Astronomy 1010 Planetary Astronomy Fall_2015 Day-24

Course Announcements SW-chapter 6 posted: due Fri. Oct. 23 SW-chapter 7 posted: due Fri. Oct. 30 PRS proposal writing workshop: Thur, 10/22/ – 2 p.m. Location: MUC 303

Astronomers use different instruments to look at light of different wavelengths - sometimes, we even have to go above Earth’s atmosphere. That Darned Atmosphere

Lecture Tutorial: Telescopes & Earth’s Atmosphere: pg. 51 Work with a partner! Read the instructions and questions carefully. Discuss the concepts and your answers with one another. Take time to understand it now!!!! Come to a consensus answer you both agree on. If you get stuck or are not sure of your answer, ask another group.

i_Clicker Questions Light & Spectra: Atmospheric Windows – Option-1 Atmospheric Windows – Option-2

 Spacecraft have visited or flown by all the classical planets.  Flybys and orbiters observe from afar.  Landers, rovers, and atmospheric probes are more direct, and some can return samples.

 Particle colliders probe physics of protons, neutrons, neutrinos, and atomic nuclei.  Can help astronomers understand the early universe and structure formation.

 In a few cases, astronomers capture things other than light: Neutrinos—light subatomic particles that are extremely difficult to detect. Gravitational waves—distortions in spacetime predicted by relativity.

 Computers are essential for astronomy.  Help in data analysis.  Simulations and models help to investigate complex situations.

 A microwave telescope provided more evidence for the Big Bang, revealing the presence of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB).

 Technology and science are symbiotic.  New technological advances lead to new methods of scientific observation and experimentation.  New scientific discoveries spur improvements in instrumentation. PROCESS OF SCIENCE