Astronomy 330fs - Seminar:Topics in Astrophysics

Institution:

Mount Holyoke College

Subject:

Description:

In-class discussions will be used to formulate a set of problems, each designed to illuminate a significant aspect of the topic at hand. The problems will be difficult and broad in scope: their solutions, worked out individually and in class discussions, will constitute the real work of the course. Student will gain experience in both oral and written presentation. Topics vary from year to year. Fall 2008 330f(01) Mars Exploration of several unresolved questions about the Red Planet, such as 1)Where was the water on Mars and where did it go How well will future missions answer this question 2) How has the martian atmosphere evolved over time 3)What rock types are present on the martian surface based on meteorite studies vs. direct observation 4) How can geomorphic features of Mars best be interpreted, and what do they tell us about the evolution of the planet and 5)Was there life on Mars at any time Is there life on Mars at present, and if so, where An interactive seminar with students and faculty reading current papers from the literature as well as daily reports from current missionWeb sites. M. Dyar Prereq. any intermediate-level astronomy or geology course; AST/GEO 223 recommended; 4 credits 330f(03) Asteroids This course will cover the relationship of asteroids and meteorites. Topics that will be discussed include how asteroids and meteorites are classified, spectroscopic measurements of asteroids, and how meteorites are transferred from asteroids to the Earth. No prior knowledge of asteroids or meteorites will be assumed. Prereq. any 200 level astronomy or geology course; 4 credits Spring 2009 330s(01) Cosmology A survey of topics relevant to cosmology: orbits and masses; stellar spectra and the chemical composition of the "ordinary matter" inthe universe; and the astronomical distance scale. The course will cover the two fundamental observations of cosmology: Hubble's "law?nd the CosmicMicrowave Background Radiation. We will also explore cosmologicalmodels: big bang and steady state; Newtonian cosmology and relativisticmodification; dark matter; dark "energy"; and the early universe.We will discuss unsolved problems and prospects for the future. Readings, discussion, and problemassignments, including projects and problems to be completed withMathematica or similar so?ware. T. Dennis Prereq. Physics 115-216 or 103-204; Math 202 or Math 100B; some experience in computer programming.; 4 credits 330s(03) Spectroscopy of the Planets Hands-on experience with spectroscopic data acquired from planetary atmospheres and surfaces. Four course modules include: 1) theory of spectroscopy and its application to the planets and stars; 2) broadband imaging of planetary surfaces; 3) in situ spectroscopy of planetary surfaces; 4) spectroscopic techniques used to search for exo-solar planets, and 5) analysis of an unidentified spectrum. The goal will be to identify important absorption/ emission features based on knowledge acquired throughout the semester. The department Prereq. 2 semesters of astronomy, geology, or physics; 4 credits

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.mtholyoke.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 538-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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