Spring The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Course Syllabus for Astronomy TR 9:25am 10:40am EEDUC 1.530

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1 Spring 2017 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physics Department Course Syllabus for Astronomy TR 9:25am 10:40am EEDUC Instructor: John A. Faust M.S. Office: PHYS Phone Office Hours: MTWR 12:30pm 1:30pm Textbook: The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 7 th Edition by Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit. Blackboard: PowerPoint lecture slides will be available for viewing, printing, and downloading through Blackboard at the web site: Drop Date: 13 April 2017 is the final day to drop your course without a grade (or DP, DF) entered into your transcript! Extra work/credit: Planetarium Report (4 pts) Night Observation Session Report (4 pts) Catalogue Course Description: ASTR 1401: A study of basic concepts in Astronomy and of our Solar System. Telescopes and other instruments, including the planetarium, are used as an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: None. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time. Brownsville Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and can be contacted by phone at (956) (Voice) or via at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Edinburg Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in 108 University Center and can be contacted by phone at (956) (Voice), (956) (Fax), or via at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Student Learning Outcomes, Core Curriculum, and Objectives: Astronomy is the study of the universe in which we live. The celestial bodies, including Earth, will be studied to improve our understanding of the origins, evolution, composition as well as the motion of these celestial bodies including: stars, planets, asteroids, comets, and meteors. Astronomers look at the universe and see a vast system of objects waiting to be discovered and understood. At the end of this course students will be able to:

2 1) Understand and apply method and appropriate technology to study astronomy. 2) To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and approaches used by astronomers to communicate findings and interpretation. 3) To identify and recognize scientific theories dealing with the creation of our solar system. 4) To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing astronomy today; e.g., how many planets revolve around our sun? 5) To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and the effects on our modern culture. Today s astronomical instruments and techniques are expanding our views of the earth and its place in the universe. I. A modern View of the Universe (Chapter 1 of the Textbook): Learning goals: 1.1 The Scale of the Universe Our Place in the Universe How big is the Universe? 1.2 The History of the Universe How did we come to be? Our Lifetimes Age of Universe 1.3 spaceship earth How Earth moves in Space How Galaxies move in Space Define a star, planet, satellite, asteroid, comet, stellar system, galaxy, cluster or group of galaxies, Supercluster, universe, Astronomical unit, Lightyear, rotation, revolution (orbital), and expansion (of the universe). II. Discovering the Universe for Yourself (Chapter 2 of the Textbook): 2.1 Appearance of Universe from earth Why stars rise and set Latitude dependency of sky appearance 2.2 Cause of Seasons Temporal changes in Earth s axis (the topic of Precession) 2.3 Our Lunar companion Phases of the Moon The cause of Eclipses Define Constellations, Celestial Sphere, Celestial Poles and Equator, Ecliptic, Milky Way, horizon, meridian, zenith, altitude, angular size and separation, circumpolar objects, seasons, Equinoxes and Solstices, orbital precession, cause of Lunar Phases, reason for Eclipses. III. The Science of Astronomy (Chapter 3 of the Textbook): 3.1 Ancient Roots of Science Mannerisms in Scientific thinking Why the ancient roots influence 3.2 The Hellenic orbital Error Geocentrism versus Heliocentrism The retrograde motion problem 3.3 The Copernican Revolution Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler s challenge Galileo s solidification 3.4 The Nature of Science Science versus nonscience Definition of Scientific Theory Define observation, experimentation, theoreticism, benefits of Astronomical observations, Solar and Lunar Calendars Ancient astronomical achievements, Hellenic Logical processes (theoreticism and experimentation), Ptolemaic Geocentrism, Copernican Heliocentrism, Brahe s contribution, Kepler s contribution, circle, ellipse, foci, Semimajor axis, orbital eccentricity, Kepler s Laws, Galileo s contribution to Heliocentrism, scientific theory.

