ASTR 110
Introduction to Astronomy I
Summer Term 2025 |
Instructor: Staff |
Total sessions: 30 Sessions |
Office Hours: TBA |
Session Length: 145 Minutes |
Classroom: TBA |
Credits: 3 Units |
Class Length: 8 Weeks |
Language: English |
Course Overview:
This course provides a non-mathematical introduction to the science of astronomy for non- specialist students. It explores fundamental astronomical concepts, the tools and techniques used in modern observational astronomy, and the historical and contemporary understanding of the Solar System. Topics include the evolution of our knowledge about Earth, the Moon, and other celestial bodies, the space exploration of Mars and Jupiter, the nature of the Sun, and the uniqueness of Solar System.
Required Material:
David A. Rothery, Neil McBride and Iain Gilmour, An Introduction to the Solar System, Cambridge University Press, 2018.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify and explain the fundamental scientific principles that govern the dynamical behavior and structure of the Solar System, applying these principles across different physical scales.
2. Describe variable astronomical phenomena visible in the night sky, understand their seasonal changes, and interpret their significance in different cultures and indigenous societies.
3. Identify the key instruments used by astronomers, including specialized telescopes, and demonstrate their purpose and use through practical exercises.
4. Explain modern theories regarding the formation and characteristics of our Solar System and other planetary systems.
Course Outline: Week 1:
Lecture 1-4: A Modern View of the Universe
Lecture 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Our Place in the Universe
o Overview of astronomy as a scientific discipline
o The structure and scale of the universe
Lecture 2: Celestial Motions and Basic Observational Astronomy
o Earth's rotation and revolution
o Understanding celestial coordinates and star maps
Lecture 3: Understanding the Night Sky and Seasonal Changes
o Why the night sky changes throughout the year
o Constellations and their cultural significance
Lecture 4: The Scientific Method in Astronomy
o How astronomers formulate and test hypotheses
o The role of observation and experimentation in astronomy
Week 2:
Lecture 5-8: The Science of Astronomy
Lecture 5: The History of Astronomy: From Ancient Times to Copernicus
o Early models of the universe
o The shift to a heliocentric model
Lecture 6: Galileo, Newton, and the Foundation of Modern Astronomy
o Galileo’s observations with the telescope
o Newton’s laws and their impact on astronomy
Lecture 7: Types of Telescopes and Their Uses
o Optical, radio, and space-based telescopes
o How different wavelengths reveal different celestial features
Lecture 8: Observatories and Space-Based Telescopes
o The Hubble Space Telescope and other major observatories
o The future of astronomical instruments
Assignment 1
More specific requirements (e.g., formatting requirements, deadlines, etc.) will be provided in the course.
Week 3:
Lecture 9-12: Key Concepts of Astronomy: Motion, Energy, Gravity
Lecture 9: Newtonian Physics and Kepler’s Laws
o How planets move in their orbits
o The role of gravity in shaping planetary motion
Lecture 10: Gravity and Orbital Mechanics
o Understanding tides and gravitational interactions
o The effect of gravity on planetary motion and satellites
Lecture 11: The Nature of Light and How We Observe the Universe
o Electromagnetic spectrum and its significance in astronomy
o The relationship between light and matter
Lecture 12: Spectroscopy and Understanding Celestial Objects
o How scientists determine the composition of stars and planets
o The Doppler effect and measuring motion in space
Week 4:
Lecture 13-16: Telescopes and Observatories
Lecture 13: Optical, Radio, and Infrared Telescopes
o How different telescopes detect celestial objects
o The advantages and limitations of various telescope types
Lecture 14: Space Observatories and Their Contributions
o Key discoveries made by space telescopes
o Future missions in astronomical research
Lecture 15: The Role of Astronomy in Space Exploration
o How astronomical knowledge informs space travel
o The role of exoplanet research in future exploration
Lecture 16: Practical Observational Techniques
o Hands-on activities using star charts and telescope simulations
o Understanding light pollution and its impact on astronomy
Midterm Exam: multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and Problem-solving questions (Contains topics in Lecture 1-16)
Week 5:
Lecture 17-20: Our Planetary System
Lecture 17: Formation of the Solar System: The Nebular Hypothesis
o Theories of solar system formation
o The role of planetary migration
Lecture 18: The Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars
o Composition and characteristics of the terrestrial planets
o Exploration missions and key discoveries
Lecture 19: The Outer Planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune
o Gas giants and ice giants
o Their moons and ring systems
Lecture 20: The Kuiper Belt, Oort Cloud, and Dwarf Planets
o Pluto, Eris, and other trans-Neptunian objects
o The significance of the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud
Week 6:
Lecture 21-24: Comparative Planetology and Planetary Atmospheres
Lecture 21: Geological Processes on Planets
o Volcanism, tectonics, and impact cratering
o Surface evolution across the Solar System
Lecture 22: The Atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and Mars
o How atmospheres evolve and their role in climate
o Atmospheric composition and weather patterns
Lecture 23: The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
o How planetary atmospheres trap heat
o Climate change and its implications for Earth and beyond
Lecture 24: The Search for Habitable Environments Beyond Earth
o What makes a planet habitable?
