Cluster 4 -- Introduction to Astrophysics
- Instructors: Matt Richter, Tucker Jones
- Prerequisites: Algebra II or Equivalent, Physics, and Chemistry recommended
- Typical Field Trips: Rotary Community Observatory, Lick Observatory, Exploratorium
Introduction
This cluster consists of four interrelated core courses that will be taught throughout the duration of the cluster. The courses are: “Foundations of Astronomy,” “Star and Planet Formation,” “Stellar Evolution,” and “Intro to Cosmology.” These courses are intended to provide students with a solid background in some of the most important aspects of astrophysics, and then to apply this knowledge to the most interesting recent discoveries in the field. There will be special-topic lectures by the instructors and guest lecturers. In addition, the students will work on astrophysics research projects. The research projects will involve basic Python programming; while some familiarity with Python or another programming language would be helpful, all needed programming skills will be taught as part of the curriculum.
Core Courses
Foundations of Astronomy
There are key ideas every astronomer needs to know, and this course will cover them. We will discuss the basics of how telescopes work and why different kinds of telescopes and instruments are used for specific observations. We’ll also talk about the various detectors used to measure light, from radio waves to gamma rays. Students will learn important terminology and basic measurement concepts. We will discuss how the sky moves, how astronomers find specific objects in the sky, and the basic methods used to determine the distances to astronomical objects, a fundamental measurement in astronomy and cosmology. This course will give students a solid grasp of the practical steps necessary to turn light from the sky into a meaningful measurement that tells us about the Universe.
Star and Planet Formation
We will look at the formation and early evolution of stars and planetary systems from the initial collapse of interstellar gas to the onset of stable hydrogen fusion in the core of the star. We will discuss methods for detecting and studying pre-stellar material, disks around stars, and planetary systems outside our Solar System. We will investigate the chemical makeup of interstellar gas, stars, and planets.
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.
Stellar Evolution
The Sun is a star, of course. Why is the Sun the size, temperature, and color it is? There are physical laws governing the structure and evolution of all stars, including the Sun. We will explore these laws as we learn about stars and their ultimate fates. From this, we will understand why the Sun will end its life as a white dwarf instead of exploding as a supernova.