PHY216 - Astronomy

The Big Picture A survey course “Almost” no math The Cosmic Perspective – Fundamentals text Skygazer software Skygazing?

Topics Time and distance Reason for the seasons Copernican revolution We are star stuff One in a million, million, million, million (almost) It’s hot in here It’s cold in here

Topics More to life than a Milky Way Miscellaneous topics: – Planets around other stars – Black holes – Big Bang – Dark matter, dark energy – The search for other life – Nighttime (and daytime) viewing

Text and Other Resources The Cosmic Perspective, Fundamentals Voyager: Skygazer Other resources – JPL ( – NASA ( –

Your Preparation Read Quick Quiz after each chapter Read Use the internet Read Read!

Evaluation Weekly exam (first part of Monday class) – Multiple choice – Short answer Comprehensive final exam Attendance 10-point scale