o Key exoplanet discoveries and missions
Assignment 2
More specific requirements (e.g., formatting requirements, deadlines, etc.) will be provided in the course.
Week 7:
Lecture 25-28: Remnants of the Solar System & Mars Exploration
Lecture 25: Asteroids, Comets, and Meteoroids
o The composition and origins of small Solar System bodies
o The significance of asteroid impacts on Earth
Lecture 26: The Impact of Cosmic Collisions on Earth
o Historical asteroid impacts
o Mitigation strategies for potential future threats
Lecture 27: Mars: The Search for Past and Present Life
o What we have learned from Mars rovers and orbiters
o Future missions and the potential for human exploration
Lecture 28: Future Human Exploration of Mars and Beyond
o Challenges and benefits of interplanetary colonization
o Ethical and practical considerations
Week 8:
Lecture 29-30: Life in the Universe & Course Wrap-Up
Lecture 29: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Habitable Planets
o The Drake equation and the Fermi paradox
o SETI and exoplanet discoveries
Lecture 30: Final Review and Course Summary
o Key takeaways from the course
o Discussion of the future of astronomy
Final Exam: multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and Problem-solving questions (Contains topics in All Lectures)
Grading Assessment:
Assignment 1 |
15% |
Assignment 2 |
15% |
Midterm |
30% |
Final exam |
30% |
Seminar Participation |
10% |
Total |
100% |
Assignments:
Students are required to complete two assignments during the semester, each assignment will consist of a set of problems that align with the topics discussed in lectures. These problem sets will reinforce key concepts discussed in lectures and provide hands-on experience with problem- solving in astronomy. Assignments will focus on applying fundamental astronomical principles, analyzing celestial motion, interpreting astronomical data, and engaging with historical and contemporary discoveries in planetary science. Grading will be based on accuracy, completeness, and clarity of explanations.
Attendance:
Students are required to attend a weekly seminar led by TA to focus on the week's topic and deepen understanding. Seminar time assigned by TA. Seminar attendance counts toward the final grade.
Exams:
The examinations in this course consist of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and Problem- solving questions. The final exam is cumulative.
Final Evaluation:
Letter Grade |
Percentage (%) |
Letter Grade |
Percentage |
A+ |
≥95 |
C+ |
64-67 |
A |
89-94 |
C |
60-64 |
A- |
84-88 |
C- |
56-59 |
B+ |
79-83 |
D+ |
54-56 |
B |
73-78 |
D |
50-53 |
B- |
68-72 |
F |
≤50 |
General Policies:
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is the cornerstone of academia and requires students and researchers to
maintain honesty, fairness, trust and responsibility in all academic activities. It includes not only avoiding dishonest behaviors such as plagiarism, cheating, and falsifying data, but also requires taking responsibility for one's own academic actions and ensuring that all work is done
independently and accurately cites the research of others. Violations of academic integrity can result in severe academic penalties, such as zero grades, suspension or even expulsion, and can cause serious damage to an individual's reputation and future career. Upholding academic
integrity is therefore essential to promoting a fair academic environment and facilitating the authentic dissemination of knowledge.
Accessible Resources Policy
The policy ensures that all students, especially those with disabilities, are able to participate equally in school learning and activities. The school provides a wide range of accessibility resources including, but not limited to, specialized classrooms, hearing aids, Braille textbooks, assistive technology, and flexible testing arrangements. Students are required to apply to the school in advance and provide appropriate medical or psychological evaluations so that an
individualized support plan can be developed for them. This policy is designed to remove barriers in the academic environment and to ensure that every student has access to equitable learning opportunities.
Withdrawal Policy
Students may choose to withdraw from a course within a specified period of time, and may not be able to do so after the expiration date. When withdrawing from a course, students are required to fill out a withdrawal form with a reason, which will be reviewed and processed on a case-by- case basis. Withdrawal from a course may not affect the student's academic performance. If a student withdraws from a course with incomplete requirements, a “W” may be assigned instead of a grade, depending on the course.
