General Astronomy II: Star Systems, the Interstellar Medium, and Cosmology

Catalog description

ASTR 221 is the second in a two-course sequence in general astronomy intended for students interested in science. Topics covered include: stellar evolution; variability and high-energy phenomena in stars and multiple-star systems; content, structure, and dynamics of the Milky Way; external galaxies, quasars and AGN; large-scale structure and the distance scale of the universe; the Big Bang model and alternative cosmologies, possible geometries and eventual fates of the universe. An observational astronomy laboratory component is part of this course. The lab component will cover basics of telescope set up and operation as well as astronomical coordinate systems.