ASTR 219T/419T(F) Observational Cosmology (W)

The past decade has seen the birth of "precision cosmology," based on combined results from Hubble Space Telescope key projects, cosmic microwave background satellites and ground-based surveys. According to the derived "concordance model" the universe is 13.7 billion years old and is currently expanding at a rate of 72 km/sec/megaparsec. The model also describes a flat, accelerating big-bang universe that underwent very early inflation and is now dominated by dark energy and cold dark matter. In this course students will explore the observations and interpretations that have led to our current understanding of the universe's history and structure. Topics will include galaxy structure and evolution, the cosmic microwave background (e.g., Cosmic Background Observer and Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe) distant supernova searches (e.g., High-Z Supernova Team and Supernova Cosmology Project), galaxy surveys (e.g., Sloan Digital Sky Survey and 2dF (two-degree field)) as well as theoretical and supercomputing efforts.
Students will read portions of current texts as well as some more detailed research papers. Astronomy 419T students will complete additional reading and present papers covering more advanced topics.
Format: tutorial. Evaluation will be based on five 5-page papers; presentation, response and discussion in the tutorial session; and evidence of growth in understanding over the semester.
Prerequisites: Astronomy 111 and for 219T: Physics 142/151; for 419T: Physics 202. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 6). Preference given to Astrophysics/Astronomy majors.

Tutorial meetings to be arranged. KWITTER