School of Science and Engineering: Physics and Astronomy
2008-2009 Academic Year
682
discoveries in astronomy are emphasized. Students who take 100 may not take
101 or 102.
ASTR 101 The Solar System (3)
Staff. The organization and origin of the solar system, the earth in motion, the
sun, the moon, the planets, comets, and meteors. Not open for credit to students
who have completed 100.
ASTR 102 Stellar Astronomy (3)
Staff. The stars, their distances, spectra, magnitudes. Stellar atmospheres and
interiors, stellar evolution. Variable and collapsing stars, nebulae, galaxies and
cosmology. Not open for credit to students who have completed 100.
ASTR 110 Observational Astronomy (4)
Staff. Prerequisite: ASTR 100 or approval of instructor. Activities, readings, and
projects in observational astronomy. This course provides students with practical
experience in observational techniques, while guiding them to an understanding
of the role of measurement in the scientific method.
ASTR 301 Archaeoastronomy (3)
Prof. Purrington. A study of ancient Old- and New-World astronomy as exhibited
in archaic myth, megalithic monuments, Mesoamerican buildings, stelae and
manuscripts, and alignments of archaeological sites. The fundamentals of
spherical astronomy will he presented, with emphasis on horizon phenomena,
making it possible to explore the implications of possible astronomical
alignments, astronomical content of Mesoamerican codices, and the sky-lore of a
variety of cultures. Special attention will be given to early Bronze Age megalith
monuments in Britain, to Middle American astronomy, and to astronomy of the
Native American Indians.
See also Physics 607, Physics 675.