Exploring the Cosmos

Catalog description

This course provides an introduction to modern astronomy and our scientific understanding of the universe. Students explore how astronomers ask and answer questions using observations, physical principles, and the scientific method. Topics include the scale and structure of the universe, the properties and evolution of stars, the formation and architecture of planetary systems, the nature of galaxies, and the evidence supporting modern cosmology and the Big Bang theory. Emphasis is placed on developing scientific reasoning skills, interpreting astronomical data, and understanding how humans investigate phenomena far beyond our direct reach.