ASTRONOMY 3: Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System

Winter 2012

Lecture 1:

An overview of the basic philosophy, objectives, and main topics of the course.

The Astronomical Scale and the Configuration of the Solar System

Length scale: atomic (angstrom, nanometer), everyday life (cm, meter), planetary (astronomical unit), and interstellar (parsec). Powers of ten.

Chronological sequence: big bang, galaxy formation, solar system formation, and geological timescales. Link between space and time.

Atomic structure of matter, elements and their origins, life cycle of a star, and evolution of the Universe.

Rise of biological activities, meaning of life, origin and evolution of life, environmental impacts, are we alone?

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