3 IV. Making Sense of the Universe (Chapter 4 of the Textbook): 4.1 Examples of Motion Description of Motion Difference between Mass and Weight 4.2 Newton s Laws of Motion The Newtonian Breakthrough Three Laws of Motion defined 4.3 Astronomical Conservation Laws Inertial issues Sources of energy 4.4 Gravitational Strength Kepler s Laws extended Energy and Tidal considerations Define speed, velocity, acceleration, momentum (linear and angular), force (balanced and unbalanced), mass, weight, freefall, weightlessness, laws of motion (3), inertia, energy (kinetic, radiative, and potential) conservation of energy, mass-energy, gravity, gravitational force, orbital energy conservation, tidal gravity. V. Light (Chapter 5 of the Textbook): 5.1 Basic properties light defined matter defined light / matter interactions 5.2 Basic types of spectra spectral analysis thermal characteristics Doppler processes 5.3 Telescopes Optical Radio Orbital Define nature of light (electromagnetic radiation), wavelength, frequency, particle and wave nature of light, radio waves, microwaves, ultraviolet, x-ray, gamma radiation, chemical elements, atomic structure, electron, proton, neutron, electrical charge, atomic number, atomic mass number, interactions (emission, absorption, transmission, reflection, and scattering), spectra (continuous, emission, and absorption), energy level transitions, Stefan - Boltzmann Law, Wien s Law, Doppler Effect, red shift, blue shift, isotopes, light collecting area (telescopic), refractor, reflector and radio telescopes, interferometry, reasons for space telescopes, and adaptive optics. VI. Formation of the Solar Systems (Chapter 6 of the Textbook): 6.1 Tour of Solar System Size of planets Composition of planets Location of planets 6.2 Nebular Theory of Formation Features of Formation Explanation of Nebular Theory 6.3 Features of Solar System Orbital Patterns Pattern Exceptions Planetary types 6.4 Age of Solar System Determination of Solar System Age Collapse Processes Define for planets Terrestrial, Gas / Ice Giants, order of planetary positions, surface temperatures, densities, masses, Major / Minor / Dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, Nebular Theory, orderly patterns of orbital motion, Collapse heating, spinning, flattening, accretion, planetesimals, meteorites, Heavy Bombardment, impact craters, capture, Radioactive decay, half life, Radiometric dating. VII. Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds (Chapter 7 of the Textbook) 7.1 Earth as a Planet Geological activity Superficial processes Atmospheric effects 7.2 Moon and Mercury Past geological activity Current geological activity? 7.3 Mars as a Planet Evidence of Past geological activity Atmospheric losses 7.4 Venus as a Planet Evidence of geological activity Atmospheric heating 7.5 Earth as habitation Unique life sustaining features Habitability defined Human environmental effects

4 Define planetary structure crust, mantle, core, lithosphere, differentiation, internal heat, geologic activity, heat dissipation, surface area to volume ratio, magnetic field, magnetosphere, impact cratering, volcanism, tectonics, erosion, Ozone shield, greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases, outgassing, climate stability, global warming VIII. Jovian Planet Systems (Chapter 8 of the Textbook) 8.1 Jovian Planets Composition Atmospheres Magnetic fields weather 8.2 Jovian Satellites Composition Geological activity sustenance of activity Tidal Effects 8.3 Jovian Ring Systems Saturn s ring Reason for ringstidal Breakups You should also be able to Define density order of Jovian Planets, Jovian satellite names, satellite properties, interior models of Jovian Planets, magnetic fields, Jovian planetary clouds and weather, tidal heating, orbital resonances, retrograde satellite orbits, Planetary rings (components thereof), Tidal stress. IX. Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets (Chapter 9 of the Textbook) 9.1 Asteroids defined composition evolution of Asteroid Belt relation asteroids and meteors 9.2 Comets defined composition Reservoir of Comets Reason for Comet Tails 9.3 Pluto (Big Comet?) composition Kuiper Belt Contents Other Dwarf Planets 9.4 Cosmic Collisions Impact risks Loss of Dinosaurs Jovian Planet Comet Scattering Define asteroids, comets, Asteroid Belt (cause of), asteroid / meteor relations, meteor, meteorite, composition of comet tails, dust and plasma tails, meteor shower, Kuiper Belt, Oort Cloud, Dwarf Planets (Dirty Snowballs), impact extinction of dinosaurs theory, Jovian effect on impacts. X. Other Planetary Systems (Chapter 10 of the Textbook) 10.1 Extra-Solar Planetary Detection Methods of Detection Instrumentation of Detection 10.2 Nature of Extra-Solar Planets Measureable Properties Solar System Comparisons 10.3 Extra-Solar System Formation Validity of Theories? Occurrence of Extra-Solar Systems Define Planetary induced stellar wobbles, Kepler Space telescope function, astrometric method, Doppler method, Hot Jupiters, eclipse, transit, Extra-Solar planetary properties (period, distance, orbital eccentricities, masses, sizes, densities, composition, temperatures), Grading Policy: 9 Hourly Lecture Tests... 50% (Lowest Lecture Test score will be dropped) Pearson Online homework.. 25% Laboratory.. 25% Extra credit/work (optional) % Planetarium Report (4 pts) Night Observation Session Report (4 pts)

