PH 109 Astronomy: Galaxies

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Examines astronomical, optical, and radio telescopes; the galaxies; the clusters of galaxies; and the origin of the universe. Also considers the physical properties of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Compare the modern theories for the origin and evolution of the universe with historic models.
Discuss the various methods astronomers use to evaluate distances to galaxies and other deep sky objects.
Distinguish between the many different units of measure used by astronomy to gage the size of the universe.
Distinguish between stars, star clusters, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies.
Analyze the difference between a Newtonian universe and one envision by Einstein to evaluate basic assumptions
Compare how different telescopes work and discuss the other devices astronomers use to study the physical properties of planets, stars, and galaxies.
Evaluate how a telescope’s resolution, light gathering power, and magnification are affected by the size of the telescope.
Collect and interpret scientific information from experiments and observations to generate results and further questions.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline
Required textbook for college credit: Openstax Astronomy, Fraknoi, Morrison, and Wolf

Optical and Radio Telescopes
- Light gathering power, magnification, and resolution
  - How each are affected by the size of the telescope
  - Experiment using different lenses
  - Demonstrate results mathematically
  - Optical telescope for visible light
  - Radio, x-ray telescope for invisible light
The Nature and Physical Properties of the Milky Way Galaxy
- Interstellar gas
- Galactic dust
  - Study with infrared telescopes
- Globular and galactic clusters of stars
  - Measuring distances to
- Stellar populations
- Galactic year
- Mass of the galaxy
  - Measuring the mass of the galaxy using Kepler’s 3rd law
  - Mathematical results and outcome
  - Nature of dark matter
Types and Evolution of Galaxies
Peculiar Galaxies
- Radio galaxies
- Seyfert galaxies
- Measuring distances to
Quasars
- Energy output
- Distance from solar system
- Motion based on Doppler Effect
  - Measuring blue and red shifts in the lab
The Expanding Universe and the Big Bang Theory
The Steady-State Cosmology and Open Versus Closed Universe
The Oscillating Cosmology and Open Versus Closed Universe
- Basic assumptions of each model using the scientific method
- Strengths and weakness of each model
- Experiments to test the strength of each model
Element of Special and General Relatively
- Comparison of the current model of the universe of curved space-time with Newton’s flat model
- Evaluation of basic assumptions of each model using the scientific method
- Evaluation of the strength of each model using additional tests or experiments