Download Makeup labs will be done this week (requires permission from TA).

ASTRONOMY 101
GENERAL ASTRONOMY 4 credits Spring, 2003
Instructor: Grace L. Deming
Office: CSS 1233
(301) 405-1562
Office Hrs. Mon. 9:00 - 11:00, Thurs. 12:30 - 2:30
E-mail: [email protected]
or by appointment
Course Webpage: Weekly reminders, handouts, summaries, etc. will appear at
http://www.astro.umd.edu/~astr101/astr101/
Course Description:
Astronomy 101 is an introductory course in astronomy for non-science majors. This course
satisfies the CORE distributive studies requirement for a laboratory physical science. As
specified by the CORE guidelines, this course will use active learning techniques, emphasize
critical thinking and concentrate on written expression. Credit will not be given for both ASTR
100 and 101. (ASTR 100 is a CORE non-lab physical science course.)
In this class you will examine how modern astronomers collect and analyze electromagnetic
radiation (the astronomer's fancy expression for light) to reveal the nature of this immense
universe surrounding us. But astronomy is an old science. The course begins with our familiar
surroundings here on Earth and early observations made by many cultures of the motions of the
heavens. As more precise observations were made with new instruments, astronomers began to
understand the motion seen in the heavens in terms of the gravitational force--a theme still
important today (dark matter). As we move away from Earth out into the Solar System,
comparisons will be drawn between the planets most similar to Earth (Venus and Mars) and the
outer planets (like Jupiter). Examination of the very distant stars and their life cycles will begin
with our own star, the Sun. For only the last 75 years have astronomers realized that the Sun and
planets are a tiny part of the vast collection of stars (some with their own planets) that make up
our Milky Way Galaxy and that our galaxy is only one of billions in an expanding universe.
Course Philosophy:
Yes, I know that you are probably taking this class to fulfill your general education science
requirement. I hope that you chose astronomy because it sounded more interesting to you than
your other options. Maybe it was all that you could fit into your schedule! An educated
individual should at least appreciate science and what scientists do, please make the most of this
learning experience.
I'm excited about astronomy! During this semester you will be learning about awesome and
amazing bodies in our universe. Black holes, quasars, and volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io are
fascinating, but have you ever seen a more beautiful planet than Saturn? Maybe Earth?
We can understand the universe that surrounds us! What a shame it would be for you to go
through life without taking advantage of the vast body of scientific knowledge our ancestors have
accumulated. Modern astronomers have an obligation to share our discoveries with everyone.
You'll want to be informed in order to make responsible decisions regarding our planet's future.
Forming opinions supported by the interpretation of scientific data is crucial in dealing with
environmental problems (such as ozone depletion and global warming) and answering basic
questions about humanity (Are we alone in the universe? Is space exploration worth the cost?).
Nourish your curiosity by thinking for this class and challenging yourself for the rest of your life.
Curiosity has brought our species to this level—pondering our place in the universe. Astronomy
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may develop into a new area of interest for you. I hope your interest in astronomy will continue
well beyond this course. Most times a new astronomical discovery leads to asking more new
questions than providing answers to old ones. Long after this semester, I hope you will continue
to think critically and share in the excitement of new astronomical discoveries.
Course Expectations:
Attendance: In order to successfully complete this course I expect you to attend class. We meet
4 times a week.
Lecture: Tues. and Thurs. from 11:00 - 12:15 in Physics 1412
The universe is difficult to cover in one semester. I will select topics that I consider basic,
important, or for which I have a personal fondness. Slides, demonstrations, movies and notes
will enhance lectures. There will also be daily skywatches and activities that are crucial to your
success in this course. Summaries of the lectures will be posted on the webpage and also through
our Listserver for ASTR 101, MILKYWAY, along with terms and questions to review. The
summaries are not meant to be a substitute for lecture. In lecture there will be times when I ask
you to discuss a question individually or in a small group and turn in a written response (lecture
activities). Today's Astronomy Survey was worth 2 pts. If you miss a lecture, be sure to look at
another student's notes and make sure you understand what was covered. See your teaching
assistant or me if you have questions.
