THE EVOLVING UNIVERSE: STARS, GALAXIES, AND COSMOLOGY

ASTRON 170

Some of the greatest mysteries of the cosmos reside in what astrophysicists call "the dark sector". This course explores the nature of black holes, dark matter, and dark energy, which show us nature at its most extreme, taking you from the warping of spacetime and the launching of plasma beams around black holes to the acceleration of the cosmos that indicates the presence of some yet unknown form of energy. Learn about the fundamental laws of nature that govern everything from GPS satellites that enable navigation apps on your cell phone to the birth and ultimate fate of the universe.

ASTRON/GEOSCI 160

An examination of the origin and evolution of life in the universe based on our knowledge of astronomy, biology, and geology. Includes discussions on the search for extraterrestrial life and the history of life in our solar system.

ASTRON 335

Introduction to the study of our Universe as a whole. Distribution of matter on the largest scales. Equations for cosmic expansion; making observations in an expanding curved spacetime. Nucleosynthesis and other tests of the Big Bang hypothesis. Gravitational collapse and the growth of structure.

ASTRON 200

Modern astrophysics involves applying physical principles to understand astronomical phenomena. Includes the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and cosmology, with emphasis on origins and evolution. Some nighttime observation with telescopes required.

ASTRON 735

Extragalactic distance scale; groups and clusters of galaxies; distribution of galaxies and radio sources. Introduction to general relativity, cosmological models, microwave background, early universe, galaxy formation.