Astronomy

• CAS AS 100: Cosmic Controversies
  From surprise over the need to invoke Dark Matter and Dark Energy, to confusion about Pluto's being reclassified as a non-planet, this course explores how scientists explain our place in the physical universe, by focusing on some of the most current issues in modern astronomy. Topics range from the solar system, to extraterrestrial life, to the fabric of the entire universe.
• CAS AS 101: The Solar System
  The historical development of astronomy and the motion of the planets. The formation of the solar system. The sun and its effects on the earth. Description of the planets and the moons of our solar system including recent results from the space program. Use of the observatory.
• CAS AS 102: The Astronomical Universe
  The birth and death of stars. Red giants, white dwarfs, black holes. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, and other galaxies. The Big Bang and other cosmological theories of our expanding universe. Use of the observatory.
• CAS AS 109: Cosmology
  The evolution of cosmological thought from prehistory to the present: Greek astronomy, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and Einstein. Motion, gravity, and the nature of space-time. The expanding universe. The early universe and Big Bang.
• CAS AS 117: Cosmic Evolution
  Physical and chemical evolution of the universe from its origin to the present, from simple to complex. Stellar evolution. Planetary formation and evolution. Origin of life. The rise of civilization and technology. The future of humankind. Search for extraterrestrial life.
• CAS AS 202: Principles of Astronomy I
  Astronomical measurements; time and the celestial sphere; telescopes and observatories; the solar system, orbital motion; comparative planetology; the sun and solar-terrestrial effects; electromagnetic radiation; spectroscopy, stellar properties and stellar evolution; the Milky Way galaxy; galaxies; the universe. Lectures and laboratories. Intended primarily for astronomy or physics concentrators.
• CAS AS 203: Principles of Astronomy II
  Astronomical measurements; time and the celestial sphere; telescopes and observatories; the solar system, orbital motion; comparative planetology; the sun and solar-terrestrial effects; electromagnetic radiation; spectroscopy, stellar properties and stellar evolution; the Milky Way galaxy; galaxies; the universe. Lectures and laboratories. Intended primarily for astronomy or physics concentrators.
• CAS AS 311: Planetary Physics
  Celestial mechanics, tides, resonances. Physical processes that affect atmospheres, surfaces, interiors of planets, and their satellites. Comets, asteroids, meterorites, and Kuiper belt objects. Formation and evolution of the solar system. Extra-solar planets.
• CAS AS 312: Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics
  Basic physics of radiation; spectral analysis; distances, motions, and physical properties of stars; stellar interiors and atmospheres; stellar evolution; clusters of stars; the interstellar medium; content, structure, and rotation of the Milky Way galaxy.
• CAS AS 401: Senior Distinction Work
  
• CAS AS 402: Senior Distinction Work
  
• CAS AS 413: Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology
  Galaxies and galaxy clusters; the extragalactic distance scale and Hubble's Law; quasars and active galactic nuclei; metrics and general relativity; distances and luminosities in cosmology. Origin of the universe: the Big Bang, cosmic background radiation, and inflation.
• CAS AS 414: Solar and Space Physics
  The Sun and Solar Wind: solar magnetic fields, sunspot cycle, active sun, corona. Interaction of the solar wind with planets and comets. Planetary Magnetospheres and Ionospheres. Aeronomy. Solar System plasma physics. Magnetic Storms and Space Weather.
• CAS AS 441: Observational Astronomy
  Astronomical techniques. Photometry, spectroscopy, photography, CCD imaging, and interferometry. Statistical methods for data reduction and analysis. Strong laboratory component. Use of computers. (Offered alternate years.)
• CAS AS 491: Directed Studies in Astronomy
  Devoted to an intensive study of a particular aspect of astronomy, often working with a member of the faculty on a specific research project.
• CAS AS 492: Directed Studies in Astronomy
  Devoted to an intensive study of a particular aspect of astronomy, often working with a member of the faculty on a specific research project.

Note that this information may change at any time.

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