Course Number: Astro 1200
Course Name: The Sky and Solar System
Credits: 3 Cr
Instructor:
Contact information:
PreReq: None
Format: Four 50 minute online lecture videos per week, one online recitation meeting per week.
Astro 1200 will not be offered summer 2025
General introduction to the course
- This course is for the non-science major as well as satisfying a requirement for an astronomy minor.
- 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.