OUR EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

ASTRON 340

Properties of solar system objects, solar atmospheric phenomena, physics of planetary atmospheres, results of recent planetary missions, comets, origin of the solar system.

ASTRON 140

Our Galaxy contains about 100 billion stars. Most of these stars have planets as diverse and as fascinating as the worlds in our own neighborhood, the solar system. Learn about the study of planets and exoplanets, probing some of the deepest questions science and philosophy grapple with. Explore the ways in which scientists search for and analyze planets orbiting distant stars, both in the classroom and in hands-on laboratory experiences. From moons to super-Jupiters, this course provides an engrossing introduction into the brand new science of exoplanet research.

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 150

Intensively study selected topics of modern astronomy. Examples include missions to the planets, formation of stars and planets, end states of stellar evolution (supernovae, white dwarfs, pulsars, black holes), origin and evolution of the universe.

ASTRON 103

The cosmos is vast, mysterious, and beautiful. Join us on an exploration of the universe, from the big bang to the birth, life, and death of stars and the warped reality of black holes. Includes lifecycles of stars; supernovae and creation of elements; white dwarfs, pulsars and black holes; the Milky Way and galaxies; distances of stars and galaxies; quasars; expansion of universe; modern big bang cosmology, dark matter, dark energy.