Astronomy 142: Spring 2008
The Evolving Universe:
Recent Theories and Observations in Modern Astronomy
INSTRUCTOR:
E-MAIL:
Diane Friend
PHONE:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
243-4299 (Phys./Astr. dept. office: 243-2073)
CHCB 129 (inside the Physics/Astronomy dept. office)
M 10-11 & 1-2, W 10-11, Th 11-noon, F 8-9
Web site:
https://courseware.umt.edu/webapps/login/
diane.friend@umontana.edu
Course information, assignments, and materials will be on Blackboard,
available through UMOnline at the web address listed above. The
attached handout “Accessing Blackboard” explains how to access the
Astronomy 142 course pages within Blackboard.
Course meets:
M, W, F 9:10-10:00 a.m. in CHCB 230/231
and M 3:10 – 5:00 p.m. in CHCB 13
Occasional night meetings for astronomical observing will replace some
in-class hours.
Readings:
Required Text
An Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology
edited by Mark H. Jones and Robert J. A. Lambourne
Optional Text
(for the beginning of the semester)
An Introduction to the Sun and Stars
edited by Simon F. Green and Mark H. Jones
Also, I have placed a variety of introductory astronomy textbooks on 48 hour loan at the
Mansfield Library. You may find these very useful as we go through the course! These texts
belong to me and I like to keep them in good shape for students to use- please DO NOT write
in them.
Magazine and journal articles:
Since we are exploring current topics in the field of astronomy, a number of course readings
will be taken from periodicals and journals such as Nature, Science, Scientific American, Sky
and Telescope, etc. You will be able to access these articles either online or through class
hand-outs.
Supplies:
Scientific calculator, headlamp or small flashlight.
Academic conduct statement:
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by the course
instructor and/or a disciplinary sanction by the University. All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct
Code. The Code is available for review online at http://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm/page/1321.
ADD/DROPS: The last day to add/drop on Cyber Bear is Monday, February 11. The last day to drop without petition,
or change grading option, is Tuesday, March 4. A drop, or change of grading option after March 4 requires the signature
of the Dean and written documentation of exceptional circumstances.
Course Description
New technologies and space-based observations have fueled a renaissance in our understanding of
the universe. From the discovery of extrasolar planets, to theories postulating the properties of dark matter,
dark energy, and accelerated expansion, we will explore many of the exciting, recent advances in the field of
astronomy. How has the intricate interplay between theory, observation, and experiment evolved our
understanding of the universe? What fundamental questions remain?
Learning Objectives
•
•
•
•
•
To gain a basic understanding of many of the methods astronomers use to study the universe
To gain an appreciation of how astronomical ideas have evolved over recent decades
To get an overview of some of the important research topics in astronomy today
To learn how to access resources useful for following developments in the field as well as
opportunities for accessing astronomical information, datasets, and research opportunities
To discover fundamental questions which remain
Course Requirements
This course will require you to think critically, conceptually, and quantitatively. It will give you lots of
opportunities for hands-on explorations through laboratory, computer, and astronomical observing activities
integrated throughout the course. Everyone will be expected to be an active participant in class discussions,
projects, and activities.
Your grade for this course will be based on the following:
Exams (2 midterms: 15% each; 1 final: 20%):
In-class discussion and laboratory activities:
Homework:
Astronomical imaging project:
Extra Credit:
(instructor’s discretion for outstanding projects,
participation above and beyond, etc.)
up to
50%
25%
15%
10%
4%
Exams: Each exam will be short answer (conceptual and quantitative). The Final Exam will be
comprehensive. No make-ups will be given for midterms or the Final unless prior arrangements are made (for
exceptional, documentable circumstances) or an unexpected (documentable) emergency.
Laboratory activities: This class will be blurring the distinction between participatory demonstrations and
bona fide laboratory activities. As we go through the semester, some activities will require more independent
work on your part than others. I will assign a point system for labs based on their length and difficulty.
Discussion questions: Discussion topics will be chosen by the class. This will be a chance to share your
views and explorations of topics related to what we will be covering in class.
Homework: These assignments will give you insight into the more quantitative aspects of the course. I
anticipate that there will be 6-7 homework sets over the entire semester. You will always have at least a
week to complete them and plenty of chances to ask me any questions you may have before they are due.
Astronomical imaging project: Perhaps more than any other scientific imaging, astronomical photos
intrigue, amaze, and inspire people. These images help us understand the structure and evolution of the
universe in which we live. This project will give you the opportunity to take your own astronomical images
and/or work with images from professional image archives. Your project grade will be based on the quality
and relevance of your imaging work and a short paper which explains your methods (and/or sources) and the
astronomical significance of the objects imaged.
Participation: Active and thoughtful participation will undoubtedly influence your final grade in this class.
Come prepared to think, question, and contribute!
Tentative Course Outline
Note: Schedule updates, readings, class location, and other important information will be posted throughout
the semester on Blackboard. Check the course site often!
Week
Topic
Jan. 21 and 28
Starting points: A sense of place and scale
Fundamentals: I. Reading the stories told by light
II. Fundamental forces
III. The make-up of the universe
Topic 1: Planetary systems and the search for life
- formation of stars and planetary systems
- detection methods
- observations advance new theories
- the search for life
Feb. 4 and 11
Feb. 18
Feb. 20 and 25
Feb. 29 MIDTERM 1
Mar. 3
Mar. 10
Mar. 19
Mar. 24-28
Mar. 31
Apr. 4 MIDTERM 2
Apr. 7, 14, and 21
Apr. 28
President’s Day- Holiday
Topic 2: Our star
- a brief history of the Sun
- solar structure and variability
- solar evolution and implications for life
(covers topics through Feb. 27)
The Astronomer’s toolkit: The H-R diagram
Topic 3: Supernovas
- the death of massive stars
- shockwaves, structure, and life
The Astronomer’s toolkit: Distance determination methods
Topic 4: Black holes
- types and origins
- bizarre properties of
- observational evidence
- black holes through time
Topic 5: Galaxy evolution
- seeds of structure: in the beginning
- collisions and mergers
- active galactic nuclei
- evolution of the Milky Way
Spring Break
Topic 5: Galaxy evolution (cont.)
- future changes
- the large scale structure of the universe
(covers topics from Feb. 27 through April 2)
Topic 6: Cosmology: The BIG questions
- modeling the universe
dimensions and curvature: the shape of space
open or closed: determining our ultimate fate
- the early universe, a theoretical picture
the Big Bang
inflation
decoupling
- searching for evidence: observational cosmology
evidence for expansion: the Hubble relationship
evidence for acceleration: Type Ia supernovas
density determinations
implications
Topic 7: Outstanding questions
- Characterizing dark matter and dark energy
- multiple universes ?
Thursday, May 8 FINAL EXAM
10:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.