Exploring the Universe: Astronomy and Cosmology

Catalog description

This course provides a broad introduction to our current knowledge of the Universe, without requiring previous background in college level science and math. Topics covered include the history of our understanding of the universe; our current knowledge of the Solar System including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids and comets; the nature, life cycle and properties of stars as well as neutron stars and black holes; the possibility of extraterrestrial life; our knowledge of distant galaxies; and the description of the Universe as a whole and its origins in the Big Bang.