Astronomy
Coordinator: Geoffrey Collins
Department home page: http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/Acad/Astronomy/
For course listings and major requirements, see Physics.
Minor
Print a minor planning worksheet
The minor in astronomy consists of Ast 130, Ast 140, Ast 202, Ast 250 and Ast 302 or Ast 305.
Courses
130. The Universe
Properties of stars and how they are born and die, black holes, galaxies, quasars and the origin and evolution of the universe. Weekly two-hour laboratories retrace the steps involved in measuring the age and size of the universe, with enrichment laboratories in astronomical photography and observing.
(Timothy Barker)
Connections:
Conx 20059 Quantum Theories: Contemporary American Fiction, Modern Physics and the Universe
140. The Solar System
The processes that shape the surfaces and atmospheres of planets and satellites and how the planets have evolved in different directions. Students will learn how planetary data are gathered and how to interpret those data and will design a mission to address one of the many remaining mysteries of the solar system.
(Geoffrey Collins, Timothy Barker)
202. Frontiers of Astronomy
Students will write on topics of their own choosing in modern astronomy, such as neutron stars, black holes, quasars, active galaxies, the Redshift Controversy, the Big Bang and the fate of the universe. Prerequisite: one previous course in astronomy.
(Timothy Barker)
250. Ancient Astronomies
We will study coordinate systems, celestial navigation, eclipses and the motions of the sun, moon and planets. We will then use this knowledge to view the skies through ancient eyes, especially those of Islamic and Mayan astronomers, and gain insight into these cultures and their shared passion for astronomy.
(Timothy Barker)
Connections:
Conx 20071 Ancient Landscapes and Ancient Skies
298. Experimental Courses
Astrobiology
"Is there life on other planets?" is one of the most fundamental questions we can ask. Though we have not found any extraterrestrial life, we are rapidly changing our understanding of how life originated and evolved on Earth, what kinds of environments are suitable for life, and what kinds of environments conducive to life exist on other planets.
This course will be a multidisciplinary exploration of the topic from the standpoint of astronomy, biology, geology, physics and chemistry, so students are expected to have previously completed at least one introductory science course. In addition to the textbook, the course will include discussion of current research articles in astrobiology.
302. Astrophysics
Electromagnetic radiation, properties of stars, stellar structure and evolution, the origin of the elements, galactic structure and evolution, and active galaxies and cosmology.
(Timothy Barker)
305. Observational Astronomy
Students will use Wheaton telescopes and our observatory in Australia to carry out independent research projects, such as color imaging, astrometry and photometry of near-earth asteroids, searching for supernovae and determining the light curves of variable stars.
(Timothy Barker)