ASTR 435

Astronomy Frontiers

This is a continuation course for students of ASTR 310 and/or ASTR 320 who want to explore the cutting edge of astronomical research. The topics covered will be based on the latest astronomical discoveries and will include such things as media coverage of science, possible missing planets in our Solar System, exoplanets, habitable zones and their connection to exoplanets, the lives of stars including black holes, groupings of stars such as open clusters and co-moving groups, exotic matter, the nature of galaxies, cosmology and its connection to the String Model, dark energy, the search for extraterrestrial life, future threats such as meteoroid impacts, climate change, and futures less dark. Emphasis will be placed on how astronomers use science to understand the Universe and the provisional nature of science.

Units: 3.0

Hours: 54 hours LEC