Discussion: See schedule of classes for the time of your section 0101 to 0108. 50 mins.
Discussion section is conducted by your teaching assistant (TA). We have a specific schedule
(see p. 6) of activities that will prepare you for lab or enhance a topic introduced in lecture.
Laboratory: See schedule of classes for the time of your section 0101 to 0108. 2 hrs.
Understanding laboratory techniques, procedures, and reaching conclusions based on
observations are crucial in understanding all sciences. Since most of astronomy deals with far
removed objects, astronomers must utilize the information relayed to us in the form of
electromagnetic radiation (light). Additional important information will be provided in the “Lab
and Discussion Syllabus” given during the first week of lab and discussion. Instructions on how
to subscribe to our Listserver, MILKYWAY, will be provided in the first lab. The
Discussion/Lab Schedule can be found on page 6 of this syllabus.
Preparation: I expect you to be prepared to work.
Reading the textbook: Because many topics presented in this course will be brand new to you, it
may help you to preview the upcoming lecture by lightly reading the material assigned. See
Lecture Schedule on pages 4 & 5 for readings. A more careful reading is recommended after
lecture. You should study your class notes in the evening to make sure everything is clear and
that you can answer any questions posed during the lecture or on MILKYWAY.
Math/science/computer anxiety: If you have always disliked math and/or science and/or
computers in the past, I hope this is the course that changes your opinion. You completed high
school math/science requirements for graduation. That's all the background needed for
Astronomy 101. We even review algebra in the first week of lab. You can do it! We will help
you. You will subscribe to MILKYWAY during the first week of laboratory using your WAM or
personal computer account. Several labs use computers to simulate data collection and
reduction. A few assignments will require the use of the Internet accessible in campus computer
labs. We are available to help you explore these areas if necessary.
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Study Habits: Study wisely and ask for help if you need it. Studying the night before the exam
may not be sufficient. Because there is a lot of material covered, it will be easier if you keep up
on a daily basis. Digest the material one lecture at a time. If you have questions, please see one
of the TAs or me. We are here to teach; please ask for help when you need it.
Grading
Two 100 pt. exams
200
Labs
142
MILKYWAY Subscription
5
5 homeworks (5 x 15 pts.)
75
Observatory assignment
10
discussion activities
68
lecture activities
50
Final exam
150
Total points
700
University regulations will apply regarding academic dishonesty, the Honor Pledge, and excused
absences. See the Schedule of Classes pages 21 and 36 for these policies. You are asked to write
on exams: “I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance
on this examination.” Exams will consist of multiple choice questions (50%) and questions that
require a written response (50%). A full credit makeup exam will be given only to those students
who have a valid excuse and who call me before the exam is completed. Students missing exams
need to make arrangements with me for a makeup exam (which may be entirely essay questions)
no more than one week after the scheduled exam time or a grade of zero will result. A similar
policy will be discussed during your first lab regarding lab/discussion makeups.
Grading scale used for final grades:
A
100-90%
700-630
B
89-80%
629-560
C
79-68%
559-476
D
67-55%
475-385
F
<55%
<385
Pluses and minuses will not be used. There will be no curve on the final grades. There may need
to be some adjustment to the exam scores depending on the class average; however, any
adjustment will be to lower the percentages given above, never to raise them. If everyone scores
above 80% on Exam I, you would all receive a B or better for Exam I. There will be an extra
credit problem on each of the homework assignments. Homework, extra credit problems, and
the Observatory assignment are listed on pages 7 - 9. There will be no extra credit term papers.
Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations should
contact me as soon as possible. Students who have a religious observance conflicting with class
times during the semester should contact me as soon as possible.
Textbooks Required
Astronomy: the Solar System and Beyond, Seeds, Third Edition, 2003.
