Galaxies are the building blocks of the universe. Whether in the field, in small groups, or in dense clusters, galaxies constitute the environment in which stellar evolution takes place. Yet galaxies themselves have characteristics that yield information about not only their stellar and non-stellar content, but their own environment as well. Some galaxies exhibit regular and beautiful morphology, while others have shapes that testify to the intense activity at their cores and to the power of gravitational interactions. We will start with our own Milky Way Galaxy and then move out to galaxies beyond. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: Astronomy 111 or Astronomy 101 and either 102 or 104 with permission of the instructor, and a 200-level Physics or Astronomy course.
KWITTER