An introduction to astronomy: understanding stars and planets

Aims

This course aims to:

• provide an overview of astronomy as a science
• explore the techniques used by astronomers to better understand how we know about the universe
• develop a sense of how modern astronomy is constantly changing as new discoveries are made

Course content

In this course, we will be learning the basics of astronomy as a science, by first looking at how astronomers from the earliest civilisations to modern day developed an understanding of our solar system and our place in it. Our current understanding of the solar system has mainly come from centuries of observed movements of the planets and stars, but in recent decades includes satellite and robotic missions that have allowed us to explore regions of our solar system first hand. You will investigate the debate that led to Pluto no longer being classified as a planet, and what astronomers have learned from the hundreds of new objects discovered in the icy periphery of our solar system. Beyond our solar system, hundreds of new planets are discovered each year. We will look at the theories of how stars and planets form and explore the different types of star formation that take place in nebulas in our solar neighbourhood. We will discuss the discovery of planets beyond our solar system and how theories of star and planet formation are constantly evolving as astronomers discover more and varied planetary systems around stars other than our Sun. We also examine some of the basic techniques used to find new planets around the closest neighbouring stars. Finally, we will discuss how common planets are around other stars and by examining the various factors astronomers have deemed necessary to ascertain if life is possible (and detectable) beyond Earth, you will be able to estimate for yourself how likely it might be that life might exist on other planets. 

What to expect on this course

The goal of this course is to foster an appreciation for modern astronomy as a science. No previous reading or prior knowledge of astronomy is required. The course is lecture-based aided by slides and animations, but you will be welcome to ask questions throughout. As astronomy is a broad subject to cover in one week, the topics covered are flexible to help accommodate what interests you might have. The course will also involve some short, in-class activities that require basic mathematical knowledge. 

Course sessions

1. Understanding our Sun and solar system: a historical perspective and recent discoveries: We will look at how stars form, and when planets form in the context of the stars they orbit. This lesson will look at how we know what we know about the Sun and our solar system, and how this understanding has evolved given recent advances in astronomy, particularly how the discovery of new planets is changing astronomers; views of star and planet formation.

    

2. An astronomer’s toolbox: using light across the spectrum: We will look at how light is a powerful tool in understanding the physics behind stars, planets and more. The lesson will show how emission across the spectrum relates to distinct physical processes in outer space.

    

3. A visit to the Institute of Astronomy: We will meet at the Institute of Astronomy to tour the facilities, including the astronomy library and historic telescopes. Please note that this session will meet in a different location.

    

4. A tour of the stars and planets in our solar neighbourhood: We will look at how many exoplanets have been discovered thus far and take an in-depth look at some of the most interesting star systems.

    

5. Discovering exoplanets and the possibility of life beyond Earth: We will learn the techniques used by astronomers to detect nearby undiscovered planets. You will have the opportunity to do a statistical exercise that estimates the likelihood of finding life beyond our solar system.

Learning outcomes

As a result of the course, you will gain a greater understanding of the subject and you should be able to:

• understand the basic techniques and methodologies astronomers use to study planets, stars and beyond
• develop a broader perspective of our universe and how the Earth and our solar system fit into it
• analyse astronomy-related popular news and social media and to distinguish whether they are truth or fiction and if true, why they are newsworthy

Required reading

There is no required reading for this course. See Course materials for supplementary reading once registered.