Astronomy 1143 - Spring 2023

SYLLABUS: TR 9:35-10:55 AM

Mid-term tests are on the material covered in class during the given mid-term period.

We will be covering topics from all chapters in the recommended textbook. However, some of those topics will not be covered in class. You should know the material we do cover in class, and read corresponding material in the textbook.

The exam questions will be from the material covered in class. The daily topics listed below cover only the main points. Make sure to attend lectures and study powerpoint lecture files below.

There is no math required on the exams. They are composed of multiple choice questions to test basic concepts. But you are expected to know important facts, figures and the meaning of some equations.

DAILY TOPICS

• Jan 10: Overview of syllabus; no proven connection between astrology and astronomy; since stars also move, the position of the Sun relative to the 12 Constellations of the Zodiac changes over centuries and is different from the dates given in the 'horoscope' section of newspapers; science and religion: faith vs. inquiry; ancient astronomy; use of Geometry by the Greeks, belief in the Geocentric system (Aristotle,Ptolemy), Geocentric model (Ptolemy) vs. the Heliocentric model (Copernicus); the Metric system - used in science and in all countries except the U.S.; powers of ten in exponents; Universal spatial and temporal history; observational astronomy.

  Powerpoint files on the homepage and pdf files on Carmen

• Lecture File 1
• Lecture File 2

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  Revised: Jan 7, 2023