ASTR 051 - The Solar System and Beyond

5.0 Credits
An introduction to astronomy exploring the planets, moons, asteroids, Sun of our Solar System, and the stars, black holes, pulsars and other objects beyond it. Direct observation of the night sky will be integral part of the course. Counts toward high school science credit (was ASTRO 051).

Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Explain the basic structure and mechanics of our solar system. [COMMUNICATE]
Describe how the regular and predictable motions of most objects in the solar system appear from Earth and account for such phenomena as the day, year, phases of the moon, eclipses, seasons and ocean tides. [COMMUNICATE]
Compare and contrast the basic structural similarities and differences between types of planets, moons, stars and galaxies. [REASON]
Identify and describe fundamental concepts of astronomy such as gravity, the light year, retrograde motion, elliptical orbits, etc. [REASON]
Explain theories of how the Earth and other celestial bodies in the universe formed and are continuing to evolve. [REASON]
Analyze the merits of competing scientific hypotheses. [REASON]
Identify and describe how scientific knowledge evolves, by exploring the contributions of significant early astronomers. [REASON]
Identify and describe how major space missions have contributed to the field of astronomy. [REASON]