The quarter is almost over! Read below for a few brief announcements.
ASTR 497 A "The History of Astronomy: Case Studies" spring quarter class: Here's
a new course that may interest you if you'd like to take a serious look
at the overall history of astronomy. We will study the history and do
calculations to understand the astronomy of the different eras. Contact
Prof. Sullivan if you wish to learn more.
ASTR 497A for Sp12 = "The History of Astronomy: Case Studies" 3 credits
Instructor: Prof. W.T. Sullivan, III
times: WF 4:00-5:15 pm
prerequisite: ASTR 321, 322, 323 (ASTR 323 can be taken concurrently)
max students: 10
"The History of Astronomy: Case Studies"
This seminar course will look in detail at many case studies of the development of astronomy from ancient times until the twentieth century. We will read original texts, as well as analyses by historians of astronomy. Each student will make both a short oral presentation and a longer talk based on a historical research project of his/her own choice. The case studies may well include: (1) Calculating the orbit and position of Mars according to Ptolemy's theory (2nd c. AD); (2) Kepler's Laws and the Music of the Spheres (~1600); (3) William Herschel's structure of the Milky Way (~1800); (4) calculated ages of the Earth and Sun in the 19th century; (5) analysis in the 1920s by Hubble and others of the velocity-redshift relation of spiral nebulae (galaxies); (6) determining the distances and nature of the first radio sources (~1950). Other cases will also be covered, including some suggested by students.
ASTR 497A for Sp12 = "The History of Astronomy: Case Studies" 3 credits
Instructor: Prof. W.T. Sullivan, III
times: WF 4:00-5:15 pm
prerequisite: ASTR 321, 322, 323 (ASTR 323 can be taken concurrently)
max students: 10
"The History of Astronomy: Case Studies"
This seminar course will look in detail at many case studies of the development of astronomy from ancient times until the twentieth century. We will read original texts, as well as analyses by historians of astronomy. Each student will make both a short oral presentation and a longer talk based on a historical research project of his/her own choice. The case studies may well include: (1) Calculating the orbit and position of Mars according to Ptolemy's theory (2nd c. AD); (2) Kepler's Laws and the Music of the Spheres (~1600); (3) William Herschel's structure of the Milky Way (~1800); (4) calculated ages of the Earth and Sun in the 19th century; (5) analysis in the 1920s by Hubble and others of the velocity-redshift relation of spiral nebulae (galaxies); (6) determining the distances and nature of the first radio sources (~1950). Other cases will also be covered, including some suggested by students.
Physics GRE Study Group survey: As spring/summer approaches so does studying for the Physics GRE subject exam. This exam is required for admissions into Astronomy and Physics PhD programs. The Department has informally sponsored summer study groups and we want to get your thoughts on what you might find the most helpful. https://docs.google.com/forms/
AstroLunch: Tuesday at Noon in PAB B356A (aka the reading room), Jonathan Bird (Vanderbilt Univ) will give a talk on "Inside Out and Upside Down: Tracing the Assembly of a Simulated Disk Galaxy Using Mono-Age Stellar Populations". Join us for this information lunch-time talk and feel free to bring your lunch.
Colloquium: Thursday at 4pm George Jacoby (GMT/Carnegie Observatories) will give talk on "The Giant Magellan Telescope Project -- A Status Report". Join us at 3:45pm in the foyer for coffee, tea and cookies!
Page O'Announcements: http://pageoannouncements.
Have a great week,
Sarah
No comments:
Post a Comment