Astrophysics and Planetary Science

Explores one of the most basic questions in modern astronomy. Evidence from the Earth, Moon, and meterorites will be examined, along with that from stars, white dwarfs, and the Universe itself. Includes an overview of the formation and evolution of the Universe.

An introduction to Villanova University's Astronomy and Astrophysics major. Topics will include previews of the curriculum, research opportunities for undergraduates in astronomy, and career paths within and outside the field of astronomy. Students will interact with all departmental faculty members.

A technical study of the Sun and other stars; their internal constitutions and atmospheres, life cycles and evolutionary processes, memberships in groups, the radiations they produce, and the manner in which astronomers quantify their characteristics.

The science of the solar system. Early ideas of the nature of the solar system; the dynamics and compositions of the planets; atmospheric evolution and maintenance. How comets and meteorites reveal the structures of the primitive solar system.

A study of the formation and evolution of the Universe. Emphasis on the observational evidence leading to the Big Bang Theory, inflation, dark matter, and dark energy. Current model of the universe described and evidence for the """multiverse"""" discussed."

Intermediate Newtonian dynamics: description of motion under forces as functions of position, time, velocity. Motion in one and three dimensions, the Kepler problem, gravitation, and the restricted three-body problem.

Astronomical instruments, methods of observing, reduction of observations, and discussion of astronomical data. Observations include CCD imaging, spectroscopy, and photoelectric photometry using the observatory reflector and Schmidt telescopes. Two hours per week in the laboratory in addition to the observing time necessary to complete the assigned projects. Corerquisite or prerequisite: AST 2120.

Continuation of AST 2122.

The nature, distribution, and motions of the constituents of the Galaxy; the major star system in which our Sun is located the stars, the gas and dust, star clusters, etc.; stellar distance determination, distribution of stars and gas, stellar kinematics, galactic dynamics, galactic radio emission, cosmic rays, and evolution of galaxies. Prerequisite: one year of mathematics or physics and either AST 2120 or AST 2122.

Theories of stellar atmospheres, line-broadening and formation, radiative transfer, theoretical spectra, and the theory of stellar interiors are covered. Fundamental stellar timescales, thermonuclear reactions, evolutionary models, stellar pulsations, novae and supernovae.

Are we alone? Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe? Focus on the origin of life on Earth and the possibility of life in the Solar System and beyond. Topics include: Planetary-Habitability, Exoplanets, Astro/Exobiology, Extremophiles, Techniques, and searches for Extraterrestrial-Intelligence.

Discusses the principle aspects of computational modeling in science, with stress on interdisciplinarity and synergy with big data science. Students gain hands-on experience in solving prototypical scientific problems using modern computational techniques.

Student participation in departmental or independent research under faculty supervision; frequent conferences on literature search, research techniques, experimental procedures and results.

Continuation of AST 4121.

Supervised study, activity or research in a selected area of astronomy & astrophysics. May be repeated for credit if the topics are different. Prior approval of chair and instructor.

This introductory meterorology course covers the fundamentals of meteorology with emphasis on severe and hazardous weather and effects of these on human life, environment and the economy. Severe storms that include tropical cyclones (hurricanes), extratropical cyclones, """Nor-easters""""

Earth's climate and climate changes. Past climates (Paleoclimatology), major Ice Ages over the last billion years, methods for reconstructing past climates, including radio isotopic techniques. Fossil, geological, sedimentary, flora and fauna and documentary records. Physical causes of climate changes, recent warming trends in global climate (both natural and anthropogenic), future global climate (short- and long- term) and climate models. Possible effects of global climate change on our environment and resulting economic and geopolitical consequences.

A study of the fundamental properties of the Sun and stars. The formation of stars, their energy generation, evolution, and death - leading to the formation of exotic new objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.

A study of the origin and evolution of life on Earth and the possibilities of life in the Solar System and among the stars. The conditions leading to planetary habitability and how life outside the Solar System might be detected.

A study of our own and other Solar Systems, including formation and evolution. The physical properties which shape planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres. The Earth is studied in the context of the other planets, and its unique properties are examined.

How we know the Universe is 13.7 billion years old? Includes evidence from the Solar System, the oldest stars seen in the Milky Way galaxy, and the observed expansion of the Universe itself. Evolution and fate of the Universe.

Explores the Earth as our home and as a laboratory for understanding the scientific method. The characteristics, dynamics, and evolution of the Earth. Leads to the discovery and understanding of the fundamental scientific principles at work on our home world.

Explores the Sun and the stars - our ultimate sources of energy and the chemical elements. Characteristics, dynamics, and evolution of the Sun and the stars. The discovery and understanding of the fundamental scientific principles at work throughout the universe.

1-cr laboratory course focusing on planetary astronomy. To be taken as a co-requisite with MSE 2101 """Life in the Universe"""" or MSE 2102 """"Planetary Skies and Landscapes""""."

1-cr laboratory course focusing on stellar and galactic astronomy. To be taken as a co-requisite with MSE 2100 """Birth and Death of Stars"""" or MSE 2103 """"How Old is the Universe?""""."

1-cr laboratory course to be taken as a co-requisite with MSE 2104 """Earth: Our Habitable World""""."

1-cr laboratory course to be taken as a co-requisite with MSE 2105 """Earth: The Cosmic Connection""""."