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This survey of astronomy begins here on Earth and heads outward to the ends of the observable universe. We will explore the Sun, the Moon, and the most interesting planets in our stellar neighborhood. Comets, asteroids, the Kuiper Belt, and the Oort Cloud are the next topics we will consider as we assess our solar-system environment. From our local solar system we then move to star formation and the nature of the Milky Way galaxy. Neutron stars, debris disks, supernovas, black holes, and dark matter follow.
Are we alone? How do you find an exoplanet? We will ask these questions as we study galaxies and cosmology: the expansion of the universe, dark energy, the Big Bang, wormholes, superstrings, and the possibility of other universes.
Recommended Reading:
Bennett, Jeffrey, Megan Donahue, Nicholas Schneider, and Mark Voit. The Cosmic Perspective. 7th Edition. Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2013. ISBN-13: 978-0321839558.
Differences between the latest edition and previous editions are miniscule. Your instructor recommends used versions, and the older editions. You also do not need the software packages. Please note that this text is NOT intended to be brought to class.