5 Note #1: Students must be registered in one of the Astronomy 1401 Laboratory sections. Department policy requires that a student must make a Laboratory grade of 65 or better in order to pass the course. Missing 3 laboratories will constitute a failure in the lab. Note #2: As indicated above, we will have10 (ten) lecture exams. Each exam will correspond to one chapter of the textbook. Note #3: The lowest lecture test grade will be dropped. Note #4: A Planetarium Report will be available for students for up to an additional 4% of the overall course score. Students who decide to pursue the extra-credit planetarium report must visit the Planetarium, view a presentation, and turn in a one or two page report on the Planetarium presentation. Note #5 In addition, a Night Observation Session (NOS) Report will also be available for the students for extra-credit for up to 4% of the overall course score. Students who decide to pursue the extra-credit must visit one NOS (held every Tuesday evening, north of the Physical Science Building) and turn in a one or two page report on the NOS and on what was observed through the telescopes. Note#6 As can be seen from notes #4 and #5, there will be a possible total of 8 (eight) extra-credit points on the overall score (four from the Planetarium Report and four from the NOS Report). Note #7: The attached lecture schedule includes the tentative test dates, as the semester develops exact test dates will be announced in class. For the lecture tests you will need to bring a #30423 test strip form (available at the University Bookstore) and a #2 pencil. Note #8: It is very much recommended that the student read the corresponding chapter once before the class and that they bring their textbook to class. This will stimulate class participation that is a very important part of the lecture activity. Also questions that may arise during the students pre-reading of the chapter may be addressed during the lecture and stimulate further class discussion that will in turn enhance the lecture process. Additional questions that may arise to the student can of course also be addressed during office hours. Note #9: It is also very much recommended that after the lectures for a given chapter have been completed, that the student work through the Review Questions and Test Your Understanding sections of the given chapter of the textbook (these sections are found at the end of each chapter; questions taken from these two sections may appear in the lecture tests). Any questions that arise to the student at this point may be addressed during the review classes or in office hours. Note #10: No Final Exam. Note # 11: University policy requires all electronic communication between the University and students be conducted through the official University supplied systems; namely BroncMail for or Blackboard for course specific correspondence. Therefore, please use your UTPA assigned BroncMail or Blackboard account for all future correspondence with UTPA faculty and staff. Warning!: There are no non-university excused make-ups of missed exams - there are no exceptions!!!.

6 Mandatory Course Evaluations: Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through ASSIST via your UTPA account at: ( you will be contacted through and ASSIST with further instructions. SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, and VIOLENCE: In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a responsible employee for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a student s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination. Required Pearson Mastering Astronomy Online Package Text + Mastering package Text price + $5.00 Mastering without e-text $60.50 Package available (with course ID) at: pearsonmylab.com Tentative Schedule for ASTR (Subject to change): Week Date Lecture Week Date Lecture 1 Tue Jan 17 Course Introduction 8 Thu Mar 09 Test #5 (Chapter 5) 1 Thu Jan 19 Chapter 1 9 Tue Mar 14 Spring 2 Tue Jan 24 Review of Chapter 1 10 Thu Mar 16 Break 2 Thu Jan 26 Test #1 (Chapter 1) 10 Tue Mar 21 Chapter 6 start 10 3 Tue Jan 31 Chapter 2 11 Thu Mar 23 Review Ch. 6 and 10 3 Thu Feb 02 Chapter 2 / Review 11 Tue Mar 28 Test #6(Ch. 6 and 10) 4 Tue Feb 07 Test #2 (Chapter 2) 12 Thu Mar 30 Chapter 7 4 Thu Feb 09 Chapter 3 12 Tue Apr 04 Review of Chapter 7 5 Tue Feb 14 Chapter 3 / Review 13 Thu Apr 06 Test #7 (Chapter 7) 5 Thu Feb 16 Test #3 (Chapter 3) 13 Tue Apr 11 Chapter 8 6 Tue Feb 21 Chapter 4 13 Thu Apr 13 Review of Chapter 8 6 Thu Feb 23 Chapter 4 /Review 14 Tue Apr 18 Test #8 (Chapter 8) 7 Tue Feb 28 Test #4 (Chapter 4) 14 Thu Apr 20 Chapter 9 7 Thu Mar 02 Chapter 5 15 Tue Apr 25 Chapter 9 / Review 8 Tue Mar 07 Review of Chapter 5 15 Thu Apr 27 Test #9 Chapter 9