GEMS 154 - Stars and Planets

A survey of planetary geology in our solar system, of stellar formation and evolution, and of galaxies of the physical universe. We will discuss what is known and how the knowledge is obtained. Topics include the telescope, Earth-Moon system, terrestrial and gaseous planets, the Sun, types of stars and their intrinsic properties, the H-R diagram, pulsars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology. The course will include in-class cooperative assignments, lecture, homework and a laboratory. Various laboratory exercises include building a simple telescope and observing with it, learning and observing the constellations, weather and geology of the planets, observing Jupiter and measuring its mass and the masses of the four brightest moons, observing a cluster of stars and making a H-R diagram, a pulsar model, classification of galaxies, and Hubble’s law.

Credits: 4
Terms Offered: As Needed
Attributes: Natural Science I with lab (NSL)