Course Description

This is an introductory course in astronomy for the non-science major with an emphasis on the evolution, structure, and behavior of the Solar System and its contents. Topics include the study of the night sky and the motions of the objects in the heavens as seen from Earth. The motions of the celestial bodies are explained in the historical context of geocentric and heliocentric models. The origins of the solar system are explored, followed by a study of the planetary geology and planetary atmospheres including an exploration of moons, asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets. Laboratory work includes the observation and application of concepts discussed in lectures, computer simulations, planetarium simulations, and fieldwork.