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CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
College of Science and Technology
Course Syllabus
AST
Desig
260
No
General Astronomy I
Title
4(3-2) F (even years)
Credit(mode)
I.
Bulletin Description
A mathematical treatment of modern astronomy for majors/minors in the sciences. Coordinate systems,
astronomical instruments, time, moon and eclipses, earth as a planet, other solar system objects.
II.
Prerequisites
PHY 145 or permission of instructor.
III.
Rationale for Course Level
This is the first semester of a two-semester introductory astronomy course. Although the course is an
introductory one, it requires some background beyond typical 100-level courses (e.g. calculus, introductory
physics) and is most appropriate for the 200-level.
IV.
Textbooks and Other Materials To Be Furnished by the Student
An introductory astronomical textbook that includes the mathematics and physics on which modern astronomy
is based. (example: Zeilik and Gregory: Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics, 1998).
V.
Special Requirements of the Course
Night time use of the astronomical observatory is required.
VI.
General Methodology Used in Conducting the Course
Three hours of lecture per week supplemented by a required two-hour laboratory involving astronomical
observations and an introduction to astronomical data analysis.
VII.
Course Objectives
After completion of the course, the student will
1.
be familiar with the terminology and use of astronomical coordinate systems and orbital elements.
2.
be familiar with the terminology and the current knowledge concerning solar system astronomy.
3.
be familiar with the types of telescopes and instruments that are in common use in astronomy. .
4.
understand how physics is essential for a modern study of astronomy and planetary science.
5.
know how to use an astronomical telescope to locate and observe celestial objects.
6.
be familiar with the appearance, through a telescope, of commonly observed astronomical objects
including the sun, the moon, planets, double stars, and diffuse objects (galaxies, nebulae).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Syllabus Prepared By:
Name
Wayne Osborn
Signature
Date
March 31, 2003
VIII.
Course Outline
Week
Topics
1
Introduction: definition of astronomy, astronomy as a career, overview of the universe and its contents
Describing the sky: celestial sphere concept and coordinate systems
2
Motions of the earth and their effects: rotation, revolution, day and night, seasons
3.
Lunar and planetary motions, eclipses, geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system
4.
Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation, orbital mechanics and applications (Kepler’s laws)
5.
The nature of light: properties of electromagnetic radiation, properties of atoms and matter, formation
and description of spectra
6.
Astronomical instruments: telescopes, detectors, cameras and spectrographs
7
Overview of the solar system: content, motions, origin of the solar system, unanswered questions
8
The Earth: interior, atmosphere, magnetosphere, formation and evolution
9.
The Moon: properties, comparison to the earth
10-11
The terrestrial planets: Mercury, Venus, and Mars; comparison of these to the earth and the
moon.
12-14
The Jovian Planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune; comparison of these to the terrestrial
planets and to each other; characteristics of their satellites
15
Minor bodies of the solar system: Pluto, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, Kuiper Belt
The laboratory exercises will be related to the above topics but the exact order will be determined by the weather.
The laboratory work is of two types: indoor exercises and observing. The exercises will introduce the student to
the techniques of astronomical data analysis. The observing will include visual observations, photography, and use
of a CCD camera.
Typical indoor exercises:
Astronomical coordinate systems and the celestial sphere
Use of star maps, almanacs and star catalogues
Characteristics of astronomical telescopes
Determining the earth's orbital velocity
Radar determination of Mercury's rotation rate
The rotation of Saturn and its Rings
Surface features of Mars
Typical observing activities:
Use of a telescope for visual observations
Observing the sun
Astronomical imaging
Working observatory open nights for the public
IX.
Evaluation
Two mid-term examinations (20% each)
A final examination (30%)
Homework problems (15%)
Laboratory exercises (15%)
X.
Bibliography
The American Ephemeris and Astronomical Almanac (U.S. Government Printing Office). Published each year.
Chriastiansen, Eric H. and W. Kenneth Hamblin: Exploring the Planets (Prentice Hall), 1995.
Consolmagno, Guy and Martha W. Schaeffer: Worlds Apart: A Textbook in Planetary Sciences (Prentice Hall),
1994.
Contemporary Laboratory Exercises in Astronomy (CLEA). A series of computer simulations of astronomical
observing distributed by Gettysburg College.
Hartmann, William: Moons & Planets (Wadsworth Publishing Co.), 1993. Has an extensive list of journal
references.
Kitchen, C.R.: Astrophysical Techniques (Adam Hilger), 1991.
Zeilik, Michael and Stephen Gregory. Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics (Saunders College
Publishing), 1998 (fourth edition).