • Before his discovery of Uranus, Fellows of the Royal Society had contempt for his ignorance of basic procedures and conventions. Isaac Newton's reflecting telescope 1671 William Herschel's 20-foot, 1783 Account of some Observations tending to investigate the Construction of the Heavens Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (1784) vol. 74, pp. 437-451 In a former paper I mentioned, that a more powerful instrument was preparing for continuing my reviews of the heavens. -
Astronomy (ASTR) 1
Astronomy (ASTR) 1 Astronomy (ASTR) ASTR 1000. Introduction to the Universe. 3 Hours. A survey of the universe, examining the historical origins of astronomy; the motions and physical properties of the Sun, Moon, and planets; the formation, evolution, and death of stars; and the structure of galaxies and the expansion of the Universe. ASTR 1010K. Astronomy of the Solar System. 4 Hours. 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. Three lectures and one night laboratory session per week. ASTR 1020K. Stellar and Galactic Astronomy. 4 Hours. The study of the Sun and stars, their physical properties and evolution, interstellar matter, star clusters, our Galaxy and other galaxies, the origin and evolution of the Universe. Three lectures and one night laboratory session per week. ASTR 2010. Tools of Astronomy. 1 Hour. An introduction to observational techniques for the beginning astronomy major. Completion of this course will enable the student to use the campus observatory without direct supervision. The student will be given instruction in the use of the observatory and its associated equipment. Includes laboratory safety, research methods, exploration of resources (library and Internet), and an outline of the discipline. ASTR 2020. The Planetarium. 1 Hour. Prerequisites: ASTR 1000, ASTR 1010K, ASTR 1020K, or permission of instructor. Instruction in the operation of the campus planetarium and delivery of planetarium programs. Completion of this course will qualify the student to prepare and give planetarium programs to visiting groups. ASTR 2950. Directed Study. -
AS203 – Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astronomy
AS 203 – Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astronomy Syllabus – Spring 2008 Instructor Prof. Elizabeth Blanton Room: CAS 519 Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-353-2633 Office hours: M 12:00 – 1:30 pm, W 1:00 – 2:30 pm, or by appointment Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant Day Labs Night Labs Nicholas Lee Michael Pavel Room: CAS 524 Room: CAS 524 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-353-6554 Phone: 617-358-0566 Office hours: T 1:30 – 3:00 pm M, T 10:00 – 11:00 am Th 11:00 am – 12:30 pm W 4:00 – 5:00 pm Class Hours and Location Lectures (A1 and HP): MWF 11:00 am – 12:00 pm; CAS 502 Labs: You must sign up for one section; indoor labs are in CAS 521 A2 Mon. 5:00 – 6:30 pm A3 Tues. 5:00 – 6:30 pm A4 Wed. 5:00 – 6:30 pm Observing Labs: CAS rooftop telescopes Observing (night) labs will be held immediately after the indoor (day) labs. You should go to observing labs on the same day that you go to your indoor labs. There will be two periods for each observing lab, 6:30 – 7:30 pm and 7:30 – 8:30 pm. This is to avoid having too many people share the telescopes at the same time. Later in the semester, the 6:30 – 7:30 pm section will move to 8:30 – 9:30 pm, since the sun will be setting later. In case of poor weather, observing labs will not be held.