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PHYS 284

Introduction to Astronomy

3 credits · Undergraduate

Fall 2026

Topics

  • Earth’s place in the solar system
  • Seasons, tides and precession
  • Planets and the solar system
  • Star clusters and the Milky Way
  • Newtonian, quantum and relativistic foundations
  • Optical and radio telescopes
  • Discovery of extrasolar planets
  • Big Bang cosmology
  • Possibility of life beyond Earth

Readings

  • Jeffrey Bennett, Megan Donahue, Nicholas Schneider and Mark Voit. The Cosmic Perspective, 10th edition (the syllabus prints 2017).
    Required
Sources