PHY 124 Astronomy of the Solar System
(Contact Hours: 5) In this course, students will be introduced to the sky and the solar system. Laboratory exercises will be emphasized. The sun, the moon, the planets, and constellations will be observed and analyzed using the planetarium and telescopes. Methods of calculating the positions of astronomical objects will be introduced. Hands-on experiments include mapping the heavens, making and reading star maps, analyzing light to understand its nature, and the principles of telescope design. Students will understand the mechanics of our solar system and our galaxy and learn some of the properties of planets, satellites, stars, and galaxies. The course will be enhanced through examples from the fields of astrophysics, astrobiology, and astrogeology. Minimum benchmarks will be enforced.