Physics 229 Stars and Galaxies

Dr. Likkel, Spring 2006

This course relates to several of the eleven goals of the UW-EC Baccalaureate Degree, especially to developing “an ability to inquire, think, and analyze”, “historical consciousness”, and  “an understanding of science and scientific methods”.

The emphasis of the course is on understanding, not on memorization of facts.

It will be assumed that the student is familiar with high school algebra and fractional powers. You will need a calculator (one that does powers, roots, logarithms, and trig functions).

There will be considerable emphasis on the physical processes believed to be operating in our universe and the development of basic physical concepts will be a fundamental part of the course.

Course Textbook:  Universe: Stars and Galaxies ...................

Syllabus

lab homework: Plotting blackbody curves, due in lab Feb 8/9.

Solar spectrum web assignment (it's in the lab manual, lab 1c)

(Open the clickable solar spectrum from the web page. Click on a line to find what pixel it is in).

Downloadable Starchart

UWEC Planetarium

Astronomy Picture of the Day  (archive example)

Accelerating Universe article,  nice Big Bang website

Interesting links

Review the Algol paradox (or here with an animation)

Interactive demos  from the web, including parallax

The textbook's website (or the book's CD) has good animations and quizzes. But I have found times when the site loads slowly or not at all so be patient and maybe it will work. (bcs.whfreeman.com/universe7e) Better yet, try the CD.

Authorized Absence Notification Procedure: Contact the Office of Student Development and Diversity by calling 836-5626 or by stopping in Schofield 240, or completing the Online Class Absence Form. If an absence is due to other circumstances, students are responsible for contacting their instructors by telephone or e-mail.

AUTHORIZED ABSENCES
(From the Faculty and Academic Staff Handbook - Chapter 7, Page 8)

A student's absence from class is authorized by the Dean of the College for (1) participation in an approved field trip listed in the catalogue as a requirement for a course in which the student is enrolled; or (2) participation in an authorized extra-curricular activity on the regularly approved calendar of university events [such absences are reported by the Dean to each instructor at least 48 hours in advance of the trip of event]; or (3) illness, injury, or emergency of such severity as to prevent the student from being able to attend class. The Office of Student Development and Diversity will assist the student in providing any needed documentation. Instructors are obligated to furnish students an opportunity to make up any course work missed during authorized absences.

The Sun today Sun rotating

distance modulus derivation

Article on extrasolar planets