Astronomy 161 is an introduction to modern astronomy, with an emphasis
on the solar system. We will begin with an exploration of the
historical development of astronomy to trace the path by which we have
come to our present understanding of the Universe, building up along
the way the basic toolkit of physical concepts that we will need for
our later discussions. The second half of the course will be devoted
to an overview of modern solar system astronomy, with particular
attention paid to the constituents of the solar system, comparative
planetology (structure, surfaces, & atmospheres) and the history and
evolution of the solar system.
Below is a rough plan for the classes, as well
as suggestions for further reading in the textbook. I will generally
not post any "lecture" notes, as the interactive nature of the
classroom sessions cannot be encapsulated on paper.
I strongly encourage class attendance, as not all of the essential class
material will appear on these web pages or in the text.
Part 1: Introduction/Motions in the Sky [Jan 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
Below is compiled a list of books that expand on the material
covered in the course for those interested in further reading.
These books are not required, or even recommended, for this course.
They are listed here purely for the benefit of students interested
in exploring some of the topics from class in further detail on their
own.
The Discoverers: A History of Man's Search to Know His World and Himself by Daniel J. Boorstin
This book, by the late Librarian of Congress, is an excellent overview
of how human discovery and invention have shaped history. I drew many
historical anecdotes from this book to supplement the lectures, including
those on time, the calendar, and other aspects of the history of science.
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel
An excellent and very readable account of John Harrison's invention
of a precise, compact chronometer to solve a centuries-old scientific
problem. The work of many great scientific minds on the longitude problem
are well placed in this historical context.
The Book Nobody Read by Owen Gingerich
A narrative of the author's search to track down all remaining copies of
Copernicus' De Revolutionibus, along with an engaging description
of the Copernican Revolution and the dawn of modern astronomy.
All of the written materials provided in these web pages are
copyrighted by the course instructor, except
as noted. In addition, some images and animations are also copyrighted
by the instructor, while others are copyrighted by the original sources.
Please read the Copyright Statement before you
make copies of any of these web pages for any purpose. Use of these notes
implies that you have read and understood the copyright statement.
The image at the top of this page is from NASA.
