Description:

This course is a study of the universe from the earth, moon, and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical Web sites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk., 5 nighttime telescope sessions are required.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify specific celestial objects in the night sky.
2. Discuss the contributions to Astronomy made by Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Newton.
3. Describe the general characteristics of each planet in our solar system and the spacecraft missions to each.
4. Distinguish between planets, satellites, asteroids, comets and meteors in our solar system.
5. Describe the basic functions of a telescope and its auxiliary instrumentation.
6. Explain the process of star formation and a star’s ability to produce light and energy.
7. Trace the evolutionary phases of various stars.
8. Recognize the size and content of the various regions of our galaxy.
9. Construct a general scenario of events in the Big Bang at the origin of the universe.
10. Indicate the basic factors necessary for life to develop on other planets.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Observing the Universe Through the Sky Around Us
   A. Use celestial coordinates for positions of objects in the sky.
   B. Recognize constellations in the sky.
   C. Compare the motions of the sun, moon, planets and stars in our sky.
   D. Explain how seasons on Earth are determined.
   E. Recognize the various phases of the moon.
   F. Explain the conditions necessary for a lunar eclipse and a solar
eclipse.

II. History of Astronomy
   A. Give examples of ancient astronomical observations.
   B. Contrast the geocentric and the heliocentric views of the universe.
   C. Summarize the contributions made to astronomy by Copernicus, Brahe,
Kepler, Galileo and Newton in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
   D. Describe Kepler’s Three Laws of Planetary Motion.
   E. Identify the main characteristics of the elliptical motion of
planets.
   F. Describe the effects of Galileo’s telescopic observations on the
existing view of the universe.
   G. Describe the Law of Gravity.

III. The Solar System
   A. Name the various types of celestial bodies in our solar system.
   B. Distinguish between terrestrial and Jovian planets.
   C. Identify the major spacecraft involved in the exploration of each
planet.
   D. Explain the causes of tides on Earth.
   E. Compare the orbital properties and physical properties of the moon
and Mercury.
   F. Differentiate between the formation processes of craters and of seas
on the moon.
   G. Explain the more acceptable theory of the origin of our moon.
   H. List the distinguishing features of each of the planets.
   I. Summarize the discoveries of the planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
   J. Compare the satellite systems of each planet. 
   K. Describe the various types of asteroids in our solar system.
   L. Explain what a comet is and compare its orbital motion to that of
the planets.
   M. Differentiate between meteors, meteorites and meteoroids.

IV. Light and Telescopes
   A. Identify and describe such characteristics of light as wavelength,
frequency, amplitude and speed.
   B. Explain the Doppler effect on light.
   C. Describe the processes by which an atom absorbs and emits light.
   D. Indicate when and by whom the telescope was invented.
   E. Differentiate between the two major types of optical telescopes.
   F. Identify the focal length, objective and magnification power of a
telescope.
   G. Explain how CCD Cameras, Adaptive Optics, Space Telescopes and Radio
Astronomy are used to study the universe today.

V. The Sun and the Stars
   A. Compare the size and mass of the sun with the rest of the solar
system.
   B. Identify the different regions of the sun.
   C. Explain the sunspot cycle on the surface of the sun.
   D. Describe the phenomenon of solar energy production.
   E. Distinguish the two methods of finding distances to stars.
   F. Explain the two methods of measuring starlight--absolute magnitude
and apparent magnitude.
   G. List the spectral classes of stars and the dominant color of each
class.
   H. Construct an HR Diagram and describe its use.
   I. Explain the significance of the mass of a star in determining its
evolution.
   J. Explain how binary stars determine the mass of a star.
   K. Indicate the relation between a star’s lifetime and its location on
the main sequence.
   L. Compare open clusters and globular clusters of stars.
   M. Analyze the role of interstellar materials in the formation of
stars.
   N. Describe the pre-main sequence phases of stellar evolution.
   O. Describe the main sequence phase of stellar evolution.
   P. Describe the possible phases of stellar evolution after leaving the
main sequence.
   Q. Distinguish between evolutionary outcomes of high mass stars and low
mass stars.
   R. Explain the factors determining whether a star will end up as a
white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
   S. Describe the composition of a white dwarf, a neutron star and a
black hole.
   T. List the factors that cause nova and supernova explosions.

VI. Galaxies and Beyond
   A. Discuss the process of discovering the size and shape of our
galaxy.
   B. Name the various regions of our galaxy and locate the sun’s position
in it.
   C. Estimate the amount of matter in our galaxy.
   D. Describe the content and shape of the four types of galaxies:
spirals, barred spirals,
   ellipticals and irregulars.
   E. Explain Hubble’s Law in connection with the galaxies in the
universe.
   F. Discuss dark matter and its role in the universe.
   G. Explain what a quasar is.
   H. List the assumptions contained in the cosmological principle.
   I. Discuss the factors to be considered in determining the age of the
universe.
   J. Explain the concepts of bound universe, unbound universe and
marginally bound universe.
   K. Compare the Big Bang Theory to the Steady State Theory of the origin
of the universe.
   L. Discuss the possibility of life in our solar system and on planets
around other stars.
   M. Indicate the possibilities of visiting or communicating with another
civilization.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Graded work for the course will include at least four unit tests, a
cumulative final exam, at least 12 weekly laboratory exercises, night-sky
observation, and a combination (determined by the individual instructor)
of homework, lecture quizzes, written article summaries, and an article
quiz. The percentage of the total grade allotted to each of the above
kinds of course work will be within the following ranges:

Grade Work                     Percentage of Course Grade
Tests                                  35 - 50%
Observation, Quizzes, Homework         15 - 25%
Laboratory Exercises                   10 - 20%
Articles                                5 - 10%
Final Exam                             15 - 25%   
  Total                                  100% 

Caveats:

1. There will be five evening observation sessions.
2. Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.