Experiments in Astronomy, Blitz and A'Hearn, 1991.
All references to reading and homework assignments are from the third edition of Seeds.
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Lecture Schedule
Jan. 28
Introduction
Preview of universe, Light
Read: Syllabus, and in Textbook: Introduction (pp. 1-8)
Homework: read syllabus, complete and turn in pink checksheet next lecture
Jan. 30 Observations of the Sky
Celestial Spheres, Seasons
Read: C. 1 (10-25)
Feb. 4 Lunar Phases and Eclipses
Models explaining phases & eclipses
Read: C. 1 (25-36)
Feb. 6 Astronomy on Six Continents
Global pre-telescopic discoveries, Greek Astronomy
Read: C2 (38-42)
Feb. 11 Solar System Models
Heliocentric vs. Geocentric theory, Kepler's Laws
Read: C. 2 (42-56)
Homework # 1 due at beginning of class—see page 7
Feb. 13 Understanding Gravity
Gravity as a predictable force of nature
Read: C. 2 (56-62)
Feb. 18 Overview of the Solar System
Kinds of planets, formation of the Solar System
Read: C. 5 (102-104, 110-124)
Feb. 20 Planet Earth
Comparative planetology: Interior, Surface features, Atmosphere
Read: C. 6 (126-133)
Homework #2 due at beginning of class - see pages 7&8
Feb. 25 Moon and Mercury
Apollo missions, Formation of the Moon; Mariner results
Read: C. 6 (134-145) and C. 7 (147-151)
Feb. 27 Venus
Magellan results; Greenhouse effect
Read: C. 7 (151-161)
Mar. 4 Mars
Viking, Pathfinder & Global Surveyor results
Read: C.7 (161-173)
Mar. 6 EXAM I (100 PTS.)
Mar. 11 Terraforming and De-terraforming
Runaway greenhouse, runaway glaciation; introduction to Jovian planets
Read: C.6 (129, 132-133); C. 7 (159-161, 169-171)
Mar. 13 Jovian Planets
Sail on Voyager video (5 pt. lecture activity)
Read: C. 8 (175-201)
Mar. 18 Pluto, Comets, Asteroids, and Meteoroids
Debris, Impacts, What happened to the dinosaurs?
Read: C. 8 (201-203); and C. 9 (206-223)
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Mar. 20
Light!
Introduction to Electromagnetic Radiation and spectra
Read: C. 3 (64-69, 73-86) and C. 4 (88-100)
Apr. 1 Sun
Our star
Read: C. 10 (225-244)
Homework # 3 due at beginning of class - see page 8
Apr. 3 Properties of the Stars
Distance, Magnitude, Temperature, and Luminosity
Read: C. 11(247-258)
Apr. 8 Families of Stars
HR Diagram and binary stars
Read: C. 11 (258-274)
Apr. 10 Evolution of Stars
Formation of stars, main sequence stars
Read: C.12 (276-287; 289-300)
Homework # 4 due at beginning of class - see page 8
Apr. 15 Red Giants and White Dwarfs
What will happen to the Sun? What happens to Earth?
Read: C. 12 (288-289), C 13 (302-315)
Apr. 17 Supernovae, Neutron stars, Pulsars, Black Holes
Exploding stars, Nucleosynthesis, Warped Spacetime
Read: C. 13 (318-324) and C. 14 (326-345)
Apr. 22 Extraterrestrial Life
Aliens, The Drake Equation
Read: C. 5 (104-110), C. 19 (439-458)
Apr. 24 EXAM II (100 pts.)
Apr. 29 Milky Way Galaxy
How do we know we live in a spiral galaxy? Where are we located?
