Stars and Planets

3 Units

This course is the first of two in a sequence covering introductory astronomy and astrophysics at an intermediate level. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed on data analysis and interpretation using real astronomical data and the Python programming language. This course is intended, designed, and required for Astronomy majors and minors. Topics covered include: orbits, gravity, and Kepler's Laws; the Solar System; planetary structure and formation; exoplanets; the celestial sphere and coordinate systems; blackbody radiation; emission and absorption spectra; telescopes; trigonometric parallax; the magnitude system; the Sun; stellar classification and spectral types; the H-R Diagram; stellar masses; stellar structure, energy production and transport; stellar evolution; supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes; the interstellar medium; and star formation. Prereq: MATH 122 or MATH 124 or MATH 126 . Prereq or Coreq: PHYS 116 or PHYS 122 or PHYS 124 .