Required Texts. Course Description and Objectives

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1 The Templeton Honors College at Eastern University Honors Cosmology Fall Semester 2014 McInnis 322 MWF 11:00 AM Dr. David H. Bradstreet Professor and Chair of Astronomy and Physics, Observatory/Planetarium Director Required Texts The Book of the Cosmos: Imagining the Universe from Heraclitus to Hawking, A Helix Anthology by Dennis Danielson (Editor), Basic Books, 2002; ISBN-13: , ISBN-10: Coming of Age in the Milky Way, Timothy Ferris, Harper Perennial, 2003; ISBN- 13: , ISBN-10: Your Cosmic Context: An Introduction to Modern Cosmology, Todd Duncan & Craig Tyler, Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2009; ISBN-13: , ISBN-10: Course Description and Objectives A prudent beginning when introducing a topic such as cosmology is to present dictionary definitions to assure that we re all starting out with the same understanding of the term: 1 a: a branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of the universe b: a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe 2 : a branch of astronomy that deals with the origin, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe; also : a theory dealing with these matters (from the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary) The main thrust of this course will be the study of the development of mankind's understandings and beliefs concerning the structure and origin of the universe, and how these views have influenced belief systems and history. In addition, a considerable segment of the course will address how preconceptions of the universe have profoundly affected our perception of the universe and its influence in philosophy and everyday life. Ancient cosmologies to be investigated will include Babylonian, Egyptian, Hebrew, and Greek. The paradigms of Western thought will be emphasized through Greek and Arabic contributions up to the present epoch. Plato, Aristotle, Aristarchus, Eratosthenes, Hipparchus, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Clavius, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Wright, Kant, Shapley, Curtis, Hubble, Lemaitre, Einstein, and Hawking are among the luminaries that we will study. Modern discoveries will be incorporated into the course throughout the semester. However, modern cosmology comes to life and into proper perspective and focus only when seen resting upon its foundation of human endeavors directed towards its unraveling. The emphasis will not be mathematical but conceptual, although some mathematics will be utilized when useful. A significant treatment of fundamental astronomy will be provided throughout the semester as necessary. Honors Cosmology 1 Fall 2014

2 Visual observing and astrophotography in the Observatory will be a required component of the course. First-hand exposure to stars, nebulae, galaxies, quasars, etc., conveys a unique awareness of the topics discussed, as well as powerfully illustrating the tremendous difficulty that confronted astronomers in striving to interpret celestial phenomena. The overarching purpose of a Cosmology component to the Honors Curriculum will be to set the proper stage and perspective to frame one's entire worldview. Without a thorough grounding in astronomy and an insight into our ages-long search for comprehending our universe and its origin, one's conceptual paradigm for understanding God and human history is severely limited and anthropocentric. A firm grounding in cosmology will also equip the scholar to intelligently interpret the burgeoning field of current astronomical discoveries, as well as being able to lovingly and competently discuss such controversies in the evangelical community as Creation and the age of the universe. Such a course will forever change, for the better I would contend, the way students see themselves, their planet, human history, and most importantly, our Loving Father and His Infinite Sacrifice of His Son upon the Cross. Course Outcomes Understand the fundamental structure of the universe and our place within it Be able to comprehend the basic elements of electromagnetic radiation and how they enable astronomers to understand various celestial phenomena Be able to explain why the heavens appear to move as their do as seen from Earth Be able to explain why the geocentric universe was accepted for thousands of years and compare its downfall to current paradigm shifts/controversies Be able to determine where the Moon should be by simply knowing its phase for that night Understand the major causes of the seasons Be able to explain major historical characters and their contributions to modern astronomy, including Aristotle, Aristarchus, Eratosthenes, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Brahe, Galileo, Newton, Herschel, Wright, Kant, Huggins, Shapley, Hubble, Einstein, Lemaitre Understand the tools and methods used by astronomers to investigate the cosmos Be able to explain the basic make-up of the Sun and nuclear reactions that power it Grasp the reasons for why different stars exist within the context of an Hertzsprung- Russell diagram Be able to articulate the makeup of stars and delineate the paths of stellar evolution Understand the end products of stellar evolution for different mass stars Understand the basic structure of the Milky Way as our home galaxy Be able to express a basic grasp of the morphology of different galaxy types Be able to elucidate the evidence for a Big Bang cosmology Develop an understanding for the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its implications Honors Cosmology 2 Fall 2014

3 Deepen the awareness of the intricate simplicity evident in God s universe To help develop a broader frame of reference which includes God s magnificent creation that we call the universe Tentative Table of Lectures and Readings The following breakdown of reading assignments is very tentative and probably idyllic, thus it will likely evolve as the semester progresses. The reading of the texts as outlined below will help to insure that the student will understand the material discussed in lecture, as well as intelligently participate in class discussions. The readings in Danielson s book (The Book of the Cosmos) will sometimes be briefly discussed in class. A log or journal of reflections on each of these readings must be kept. It should consist of a brief paragraph or two regarding your reaction to the material presented in each reading. These journals will be perused by the professor sporadically and collected for grading on November 24 th, so keep them up to date! [Key: CM = Chaisson/McMillan handouts; F = Ferris, DT = Duncan/Tyler] Date Subject Reading Cosmos Aug 27 Introduction; Overview of course 29 The Celestial Sphere; Motions DT 1; DT 3.3 Intro (xxv); 1 Sep 3 Seasons; Moon Phases; Eclipses F 1; DT , 4 5 Parallax; Geocentric Universe F 1 5, 6, 7 8 Ancient Astronomy F 2 8, 9 10 Ancient Astronomy F 3 11, Copernicus; Tycho Brahe F 4 14, Galileo; Kepler F 5; DT , Newton & gravity F 6; DT , Newton and physics F 6 21, Transit of Venus and the AU F 7; DT , Measuring the speed of light CM 3; DT , Electromagnetic Radiation CM 3; DT , " CM 3; DT , 36 Oct 1 Spectroscopy CM 4; DT 3.2, , 40 3 " CM 4; DT 3.2, , 42 ** 6 1st test - on readings & class notes 8 The Quest for the Milky Way F 8 44, F 9 51, Special Relativity F 10; DT , " F 10; DT , General Relativity F 10; DT , Stellar Evolution F 14; DT , " F 14; DT , 65 Honors Cosmology 3 Fall 2014