Read: C. 15 (347-370)
May 1 Galaxies in the Universe
Andromeda nebula is another galaxy, Hubble's Law, Dark matter
Read: C. 16 (372-382)
May 6 Evolution of Galaxies
Colliding galaxies, evidence for dark matter
Read: C. 16 (382-392)
Homework # 5 due at beginning of class - see page 9
May 8 Active Galaxies
Billions of light years away? Quasars
Read: C. 17 (394-411)
May 13 Cosmology
Big Bang Theory, Cosmic Background Radiation
Read: C. 18 (413-437)
May 16 FINAL EXAM 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Physics Lecture Hall
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DISCUSSION AND LABORATORY SCHEDULE
(All Labs are 12 points unless otherwise indicated.)
Jan. 28 – 31
Feb. 4 - 7
No Discussion or Laboratory sections meet this week.
Disc: Introductions, Discussion & Lab procedures
Lab: #1 Math Tools (10 pts.), Subscription to MILKYWAY (5 pts.)
and Lab Introduction
Feb. 11-14
Disc: Review of motions in the sky (5 pts.)
Lab: Lunar Phases Lab
Feb. 18-21
Disc: Group Discussion (10 pts.) on Astrology
COMPLETE AND BRING TO DISCUSSION: Astrology Exercise
See the last page of this syllabus. This assignment is worth 5 pts.
Lab: #2 Celestial Spheres—Part 1
Feb. 25 – 28 Disc: What would you weigh on another planet? (5 pts.)
Lab: #2 Celestial Spheres—Part 2
Mar. 4 - 7
Disc: Review for Exam I
Lab: # 3 Lunar and Martian Features
Mar. 11 - 14 Disc: Exam Return, Planetary orbits (5 pts.)
Lab: #4 Moons of Jupiter
Mar. 18 - 21 Disc: Scale of Solar System (5 pts.)
Lab: #6 Parallax
Apr. 1 –Apr. 4 Disc: Light and Spectra (5 pts.)
Lab: #7 Spectroscopy
Apr. 8 - 11
Disc: Stellar Properties (5 pts.)
Lab: #8 Stellar Spectra
Apr. 15 - 18 Disc: Nebulae (3 pts)
Lab: #11 Interstellar Medium
Apr. 22 - 25 Disc: Review for Exam II
Lab: No scheduled new lab
Makeup labs will be done this week (requires permission from TA).
Apr. 29-May 2 Disc: Exam return and Group Discussion on Extraterrestrial Life (10 pts.)
PREPARATION ASSIGNMENT due at the beginning of your discussion. (5 pts)
Review Chapter 19 in your book. Assuming that extraterrestrial life is similar
chemically to life on Earth, what planetary conditions are most crucial to the development
of life on other worlds. What additional conditions are necessary for the development of a
technical civilization?
Lab: #13 Galaxies
May 6 - 9
Disc: Beyond the Milky Way, Hubble's Law (5 pts.)
Lab: #14 Expansion of the Universe
May 14
Study Day: Makeup Labs 11, 13 and 14 only
Requires permission from TA, time to be announced
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Homework Assignments (15 pts. each)
Homework is due at 11 AM on the lecture date indicated. Electronic submissions will not
be accepted. The next lecture is designated as the “late” date for homework. Homework handed
in after 11 AM on the due date will be considered late (2 pts. deducted). (If you are slightly late
and lecture has begun, please look for a TA near the door and turn your homework to him/her.
This only applies if you are no more than 15 minutes late.) Homework will not be accepted after
the late dates indicated. All questions are worth 3 pts. unless otherwise stated.
Write your section number (0101 - 0108) in the upper right corner on all papers
submitted. Extra credit is to be done on a separate page with section number in the upper
right corner. Be sure that you are answering the right question. Questions at the end of the
chapter are labeled Review Questions (RQ), Discussion Questions (DQ), and Problems (P).
