PHYS 1050 - The Solar System

Astronomy--from ancient to modern times. Central theme will be the attempt to understand the nature and origin of our solar system starting with early ideas of the cosmos, proceeding through investigations that led to the scientific revolution of the 17th century and culminating with the observations and discoveries made by the 20th-century space program. Topics will include apparent motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars; seasons and eclipses; principles of light and telescopes. Current films of the planets and their moons, demos and other multimedia activities will enhance the course. The latest Hubble, Spitzer, Chandra and other modern satellite images will supplement the course. Discovery of more than 400 planets orbiting other stars will be discussed and related to the creation of our own solar system.