Stars and Galaxies (ASTR 103) is an introductory course that explores the fascinating world of stellar astrophysics and galactic structures. Delve into the life cycle of stars, from their formation to their eventual fate. Uncover the mysteries of galaxies, their various types, and the dynamic processes that shape them. Gain a deeper understanding of the universe by studying the birth, evolution, and death of stars, as well as the structure and properties of galaxies. Through engaging lessons and quizzes, you will develop a solid foundation in the study of stars and galaxies.
Curriculum
- 7 Sections
- 42 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
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- Section 1: Introduction to StarsIn this section, you will be introduced to the basic concepts of stars. Learn about the fundamental properties of stars, including their classification, composition, and structure. Explore the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram and understand how it helps in categorizing and studying stars. Discover the various stages of stellar evolution, from protostars to main sequence stars.7
- 1.1Lesson 1: What are Stars?
- 1.2Lesson 2: Stellar Classification and the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
- 1.3Lesson 3: Stellar Structure and Composition
- 1.4Lesson 4: Stellar Evolution: Protostars and Main Sequence Stars
- 1.5Lesson 5: Stellar Evolution: Red Giants and Supernovae
- 1.6Lesson 6: Stellar Remnants: White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes
- 1.7Quiz: Section 110 Minutes0 Questions
- Section 2: Stellar Formation and EvolutionDive into the intriguing process of star formation. Understand the conditions necessary for the birth of stars, including the role of molecular clouds and gravitational collapse. Explore the factors that influence stellar evolution, such as mass, luminosity, and temperature. Learn about the different stages of stellar evolution, including red giants, supernovae, and white dwarfs.7
- 2.1Lesson 1: The Birth of Stars: From Molecular Clouds to Protostars
- 2.2Lesson 2: Stellar Evolution: From Main Sequence to Red Giants
- 2.3Lesson 3: Stellar Evolution: Supernovae and Stellar Explosions
- 2.4Lesson 4: Stellar Remnants: White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars
- 2.5Lesson 5: Black Holes: Endpoints of Stellar Evolution
- 2.6Lesson 6: Stellar Clusters: Open and Globular Clusters
- 2.7Quiz: Section 210 Minutes0 Questions
- Section 3: Stellar NucleosynthesisUncover the fascinating mechanisms of stellar nucleosynthesis, the process by which stars create elements. Learn about nuclear fusion in stars and how it leads to the synthesis of elements up to iron. Understand the role of massive stars in the formation of heavy elements through supernovae and stellar explosions. Explore the concept of stellar remnants, including neutron stars and black holes.7
- 3.1Lesson 1: Nuclear Fusion in Stars: The Powerhouse of Elements
- 3.2Lesson 2: Stellar Nucleosynthesis: Hydrogen and Helium Synthesis
- 3.3Lesson 3: Stellar Nucleosynthesis: Heavier Elements and Supernovae
- 3.4Lesson 4: Stellar Remnants: Neutron Stars and Pulsars
- 3.5Lesson 5: Black Holes: Stellar Mass and Supermassive Black Holes
- 3.6Lesson 6: Cosmic Rays and the Origin of Elements
- 3.7Quiz: Section 310 Minutes0 Questions
- Section 4: The Milky Way GalaxyEmbark on a journey through our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Explore its structure, including the galactic disk, bulge, and halo. Learn about the spiral arms and the central supermassive black hole. Understand the Milky Way’s rotation and the concept of galactic dynamics. Discover the concept of galactic cannibalism and the interactions between galaxies.7
- 4.1Lesson 1: Introduction to the Milky Way Galaxy
- 4.2Lesson 2: Galactic Structure: Disk, Bulge, and Halo
- 4.3Lesson 3: Spiral Arms and Galactic Rotation
- 4.4Lesson 4: Galactic Dynamics: Orbits and Dark Matter
- 4.5Lesson 5: Central Supermassive Black Hole: Sagittarius A*
- 4.6Lesson 6: Galactic Interactions: Mergers and Tidal Forces
- 4.7Quiz: Section 410 Minutes0 Questions
- Section 5: Types of GalaxiesDive into the diverse world of galaxies. Learn about different types of galaxies, including spiral galaxies, elliptical galaxies, and irregular galaxies. Understand the properties, structures, and formation processes of each galaxy type. Explore the concept of galaxy clusters and the large-scale structure of the universe.7
- 5.1Lesson 1: Classification of Galaxies: Spiral, Elliptical, and Irregular
- 5.2Lesson 2: Spiral Galaxies: Structure and Properties
- 5.3Lesson 3: Elliptical Galaxies: Shape and Formation
- 5.4Lesson 4: Irregular Galaxies: Characteristics and Origins
- 5.5Lesson 5: Galaxy Clusters: Large-Scale Structures
- 5.6Lesson 6: Cosmic Web: Filaments and Voids
- 5.7Quiz: Section 510 Minutes0 Questions
- Section 6: Active Galactic Nuclei and QuasarsUnveil the enigmatic phenomena of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and quasars. Learn about the supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies and their powerful emission of energy. Understand the different types of AGN, including Seyfert galaxies and blazars. Explore the role of accretion disks and jets in the energetic processes of AGN.7
- 6.1Lesson 1: Introduction to Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN)
- 6.2Lesson 2: Supermassive Black Holes in Galaxies
- 6.3Lesson 3: Accretion Disks: Feeding the AGN
- 6.4Lesson 4: Jets and Relativistic Processes
- 6.5Lesson 5: Seyfert Galaxies: Bright Centers and Emission Lines
- 6.6Lesson 6: Quasars: The Brightest Objects in the Universe
- 6.7Quiz: Section 610 Minutes0 Questions
- Section 7: Galaxy Evolution and CosmologyIn this final section, delve into the captivating field of galaxy evolution and cosmology. Learn about the processes that shape galaxies over cosmic timescales, including mergers, star formation, and feedback mechanisms. Explore the expanding universe and the concept of the Big Bang. Gain insights into dark matter and dark energy, and understand their influence on the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe.7
- 7.1Lesson 1: Galaxy Evolution: From Early Universe to Present Day
- 7.2Lesson 2: Cosmic Timescales and Galaxy Mergers
- 7.3Lesson 3: Star Formation in Galaxies
- 7.4Lesson 4: Galactic Feedback: Balancing Star Formation
- 7.5Lesson 5: Dark Matter and Its Influence on Galaxy Evolution
- 7.6Lesson 6: Dark Energy and the Expanding Universe
- 7.7Quiz: Section 710 Minutes0 Questions