Credit will not be given for questions not assigned, so double check. In addition, sometimes I
include my own questions in the assignment. Any sources other than your textbook must be
referenced. Homework may be typed or neatly handwritten. We must be able to read and
understand your homework for you to receive full credit. Please show your calculations on any
problems and justify all written answers—yes or no is not enough. Do not copy from the
book, this is plagiarism and is a case of academic dishonesty. Read the book and phase all
answers using your own words. Do not copy from your friend—this is also considered
academic dishonesty. You may discuss homework with a friend, but each person turns in his or
her own work. The university's honor code will be enforced. Please read p. 36 in your Schedule
of Classes for university policies applicable to classes.
Homework # 1: Due Feb. 11 at 11 AM (unacceptable after 11 AM Feb. 13)
What makes a theory “scientific?”
p. 8 RQ #3
Describe the two principle motions of the Earth and describe how each affects the apparent
motions of objects in the sky.
p. 37 P #9
Express the average distance to the Moon in terms of Earth diameters. (In other words, how
many Earth’s placed side-by-side would it take to reach the Moon?) Useful information can be
found on pages 128 and 134.
Extra Credit (5 pts. max): Write a 2-page paper (double spaced with reasonable fonts and
margins; or single spaced, neatly handwritten) on an ancient (before telescopes) American,
Asian, or African civilization. Describe what archeoastronomers have discovered about the
astronomical knowledge of your chosen civilization. To receive extra credit points you need to
probe further and include new information not presented in class. Include at least one reference
other than Mrs. Deming or your textbook.
Homework # 2: Due Feb. 20 at 11 AM (unacceptable after 11 AM Feb. 25)
Make a sketch for each of the following situations showing the positions of the Sun, Earth and
Moon. For each: name the lunar phase and give the approximate time the Moon sets. (6 pts.)
a) The Moon rises at midnight.
b) On this day a lunar eclipse occurs for people living in China.
c) Approximately two days have passed after a new moon occurred.
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d) You see the Moon rising in the eastern sky on your way to your 3 PM class.
e) You see the Moon with earthshine in the eastern sky.
f) From College Park, the Moon looks like this at 8 PM:
◐
p. 62 RQ #10; p. 124 RQ #6
Problems (1.5 pts. each):
a) Ceres the asteroid has an orbital period of 4.6 years. Calculate the semimajor axis of its orbit.
b) The semimajor axis of Comet Hale-Bopp’s orbit is 260 AU. Calculate its orbital period.
Extra Credit (5 pts. max): Is the Space Shuttle currently up? (If not, answer the questions for the
next scheduled shuttle mission. Try http://www.shuttle.nasa.gov) Give launch and return dates.
Describe the mission and something else that you find interesting. What are some of the benefits
of this mission? Reference all final URLs used. (Length should be ~1 page.)
Homework # 3: Due Apr. 1 at 11 AM (unacceptable after 11 AM Apr. 3)
p. 145 DQ #2
Describe the surfaces of Jupiter’s moons, Io and Europa. Why are they different from the surface
of Earth’s moon?
Describe Pluto. Describe a typical Kuiper Belt Object. How would you classify Pluto—as a
planet or Kuiper Belt Object? Support your answer.
p. 223 DQ # 3 (You may reference other sources.)
p. 204 P #9
Extra Credit (5 pts. max): Use the Internet to find information about the Cassini Mission headed
to Saturn (http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/). When is Cassini due to arrive at Saturn? Click on
OVERVIEW. What is the purpose of the Huygens probe? Click on SCIENCE. View the Science
Objectives Movie. Summarize the science objectives in a paragraph. Check out the “weekly
status report” and summarize what is happening this week in a paragraph. Check out the “image
of the week” and describe it.
Homework # 4: Due Apr. 10 at 11 AM (unacceptable after 11 AM Apr. 15)
What information about stars can astronomers learn by studying spectra? Give 3 stellar
properties and briefly describe the spectral analysis involved.
Compare how energy is produced by hydrogen fusion, sometimes referred to as “hydrogenburning,” to the energy produced by burning a log in a fireplace.