4 27 " F 14; DT , Modern Cosmology DT , Stellar Explosions DT , 73 Nov 3 " DT , 75 5 Einstein s Greatest Blunder? DT , 77 7 " DT , 79 ** 10 2nd test - on readings and class note 12 Cosmic Expansion Revisited DT , DT , Big Bang DT " DT History of the Universe DT (journals collected) DT Dec 1 Structure in the Universe DT DT Conclusions DT ** 8 (9-11 AM) 3rd test - on readings and class notes TBA Make-up for Labor Day Starry Night exercise Galileo s Observations of Jupiter s Moons 1 hour TBA Make up for October 17 th (Fall Free Day) - The Boston Tea Party and D-Day What do they have in common (Starry Night exercise) 1 hour Papers There are two research papers (~ 4-6 pages each) required for this course, each of which will count 15% towards the final letter grade of the course. (I recommend scientific footnoting (all at the end of the paper), as it is far easier than bottom of the page nonsense.) The first paper is to focus on people who made significant contributions towards cosmological thought, and the paper should briefly recount their lives, what they contributed, and why it was vital to our understanding of cosmology. A few of the more famous people are off limits (Galileo, Copernicus, Einstein, Newton, Aristotle, Plato). The authors in the Danielson text provide an excellent source of fascinating people. You might pick one whose writings intrigued you, and delve more deeply into their lives. You must obtain my approval for the people for whom you wish to research. The second paper is to deal with a particular problem of cosmology, past or present, and discuss it and its ramifications at some length. Again, the professor must first clear the topic. The due dates for these two papers (see symbol in the above Table of Readings) are: Paper I (Person): October 22 nd ; Paper II (Topical): December 5 th. Observatory Project Honors Cosmology 4 Fall 2014

5 Observatory sessions will be scheduled via the Campus Network Observing Calendar. Each student is responsible for visually observing and sketching 7 objects, consisting of at least three galaxies, a nebula, a globular cluster, an open cluster, and a planetary nebula. The professor will supply a viable list of potential objects to you. In addition, pictures of seven objects (same characteristic breakdown, and preferably the same as those imaged) must also be obtained. The pictures and sketches (in a glorious Observing Notebook) must be handed in by the last day of classes (December 5 th ). These reports must include brief paragraph descriptions of each object observed and photographed. Numerous resources for this exist in the Observatory. Observatory lab assistants will be available as noted on the Observing Calendar. Training in the use of the Observatory facilities will be accomplished early in the semester. Details concerning how to put your Notebooks together will be detailed in a class session and augmented with a splendiferous handout. Grading The grading for this course will be based upon the in-class tests, papers, readings journal, and observatory project. The percentage weighting scale will be as follows: 3 in-classes tests - 45% 2 papers - 30% observatory project - 15% readings journal - 10% The letter grade breakdown is as follows: Attendance A+ 99%+ A 92-98% A % B % B 82-87% B % C % C 72-77% C % D % D 62-67% D % F 59% Three unexcused absences are permitted. Any further cutting may result in the lowering of the final letter grade by one letter. Attendance is vital as there will be material in the lectures that is not found in the text, and it is hoped that the in-class discussions will be invaluable to the overall impact of the course. Students are responsible for all work and Honors Cosmology 5 Fall 2014

6 announcements missed due to an absence. Absence from a test constitutes failure unless the professor considers the excuse valid. Tests missed must be rescheduled within one week of the student s return or not at all. The professor frowns upon tardiness, and expects students to be prompt. Occasional lateness is sometimes unavoidable, but persistent tardiness is simply irresponsible. Conferences Office hours: MWF 2 PM; other times by appointment My office is located in McInnis 321. Please feel free to bring any questions you have concerning the lectures, readings, observatory work, etc., or anything else on your mind. If special appointments other than my scheduled office hours are needed, they may be arranged by calling me in my office (ext. 5945) or at home before 10 PM ( ). My address is dbradstr@eastern.edu (best way to contact me). Official Stuff Please note that all University policies pertaining to academic dishonesty, drop/add procedures, and grade appeal should be followed by students enrolled in this class. Consult the undergraduate catalog or speak to the instructor if you have any questions about these University policies. If you have any documented special educational needs, you are encouraged to work with the Cushing Center for Counseling and Academic Support to prepare a written request for the accommodations you need in this course. In order to receive an accommodation for this course, the instructor must receive a written request from CCAS at the beginning of the course or as soon as the disability is diagnosed. Should the University be closed for any length of time, the instructor will contact the class and put appropriate assignments/powerpoint lectures/etc. on the Blackboard site for this course. You will be contacted via regarding the details of what is expected depending upon the circumstances. The instructor severely frowns upon cell phones going off during class and will answer the phone for you if it does so. Also, browsing the Internet during class is also not allowed on any devices. Honors Cosmology 6 Fall 2014