Cluster 9
Introduction to Astrophysics
- Instructors: Chris Fassnacht, Vera Margoniner, & Chris Taylor
- Prerequisites: Algebra II
- Typical Field Trips: Rotary Community Observatory, Lick Observatory, California Academy of Sciences, NASA Ames, and SETI Institute
Introduction
This cluster consists of four interrelated 2-week core courses: "Light", "Gravity", "Intro to Cosmology", and "Modern topics in Astronomy". These courses are intended to provide students with a good background in some of the most important aspects of astrophysics, and then to apply this knowledge to some of the most interesting recent discoveries in the field.
Core Courses (2 Weeks Each)
Light
An understanding of light -- its properties, its interaction with matter, how it carries information through the Universe, and how we collect that information -- is a crucial component of astrophysics. This course will begin with an exploration of the full electromagnetic spectrum and show students how much we can learn from the light that we detect in our telescopes. We will discuss the physical properties of astronomical objects that can be studied using x-ray, visible, infrared, and radio observations. Throughout the course, we will also discuss spectroscopy, a very powerful tool used in astrophysics, and will use existing spectroscopic observations to discuss evidence for dark matter, and for the expansion of the Universe.
Gravity
This course will focus on the properties of spacetime and the Universe as a whole. It will begin with a description of gravity, first from the standpoint of Newton's classic theory and then from that of Einstein's idea of curved spacetime. The concept of curved spacetime will then be used as a basis for understanding black holes and gravitational lenses. The course will introduce students to the process of star formation and evolution, galaxy formation, and the large scale structure of the Universe.
Introduction to Cosmology
How did the Universe begin? Will it ever end? Are there other universes out there? In this class we will discuss the evidence for the expansion of the Universe, the Big Bang, Dark Matter and Dark Energy, and explore what our current understanding of those implies for the ultimate fate of the Universe.
Topics in Contemporary Astronomy
This course will feature lectures in selected areas of contemporary astronomy, focusing on the cutting edge of modern science. Topics will include the search for extra-solar planets, the astrophysics of active galactic nuclei, theory and observation of gamma ray bursters, and the evolution of galaxies in the universe. These topics will build upon the concepts introduced in the Light, Gravity, and Cosmology courses.
Modified 2010-01-15T20:00:00Z