ASTR 209T Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy (Not offered 1997-98)

The course deals first with our own Milky Way galaxy and its constituents, including different stellar populations and interstellar matter. We consider how interstellar molecules are used to map the galaxy and its spiral arms. We also consider different types of external galaxies. Consideration of how galaxies were formed includes discussion of the biased cold-dark-matter theory and its relation to new evidence on the early universe from the Cosmic Background Explorer Spacecraft. We also consider active galaxies and quasars, including evidence for massive black holes in their cores now being gathered by the Hubble Space Telescope and the Roentgen Satellite (ROSAT). We conclude with an evaluation of the extragalactic distance scale, including new and future studies with the Hipparcos spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope, and ground-based methods using planetary nebulae and other primary and secondary indicators of distance.
Evaluation will be based on weekly tutorial presentations, problem sets, an hour exam, and a final exam.
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Prerequisites: Astronomy 111 or Astronomy 101 and either 102 or 104 with permission of the instructor, and Physics 142 or permission of the instructor.

KWITTER