[Physics and Astronomy]

Courses

ASTR 101. An Introduction to the Large Scale. Although Immanuel Kant proposed the existence of galaxies more than 200 years ago, most of what is known about galaxies has been learned in recent decades. Driving this sudden explosion of knowledge are the new technologies of radio, infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray astronomy. This course explores the methods of contemporary astronomical research as they have been applied to the modern discovery of the galaxies. Laboratory exercises introduce various techniques of data acquisition in astronomy. Facilities include the Stephens Observatory 0.3-meter telescope, the planetarium, and portable telescopes. Enrollment limited to 64. Normally offered every year. S. Gensemer.

ASTR 104. The Evolution of Cosmology. As long as there have been natural scientists, there have been efforts to comprehend the size, shape, and internal motions of the universe as a whole. The application of Einstein's general theory of relativity to these questions has yielded new and unexpected possibilities. This course traces essential developments in our understanding of the physical universe, with special attention to contemporary models. Enrollment limited to 64. Normally offered every year. E. Wollman.

AT/GE 110. Lunar and Planetary Science. An introduction to the solar system using the methods of physics and geology. The historical development of our understanding of planetary motion leads to the contemporary view of celestial mechanics essential to exploration by spacecraft. The composition, formation, and age of the solar system are examined, together with the physical processes involved in the development of planetary interiors and surfaces. Basic algebra and geometry are used throughout. Laboratory work emphasizes the principles of remote sensing and exploration technology. Nighttime telescope work is expected. Enrollment limited to 56. Not open to students who have received credit for Astronomy 110 or Geology 110. Normally offered every year. G. Clough.

AT/GE 115. Impacts and Mass Extinctions. What happens when a ten-kilometer rock, traveling at forty kilometers per second, hits the Earth? As the dinosaurs discovered sixty-five million years ago, it is not a pretty picture. Scientists now believe that such catastrophically violent collisions, apparently common in the past, are inevitable in the future as well. But impacts alone may not explain the mass extinction events that have shaped the history of life on earth; global-scale volcanism and climate change are examples of more familiar processes. This course examines the role of impacts in the earth's history and the heated debate regarding the causes of mass extinctions. Enrollment limited to 64. Not open to students who have received credit for Astronomy 115 or Geology 115. Offered with varying frequency. J. Creasy, E. Wollman.

Short Term Units

ASTR s21. Planetarium Production. Since 1963, the College's Ladd Planetarium has been a resource for school and civic groups in the Lewiston-Auburn area. In this unit, students conceive, write, and produce planetarium shows for public presentation and educational outreach. Recommended background: one course in astronomy. Enrollment limited to 12. Normally offered every other year. E. Wollman.

AT/GE s22. The Exploration of Space. This unit is an intensive introduction to space exploration, emphasizing the science and technology upon which it is based. The unit is conducted as multiple parallel short courses, with topics including the mechanical engineering of spacecraft design, the mathematics of space navigation, the political history of space exploration, and the significance of exploration in the human experience. The unit makes extensive use of NASA data, films, and other materials. Recommended background: proficiency in high school algebra and trigonometry. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 30. Not open to students who have received credit for Astronomy s22 or Geology s22. Offered with varying frequency. G. Clough.

[Physics and Astronomy]