Describe how an aurora is produced and why we are more likely to see one from College Park
during times of solar maximum.
p. 275 DQ #2; P #1
Extra Credit (5 pts. max): Astronomers at the University of Maryland are involved with Deep
Impact, a NASA Discovery mission. Go to: http://www.ss.astro.umd.edu/deepimpact/
What is involved in this project? When will it happen? Click on SCIENCE. There are additional
links (Tempel 1 and Objectives) with information on the target comet and the mission objectives.
Write a paragraph about the comet that will be visited. Review the science objectives table of
“comet facts” and “what we still don’t know”. Write a paragraph relating how the Deep Impact
mission will seek new understanding in these areas.
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Homework # 5 Due May 6 at 11 AM (unacceptable after 11 AM May 8)
p. 458 RQ # 6, RQ #9
p. 370 RQ #3, RQ #8
If the fastest airplane travels at 1600 km/hr, how many years would it take to reach:
the Sun, Alpha Centauri, and the galactic center (3 calculations).
Extra Credit (5 pts. max):Visit the Hubble Space Telescope home page http://www.stsci.edu
Find a recent image that interests you and write a 1-page report in your own words about this
image and/or object. Be sure to provide all final URLs visited.
Observatory Open House Assignment (Required)
(10 pts.)
The Department of Astronomy opens their observatory to the public on the 5th and the 20th of
every month. There is always a lecture that begins at 8 PM (Feb., Mar., and Apr.) and 9 PM
(May). If it is clear, viewing of celestial objects through our telescopes follows. To complete this
assignment you must attend one Observatory Open House, sign the ASTR 101 sheets—one for
the lecture and one for the observing session, and complete this written assignment. Write a 2page report summarizing the speaker's presentation (include the speaker's name and title of the
talk) and describing what you observed using the telescopes. If it is clear, please include
sketches of the objects viewed. If it is cloudy, describe the telescopes that were shown to you
and any video of objects studied using the CCD camera.
Since parking is very limited, there is a shuttle bus provided for your convenience.
Shuttle Bus Schedule
Shuttle Bus leaves from Parking Lot DD (Farm Drive) on the east side of the Computer and
Space Sciences Building. It is about a 10-minute trip.
Feb. 5, 20; Mar. 5, 20; Apr. 5, 20
leaves Lot DD 7:30 PM
leaves Observatory at 9:00 & 9:30 PM
Open House:
Report is due:
2/5
2/13
2/20
3/4
3/5
3/18
May 5
leaves Lot DD 8:30 PM
leaves Observatory 10:00 and 10:30 PM
3/20
4/3
4/5
4/15
4/20
4/29
5/5
5/13
Please hand in your finished report to Mrs. Deming at the beginning of the lecture
indicated, or before.
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Please complete the following experiment and bring it to your discussion section on Feb. 18
or 19. This exercise is due at the beginning of your discussion section.
Name_______________________________
Section_______
Astrology Experiment
The purpose of this exercise is for students to experimentally test the legitimacy of horoscopes
and astrology. After the group discussion that will take place in discussion section, students
should be able to distinguish between astronomy and astrology.
I. Individual Assignment
For two days, collect a horoscope from the newspaper or web. Read the horoscope early in the
morning. At the end of the day write a short paragraph describing any significant events from
that day. Do this for both days (be sure to include the horoscopes with the paragraphs).
How accurate were your horoscopes in predicting the day’s events?
Continue to collect horoscopes for two more days. This time do NOT look at them until the end
of the day AFTER you have written down in a paragraph the details that happened to you
during the day. Compare the horoscopes to your written paragraphs (again, include the
horoscopes with the paragraphs.)
How accurate were your horoscopes for these two days?
Are they more accurate, less accurate, or about the same as those on the first two days?
What conclusions would you draw regarding the predictive powers of astrology, based on the
results for your experiment?
Staple your horoscopes and paragraphs to this sheet and bring to discussion section for the
group discussion on astrology (Feb. 18 or 19).