Professor Kenneth R. Lang, Astronomy
Research Associate Professor William Waller,
Observational astrophysics and space science education
Research Associate Professor Robert F. Willson, Astronomy
Visiting Associate Professor Rosanne DiStefano, Astronomy and
astrophysics
Lecturer Esther Zirbel, Astronomy
The science of astronomy concerns the general picture of the universe in its broadest sense, from atoms to assemblages of galaxies. Courses in astronomy fall under the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Astronomy may be elected as a major field through a suitable Plan of Study. Students considering a career in astronomy or astrophysics, however, are urged to investigate the possibility of a joint major with physics or mathematics, or an undergraduate concentration in astrophysics.
Undergraduate Concentration Requirements
Major in Astrophysics
Four courses in astronomy more advanced than Astronomy 10; two courses in mathematics more
advanced than Mathematics 13/18; four courses in physics more advanced than Physics 2 or
12, including Physics 13 and 64 or equivalent laboratory experience. One mathematics
course may be replaced by approved advanced course in a related field. Research experience
is strongly recommended.
Undergraduate Minor Program
Minor in Astrophysics
The program requires the completion of five courses. The student takes Physics 11 and 12 (or 1 and 2) and any three courses from the following:
Astronomy 21, 22, 101, 111, and 112.
Graduate Program
Advanced degrees (master's and doctoral) are offered in experimental radio astronomy and
astrophysics. Additional advanced courses may be taken through a cooperative program with
Boston University.
Undergraduate Courses
9 Concepts of the Cosmos from Flat Earth to SETI. Exploration of current ideas about the universe from earliest times to the present, with emphasis on those suggesting a plurality of worlds. Topics will include changing explanations for planetary motions, planetary atmospheres and temperatures, the space-age explorations of the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, the possibility of planets around other stars, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Lectures will be supplemented by outside readings, as well as projects and problem sets requiring analytic reasoning. Students will be expected to solve simple quantitative problems. Intended for undergraduates not planning to major in the physical sciences. Prerequisite: an understanding of algebra and plane trigonometry.
10 Wanderers in Space-age Exploration and Discovery in the Solar System. Space-age exploration of the planets and their moons; human landings on the moon; robot landings on Venus and Mars; cratering, volcanism, possibility of life on Mars; interior, surface, and atmosphere of Earth; liquid hydrogen and helium rain; planetary rings; asteroids and comets; thermonuclear reactions in the Sun; solar oscillations; the million-degree solar corona; the solar wind; solar effects; the greenhouse effect; ozone depletion and global warming; ice ages. Intended for undergraduates not planning to major in the physical sciences. No prerequisites. Lang
21 Galaxies and the Universe. Application of physics to observable astronomical objects and the expanding universe. Topics include interstellar atoms and molecules, thermal radiation, synchrotron radiation, normal galaxies, radio galaxies, quasars, the big bang, and the fate of the expanding universe. Prerequisites: Physics 1/2, Physics 11/12, or consent. Astronomy 21 is not a prerequisite for Astronomy 22. Offered in alternate years. Willson, Zirbel
22 Stellar Astrophysics. Collection and analysis of observational data:
magnitude systems, the optical spectrum, applications of the laws of radiation.
Atmospheres, interiors, and evolution of normal stars. Stellar motions and populations.
Peculiar stars including variable stars, white dwarfs, pulsars, and black holes.
Prerequisites: an understanding of elementary physics at the level of Physics 1/2
or Physics 11/12, or consent. Offered in alternate years.
Courses for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
101 Radio Astronomy. Astronomy and astrophysics of the invisible radio universe. Topics include antenna theory, interferometry, signal reception and processing, thermal and nonthermal radiation processes, cosmic magnetic fields, solar radiophysics, stellar activity, interstellar atoms, ions and molecules, supernovae, pulsars, active galactic nuclei, normal galaxies, radio galaxies, and quasars. Prerequisite: Physics 11/12 or consent. Offered in alternate years. Lang
102 Elements of Mathematical Astronomy. Mathematical tools and their application in classical astronomy. Topics include spherical trigonometry, coordinate systems, the reduction of positional observations, refraction, aberration, precession, celestial mechanics (including the two- and n-body problems), applications to artificial satellites, interplanetary transfer orbits, planetary motions, binary stars, galactic structure, distance scales, and measurement systems. Prerequisites: Mathematics 12 and Astronomy 21, or consent. Offered in alternate years.
111, 112 New Frontiers in Astrophysics. Seminar on selected areas of current research, such as cosmology and studies of active stars, radio studies of interstellar molecules, radio galaxies and quasars, and recent discoveries made with orbiting observatories. Students will be expected to carry out a substantial research project. Lectures and readings will be given in the fall, and the spring will be used to complete the research project. The students will receive credit for two courses upon completion of Astronomy 112. Prerequisites: Physics 11/12 and Astronomy 21/22, or consent. Offered in alternate years. Willson
191, 192 Special Studies. Advanced research in radio astronomy and astrophysics. The course involves observations with major national facilities and/or computer analysis of data. The course is oriented toward journal publication of results. Prerequisites: experience with radio astronomy and/or computer analysis, and consent. Waller
193, 194 Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics. A course of guided reading in a
selected topic of astronomy and astrophysics. The student is expected to delve deeply into
a given area under the guidance of the instructor, with a lengthy paper as the outcome.
Intended for serious students who have had some physics. Prerequisite: equivalent of
Astronomy 9/10 or 21/22, and consent. Lang, Waller, Willson,
DiStefano