Astro 150: Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology

Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology

Astro 150: Fall 2009

Prof. Steve Kawaler

In Astro 150, an introductory course in modern astronomy for non-scientists, we begin by understanding the motions, distances, sizes, and spectra of stars. We explore how they are born, and the changes they go through as they run out of fuel and die. This brings us to supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes. We then step outwards and explore the structure and evolution of our own Milky Way Galaxy, and the billions and billions of other galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and bizarre active galaxies and quasars. We investigate current theories of cosmology, the origin and structure of the Universe, and the Big Bang, and finish with a brief discussion of the possiblities of intelligent life in the Universe beyond Earth.

A poem...

Announcements

Observing Session: It looks like our best chance for an observing session may be the week of November 30... Watch this space further details.
Information on an OPTIONAL term project
- Check WebCT for your approved project description - if it is blank on WebCT, your project is not officially approved.
- Projects are due on the last day of class: December 10, 2009
- Projects are OPTIONAL - even if you have a topic approved, there is no obligation to actually hand one in.
- Your project required approval by Prof. Kawaler by Tuesday, November 17.
Exam 3: during finals week, December 14, 9:45AM
Ames Area Amateur Astronomers (i.e. AAAA) has a monthly star party at McFarland Park. Click for details.

"Everyday" things from class...

Electronic versions of the lecture notes
Course Info
Course outline
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Reading Assignments
Useful links...
Help Room Hours for Astro 150 are posted.

Older items

For recitation the week of November 4 and 11, you measured the mass of a galaxy. In preparation for this, you read this story of the discovery of dark matter.
A spectacular interactive mosaic of the Milky Way Galaxy
Dr. David Dearborn, a terrific lecturer, spoke on campus on Thursday, November 5, at 2:10PM: Avoiding Armageddon: The Use of Nuclear Explosives to Disurpt or Divert Asteroids. Though not precisely Astro 150 material, this was a fascinating lecture.
a video tribute to one of my old professors...
Some recent posts on Astronomy Picture of the Day have featured images related to our current topic of the Milky Way:
- A reflection nebula in Cepheus
- two manifestations of interstellar matter
- The Crab Nebula viewed by HST
Exam 2: was Thursday, October 29, in class
OBAFGKM Contest: Click for rules and some past winners!
Reading/writing assignment was due Wednesday, October 21: You read this article and answered, in 1 page or less, Questions 2 and 3. Due in recitation on October 21.
The 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics shared by Willard Boyle and George Smith for invention of the CCD (enabling digital photography).
I Claim this Sun for GYAAHHHH!
Exaa 1 was Thursday, Sept. 24, in classs
- Grading is underway - the multiple choice part will appear in your grade book as a number between 1 and 30. The essay will appear separately (1-25) as the essay grading is completed. The total will be 2.5xMC + essay.
- here is a brief review sheet
- here are some sample multiple choice questions and here are the answers
- This is the essay for Exam 1
Homework 2: Due Tuesday, Sept. 22: Please read this article. Note the questions at the end - these were due in Lecture on Tuesday, September 22.
The Webcam atop Mt. Wilson Observatory near LA is back. Mt. Wilson remains safe. Further updates are available here.
Final score: ISU 34, N.D. State 17 - Kawaler nails it with his post-lecture pre-game prediction.
A timeline for the Earth- leftover from the first lecture (8/25)
Another way to view the scales of the Universe via XKCD.com

Other things from the course

Recitations began on Wednesday, August 26. As we state in the course information sheet, attendance at recitation is required for this class - and if you do not attend regularly, it will be difficult for you to pass the course.
A word about the textbook for this class:

If you are taking only Astro 150 and not Astro 120 (now or in the future), then buy just Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology, which is Volume 2 of The Cosmic Perspective.
click for a bigger version

You may instaead want to buy the complete The Cosmic Perspective, as the complete version includes the contents of Volume 1 - on the Solar System.
click for a bigger version
A Timeline for the Earth (8/25)
Lyrics for Joni Mitchell's Woodstock
Astrology?

General Course Info

Playlist of songs

Back to Steve Kawaler's page

Back to ISU Astronomy