NW 264: Explorations into Astrophysics – Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview: NW 264 – Explorations into Astrophysics

This course introduces students to physics through astronomical inspirations, focusing on the scientific method, astronomical measurements, and the physical principles governing the universe. Students engage in hands-on lab experimentation, data analysis, and conceptual exploration of stars, planets, and cosmic phenomena.

Main Topics and Structure

I. Introduction: Science and Astronomy

This section explores the nature and relevance of astronomy, the development of scientific inquiry, and the distinction between astronomy and astrology.

• Definition of Astronomy: The scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the universe as a whole.

• Scientific Method: Systematic approach to investigation, including observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis.

• Difference from Astrology: Astronomy is evidence-based science; astrology is a belief system not supported by scientific evidence.

• Example: Astronomers use telescopes and data analysis to study planetary motion, while astrology interprets celestial positions for personal predictions.

II. The Physical Basis of Astronomy: Gravity

This topic covers the role of gravity in the universe, including planetary motion, orbits, and the structure of solar systems.

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: Describes the attractive force between two masses.

• Equation: $F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$ where $F$ is the gravitational force, $G$ is the gravitational constant, $m_1$ and $m_2$ are masses, and $r$ is the distance between centers.

• Applications: Explains planetary orbits, tides, and the structure of galaxies.

• Example: The motion of the Moon around Earth is governed by gravitational attraction.

III. Motions in the Sky: Astronomy by Eye

This section investigates the apparent motion of celestial bodies, the reasons for seasons, and the historical development of astronomical models.

• Diurnal Motion: The daily apparent movement of the Sun and stars due to Earth's rotation.

• Annual Motion: The apparent movement of the Sun along the ecliptic due to Earth's revolution around the Sun.

• Seasons: Caused by the tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun.

• Historical Models: Geocentric (Earth-centered) and Heliocentric (Sun-centered) models.

• Example: Galileo's observations of Jupiter's moons supported the heliocentric model.

IV. Physical Basis of Astronomy: Light

This topic explains the nature of light, its production, and its role in astronomical observations.

• Nature of Light: Electromagnetic radiation that travels in waves.

• Equation for Speed of Light: $c = \lambda \nu$ where $c$ is the speed of light, $\lambda$ is wavelength, and $\nu$ is frequency.

• Telescopes: Instruments that collect and magnify light from distant objects.

• Types of Telescopes: Refracting (uses lenses) and reflecting (uses mirrors).

• Example: The Hubble Space Telescope uses mirrors to observe distant galaxies.

V. Overview of the Universe

This section surveys the structure and scale of the universe, including galaxies, stars, and cosmic background radiation.

• Galaxies: Massive systems of stars, gas, and dust bound by gravity.

• Cosmic Microwave Background: Radiation left over from the early universe, evidence for the Big Bang.

• Scale of the Universe: Distances measured in light-years; the observable universe is about 93 billion light-years in diameter.

• Example: The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy containing our solar system.

Course Schedule and Weekly Topics

Week	Lecture Topic
1	First astronomical measurements and solar system overview
2	Galileo’s ideas, experiments, and observational advances
3	Newton’s laws of motion
4	Orbits, black bodies, and satellites
5	Solar system objects, planets, and moons
6	Understanding the starry sky; daily and annual motion of the stars, the sun, and the moon; how we measure time
7	Properties of waves, sound, and light
8	Properties of waves, sound, and light (continued)
9	Light spectra, quantum of light
10	Stellar evolution, Milky Way
11	Stellar evolution, Milky Way (continued)
12	Galaxies and universe on a large scale
13/14	Galaxies and universe on a large scale (continued)

Course Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of scientific models and theories of Greek astronomers.

• Understand astronomical concepts and models.

• Explain the nature of light and its role in astronomy.

• Analyze data and apply the scientific method to astronomical observations.

Assessment and Grading

Category	Points Possible	Overall %
Three Exams*	2 x 100	24%
Final Exam	200	20%
Homework	105	10%
Quizzes/In-Class Activities*	14 x 10	14%
Laboratory Project	185	18%
Semester Project	100	12%
TOTAL	1000	100%

*The lowest score for assignment will be dropped in calculation of your final grade.

Additional Academic Context

• Scientific Method in Astronomy: Involves observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

• Historical Development: From ancient Greek models to modern astrophysics, the field has evolved through technological advances and theoretical breakthroughs.

• Lab Work: Students will conduct experiments and data collection related to astronomical phenomena, such as light spectra and planetary motion.

• Projects: Semester project involves research and presentation on a selected astrophysical topic.

Course Policies and Resources

• Attendance: Required for all classes and labs; missing class may affect performance.

• Cell Phones: Not permitted in class or during tests.

• Academic Integrity: Students must adhere to university policies regarding honesty and plagiarism.

• Disability Services: Accommodations available for students with documented needs.

• Harassment and Discrimination: University policies ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Textbook and Resources

• Primary Textbook: Conceptual Physics, 12th Edition by Paul Hewitt

• Online Resources: CANVAS course page, Astronomy textbook (OpenStax)

Key Dates

• Test 1: September 12 (Chapters 1–5, 9)

• Test 2: October 17 (Stellar sky, moon and solar observations)

• Test 3: November 17 (Chapters 19, 20, 26–30)

• Semester Project: Topic and outline due September 18, final submission due November 20

• Final Exam: December 19, 11:30–1:30 PM (comprehensive)

Additional info: The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and university policies relevant to a college-level physics/astrophysics course.