DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING Dr. Ted Thiede Associate Professor of Physics and Engineering Physics

AST 115:  Introduction to Astronomy Course Information Page
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:	A descriptive examination of the principal objects of the universe, i.e. planets, moons, stars, and galaxies, the fundamental theories concerning them, with something of the means and methods which led to the known facts and accepted theories.
ASSIGNMENTS:	Four hour exams.    (2/3 of grade) Final Examination  (1/3 of grade) You may need to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader.  Those enrolled in the course may access course information using the MSU Blackboard system
TOPICS:	Units, scales and distance Scientific models Geocentric models and Heliocentric models Historical perspectives of astronomy Laws of gravity and motion Wave nature of light Light spectra The Doppler effect Measurement of light properties The Moon: properties,phases, eclipses, measurments, origins The Earth: interior, surface,atmosphere, magnetic properties Solar system: Classifying planets, properties, formation The terrestrial planets: Size, mass, density, motions, interiors, atmospheres, moons The Jovian Planets: Size, mass, density, motions, interiors, atmospheres, moons, rings, orgins	Pluto and Charon Asteroids Comets Meteors The Sun: Interior, surface, atmosphere, solar activity, solar energy Properties of Stars Classifying stars Distances to stars Star formation Star lifecycles and deaths White dwarfs, neutron stars, novae, supernovae Black holes Galaxies: Formation, properties, distances, Quasars and active galaxies Cosmology
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Last updated November 2007. ©Murray State University, 2007 
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