SYLLABUS: MWF 11:30-12:25 , TR 3:00-4:20
We shall be covering Chapters 1 - 12 in the textbook. However, some of those topics will not be covered in class. You should know the material we do cover in class, so read corresponding material in the textbook.
The first half of the course, up to the second quiz deals with the basic concepts in astronomy, indeed science in general. The material refers to the work by ancient Greeks (use of Geometry), through the "Dark Ages (500-1200 AD) to Copernicus (Helio-centric model - Sun is the center of the planetary system}, and on to Galileo,Tycho, and Kepler. They laid the foundation for further theoretical and observational development of astronomy (science!) through the work of Newton and up to Einstein. We shall finish the period leading up to Quiz 2 with studies of light, spectra, atoms and their inter-relationships. The Textbook covers nearly all of this, and more, but the material is spread over several chapters. Please consult the index for the material covered in class. All of the chapters and pages are not listed in the outline of the course (which is only approximate) since there is no direct correspondence.
The second half of the course is more specific in the sense that we shall mainly be studying the detailed properties of Planets. Also, there are many details (as opposed to basic laws). Most (but not all) of the topics covered in class will therefore be posted herein, as below.
The exam questions will be largely from material covered in class. The daily topics listed below cover only the main points. Make sure to read your notes and the corresponding material in the Textbook.