Astronomy Course

Astronomy at CAC is a one semester course that offers the student a survey of the structure of the physical universe from our own solar system to the edge of what can be seen by modern telescopes, the realm of black holes, galaxies and quasars. A considerable amount of time is spent looking at how astronomers do what they do. Students learn how to use a telescope and be able to participate in both daytime and nighttime observing sessions. Concepts in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics will be synthesized during the journey through the Cosmos.

Course Content Outline

  1. The Earth/Moon System
  2. The Solar System
  3. The Sun
  4. Measuring the Properties of Stars
  5. Stellar Evolution
  6. Stellar Remnants: White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes
  7. The Milky Way Galaxy
  8. Cosmology
  9. Life in the Universe
  10. Brief History of Astronomy