Astro 335 -- Observational Cosmology Professor Jay Gallagher--Spring 2002 Rm 4503 Sterling Hall; [email protected]; 263-2456

Texts: A. Liddle, "An Introduction to Modern Cosmology" G. Bothun, "Modern Cosmological Observations and Problems" [Maybe!]

Course Objectives: We will explore the present state of cosmological research with an empahsis on key observational techniques, results, and their astrophysical interpretation. Our emphasis will be on undertsanding the universe well after the big bang, and so we will spend relatively little time on the fascinating physics of the early universe. Much of effort will focus on the distances, masses, motions, clustering, and evolution of galaxies and the application of this knowledge to cosmological problems. This class requires a thorough knowledge of 200 level physics with some expereince in physics at the 300 level or above.

This is the first time this course is being taught, so we will all be doing some experimentation as we go. The course is divided into 3 major subject units: The Expanding Universe, Big Bang Model and Standard Tests, and Large Scale Structure of Matter. The first syllabus covers only Unit 1 and is available on the web as a pdf file (you should be able to read this with an Acrobat Reader). I am using pdf files since this allow us to conveniently communicate equations and special symbols, which is a clumsy process in html. The class web page will be located at www.astro.wisc.edu/~jsg/astro335/ and will contain updates on readings, homeworks, etc.

Grades: This course will be graded on a normal grade scale. We plan to have 6-7 homeworks, and you are encouraged to discuss the homework in a small group, but to then do and hand in your own work. We will have two hour tests and a final examination; homeworks will be about 35%, the two hour tests 40%, and the final 25% of the grade.

Professor: John (Jay) Gallagher researches the structure and evolution of galaxies from an observational perspective. I am also interested in the development of new observatories, and worked on the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 currently in operation on the Hubble Space Telescope and the Gemini 8-m optical/infrared telescopes. As you may have noticed, observational astronomers tend to miss some classes, and I will do so mainly in a block concentrated before and after the spring break. During these times I will arrange for guest lectures, which are part of the course. In particular, we are pleased to have Dr. Abi Saha of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories, a Brittingham Lecturer, to work with you after the spring break when I will be observing in Hawaii.

My office hours are Monday 4-5 PM and Thursday 9-10 AM, or you can make an appointment to meet with me at other times. Although I admit to being somewhat elusive, you can almost always reach me by email, even when I am out of town, and I am glad to answer questions over email. If you are having difficulties, please come see me to discuss these sooner rather than later.

I look forward to our exploration of the observational basis for current models of the universe.