Course Number: Astro 120

Course Name: The Sky and Solar System

Credits: 3 Cr

Instructor: Angela Zalucha

Contact information: azalucha@iastate.edu

PreReq: None

Associated courses: Astro 102 and  Astro 103

Format: Two 50 minute lectures per week + one recitation section per week.  In the Fall, one of the lecture slots is live-streamed + face-to-face. There is also an online option for the recitation.

General introduction to the course

• This course is for the non-science major as well as satisfying a requirement for an astronomy minor.

• This course uses the ISU planetarium weekly (face to face option only)

• In this course you will:

  • Identify constellations in the night sky.

  • Explain the nature of the phases of the moon, eclipses, the motion of planets and sun, and timekeeping.

  • Grasp the knowledge of the ancients and key early historical developments in astronomy.

  • Understand the nature of planets and satellites: their formation, composition, and geologic and atmospheric properties.

  • Learn about comets, asteroids, and meteorites.

  • Explore the possibility for extraterrestrial life and how we might contact intelligent life.