AST 201 Fall 1997 Detailed Syllabus and Reading for Unit I.
1.
Light is important because it is the only way to obtain data
for almost all astronomical objects. Must understand that light
covers entire range of EM spectrum, not just visible light. On
the other hand, most astronomical observations have been made
in the optical (visible) and radio as these are wavelength regions
accessible from the ground (the atmosphere is transparent at those
wavelengths).
Reading: Ch. 3.1. Date: 8/25
2.
Astronomical observations are made by remote sensing. These
give numerical data. Must have theoretical (mathematical)
framework to interpret the numerical data, and infer physical
quantities of interest (e.g. temperature, mass, distance of
objects). Important to understand interplay between observations,
theory and inferred quantities. Must accept that much of the
theory is beyond the scope of this class and will just be presented,
but can still be used to make inferences.
Date: 8/27
3. Theory I.
Mathematical description of radiation in terms of
intensity, flux, luminosity and surface brightness.
Reading: Ch. 4.1. Date: 8/27
4. Theory II.
Mathematical description of blackbody radiation -
commonly used as model for radiation from thermal sources (e.g. stars).
Reading: Ch. 5.6. Date: 8/28
5. Observations I.
How optical telescopes and instruments are
used to detect the brightness of astronomical objects. Description
of photometric data, filters, colors, magnitudes, the effects of the
atmosphere.
Reading Ch. 3,4. Date: 8/29
6. Inferences I. Inferring distance - the inverse square law and
magnitudes. Inferring temperatures - colors and the blackbody
description.
Reading: Ch. 4,5,6. Date: 9/3
9/4 Recitation section
Go over homework problems, lecture questions
7. Theory III.
Atoms and energy levels, spectral line formation,
the hydrogen atom.
Reading: Ch. 5. Date: 9/5
8. Observations II.
How radio telescopes and instruments work.
(Guest lecturer Professor S. Simkin) Reading: Ch. 3.4. Date: 9/8
9. Lab problem.
The energy levels of the hydrogen atom (lab problem
for homework set #1).
Date: 9/10
9/11 Recitation section
Go over homework problems, lecture questions,
continue work on lab if needed.
10. Homework #1 due, Quiz #1 (in class).
Date: 9/12