Astronomical Firsts: (A Chronology of Discovery). The elements of the following compendium have all been separately discussed in journals and literature, but rarely are they placed together in the sense of a mutual context. They are listed in chronological order where possible. The invention of the 365-day calendar, based on astronomical observation - Mankind…
We know this can be a confusing problem, so we will try to explain the intended audience for our five introductory non-majors courses and for our two upper-division astrophysics courses. This is the plain English description of these courses: see the official Schedule of Classes and Course Catalog for definitive language, and consult your adviser if you have…
A six week course designed for more advanced students This six week course builds on the foundation provided by the introductory course but you do not need to have completed our introductory course to take part if you already have a basic understanding of astronomy. The aim of the course is to provide a good overview of modern astronomy and astrophysics and will:…
THE BOWMAN OBSERVATORY The Observatory is operated by members of the Astronomical Society of Greenwich on behalf of the Greenwich Board of Education. The Observatory is on the grounds of the Julian Curtiss School, East Elm Street, Greenwich (see map below), and is open to the public free of charge twice a month, and for special celestial events. The Observatory…
Vera Rubin, pioneering American astronomer, died on December 25, 2016, at the age of 88. Rubin’s life in astronomy bridged three crucial transitions: the discovery of dark matter, the replacement of photographic plates by more sensitive electronic detectors, and the entrance of significant numbers of female astronomers into the profession. Rubin played a crucial…
Draw an object you would see in outer space and write about it. Describe what it looks like, how big it is, how fast it is traveling, and how far from Earth it is. Put 10 planet words in alphabetical order. The words are: Earth, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, moon, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, Uranus, Venus. Go to the answers. Put 10 space-related words in alphabetical order…
Welcome to the Department of Astrophysics & Planetary Science! Modern astronomy is an exciting and fast-paced field, with new discoveries being reported nearly every day. The scope of astronomy ranges from the interactions between individual atoms in interstellar space, to the formation of planetary systems, to the formation and evolution of the Universe…
The Solar System is made up of all the planets that orbit our Sun. In addition to planets, the Solar System also consists of moons, comets, asteroids, minor planets, and dust and gas. Everything in the Solar System orbits or revolves around the Sun. The Sun contains around 98% of all the material in the Solar System. The larger an object is, the more gravity…
Astronomy is not a subject many parents are eager to teach to their kids on their own, so when I offered to teach Astronomy classes in our local homeschool co-op, many parents were excited. Over the years, I’ve taught a class for high schoolers, another one for 3rd and 4th graders, and this coming year I’ll be teaching 7th-9th graders. It has been very rewarding…
That is the term astronomers use to describe the first time starlight enters a new telescope or other astronomical instrument. It essentially means “all is well” (though perhaps with a little more tweaking by its designers), and the instrument can begin making meaningful scientific observations. University of Virginia astronomers achieved that milestone recently…
The objective of our PhD program is to prepare students for careers in astronomical research and university-level education. To accomplish this, we emphasize: Acquisition of a broad knowledge of astronomy and familiarity with both observational and theoretical techniques; Exposure to a variety of advanced and specialized topics in modern astronomy; Extensive…
The International Space Station crosses our skies on a regular basis. Many of us would love to spend time on this early starship as it circles the Earth and studies all that is above and below. But for most of us, all we can do is occasionally watch as it streaks across the sky. But wait a minute? Why settle for a streaking glimmer like just another satellite…
