Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to:-
1. Summarise the development of ideas about the universe from earliest records to modern times;
2. Connect these ideas with their underlying empirical and/or theoretical foundations;
3. Relate observable phenomena in the universe to the underpinning physical processes;
4. Apply mathematical formulae and physical laws to solve problems in astronomical topics encountered;
5. Display familiarity with the motions, brightnesses and appearances of different celestial bodies in the sky;
6. Use astronomical tools and software to plan and execute naked-eye observations.
Indicative Module Content:
1.- Our place in the universe; distance scales; the Earth, Sun and Moon – orbits, phases and eclipses; planets, comets and meteorites in the solar system; cometary impacts; Kepler’s laws; gravity.
2.- The electromagnetic spectrum – visible light; radio waves; X and gamma rays; Doppler effect; telescopes; satellites; Hubble Space Telescope;
3.- Our Sun; energy source; solar activity; space weather; the fate of our sun.
4.- Stars - from birth to death; neutron stars; black holes; origin of the elements.
5.- The Milky Way galaxy; spiral, irregular & elliptical galaxies; active galaxies; supermassive black holes; distribution of galaxies in space; Hubble’s law.
6- The Big Bang and the fate of the universe; dark matter and dark energy.
7.- Life in the universe; extra-solar planetary systems; detectability of life on other planets; future space missions.