This course covers evolution of the universe, from its origin in a cosmic expansion to the emergence of life on Earth and possibly other planets. We study big-bang cosmology, including origin and evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, life, and intelligence. We discuss nature writ large, from quarks to quasars, microbes to minds. Course materials are largely descriptive, based on insights from physics, astronomy, geology, chemistry, biology, and anthropology. (4 credits)
ASTR E-40 Stars and Stellar Systems
Fall term (13707)
E. Samuel Palmer, MA, Astronomer, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Harvard University.
Wednesdays beginning Aug. 31, 7:45-9:45 pm. Optional sections to be arranged.
What is a star? And what are black holes, white dwarfs, and quasars? How do these things work? How are they connected to each other and to everything else, including us? It all fits together, from the sun to cosmology and the big bang, in this introductory astronomy course for people with no background in mathematics or physics. (4 credits)