Hubble Deep Space View
This is a standalone honors section which also provides general education credit. It will be team taught by David Hedin and Matt Wiesner.
The course is an introduction to astronomical science extending from historical astronomy through the most recent discoveries of astrophysics including stellar evolution, supernovas, white dwarves, neutron stars, black holes, dark matter and energy, and the Big Bang. The course will also cover techniques used by astronomers and some of the latest conjectures including the possibility of extra dimensions or multiple universes.
Stellar Birth (Eagle Nebula) and Death (Remnant from the 1604 Supernova)
This course covers the science of the stars and other heavenly bodies. We use our knowledge of physics, chemistry, and geology to understand planets, stars, galaxies,and the Universe itself. Planets and stars also serve as laboratories for conditions beyond human-built experiments and studying them increases understanding of sciences. Early studies of planetary motion lead to understanding of gravity and forces (physics and so in this course). Modern studies of planets concern geology and weather (and are not in this course). Studies of stars, the formation of galaxies and the universe depend on the properties of basic matter and forces (physics and so in this course).
The honors section will be limited to an enrollment of 25 students which will allow some material to be covered in more detail including understanding the night sky, and exercises in some basic astronomy techniques. The course will also include a field trip to the Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin and a number of guest lectures by Fermilab astrophysicists. We will structure the class as two lectures per week plus one "recitation" section each week. Each student will also complete a project, with examples given in the link below.
RECOMMENDED BOOK
I am recommending but not requiring The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals by Bennett, Donahue, Scheider and Voit. You can also use a different textbook in particular Discovering the Essential Universe by Comins editions 4 or 5. We will discuss in the first lecture.
Below are example tests from the normal PHYS 162 sections. The exams for the honors section will have fewer multiple choice questions and more short answer, but these exams remain a good study guide.
The NIU Observatory is managed by Matt Wiesner (e-mail matthewwiesner@aol.com).
Transparencies from Lectures
- Lecture 1: Class overview and Early Observations 8/28/2012
- Lecture 2: Star Location and Constellations 8/30/2012
- Lecture 3: Introduction to Planetary Motion and Models of the Solar System 9/4/2012
- Lecture 4: Kepler's Laws MOVIE "Cosmic Voyage" 9/6/2012
- Lecture 5: Planetary Motion and Models of the Solar System, Kepler 9/11/2012
- Lecture 6: Galileo plus Newton and Gravity 9/13/2012
- Lecture 7: Light and Electromagnetic Force 9/18/2012
- Lecture 8: Light: Demo, Absorption, Doppler Effect 9/20/2012
- Lecture 9: Telescopes 9/25/2012
Hotel Mauna Kea (parody) 1:07-1:40 3:30
- Lecture 10: The Sun: Introduction and Nuclear Reactions 9/27/2012
- Lecture 11: More on Nuclear Fusion and Layers
of the Sun 10/2/2012
India-based Neutrino Observatory
- Lecture 12:Finish up Sun - Test 1 Study Guide Measuring Distance to Stars (maybe) 10/4/2012
- Lecture 13:
Stars' Properties 10/9/2012
Algol System details
Class 14 - Test 1 - 10/11/2012
- Lecture 15 Star Properties 10/16/2012
- Lecture 16: Nebula and Stellar Birth 10/18/2012
- Lecture 17:
Stellar Evolution and White Dwarves 10/23/2012
Video - Sun becoming a Red Giant
Video - supernova response vs time
Video - Type Ia supernova explosion simulation
- Lecture 18 Supernovas 10/25/2012
- Lecture 19: Neutron stars and Blackholes - possibly Test 2 overview 10/30/2012
- Class 20: - possibly test 2 overview - Movie - NOVA - Death of a Star 11/1/2012
- Lecture 21: Galaxies - Intro, types, measuring distances, Hubble Law 11/6/2012
Class 22 - Test 2 - 11/8/2012
- Lecture 23: Galaxies - Hubble Law, measuring mass 11/13/2012 - may begin turning in extra credit
- Lecture 24:Galaxies - Mass and Formation 11/15/2012
M31(Andromeda) - M33(smaller spiral) Galaxy Interactions video
- Lecture 25: Formation of Planets, Planetary Atmospheres, and maybe start Astrobiology 11/20/2012
- Lecture 26: Life in the Universe Test 3 overview 11/27/2012
- Lecture 27: Early Universe 11/29/2012
video - What is the Universe expanding into?
video - Why is the sky dark at night?
Class 28 - Test 3 - 12/4/2012
- Class 29 - Project Presentations 12/6/2012
Final - Tuesday Dec 11 2:00
- NOTE slides not yet updated for Fall 2012
