4.00 Credits
Covers the history of astronomy, orbital mechanics, solar system (the Sun, planetary interiors, atmospheres, moons, comets, meteors); interaction of radiation and matter (physical processes in gas, black body radiation) astronomical instrumentation and detectors. Laboratory includes exercises in observational astronomy. Observing sessions are scheduled after dark and held when weather permits. Prerequisites: PHYS 1210 or 1310, MATH 2200.