Overview
This textbook introduces the physical principles governing the universe, from observations of the night sky to the formation of stars, galaxies, black holes, and the large-scale structure of the cosmos. Students develop an understanding of modern astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmology through scientific reasoning and observation.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: What Astronomy and Cosmology Study
- Chapter 2: Observing the Sky
- Chapter 3: Earth, Moon, and Sun Systems
- Chapter 4: Gravity and Orbital Motion
- Chapter 5: Light, Telescopes, and Astronomical Instruments
- Chapter 6: The Solar System
- Chapter 7: Terrestrial Planets
- Chapter 8: Giant Planets and Their Moons
- Chapter 9: Asteroids, Comets, and Small Bodies
- Chapter 10: The Sun and Stellar Energy
- Chapter 11: Stars and Stellar Classification
- Chapter 12: Stellar Evolution
- Chapter 13: White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes
- Chapter 14: The Milky Way Galaxy
- Chapter 15: Galaxies Beyond the Milky Way
- Chapter 16: Galactic Structure and Evolution
- Chapter 17: Active Galaxies and Quasars
- Chapter 18: Measuring the Universe
- Chapter 19: The Expanding Universe
- Chapter 20: The Big Bang Model
- Chapter 21: Dark Matter
- Chapter 22: Dark Energy
- Chapter 23: Large-Scale Cosmic Structure
- Chapter 24: Exoplanets and Planetary Systems
- Chapter 25: Astrobiology and the Search for Life
- Chapter 26: Frontiers of Modern Astronomy
- Chapter 27: Cosmology Capstone and Future Questions
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the fundamental objects and structures studied in astronomy.
- Understand how astronomers observe and measure the universe.
- Describe the formation and evolution of stars, planets, and galaxies.
- Apply principles of gravity, motion, and light to astronomical phenomena.
- Analyze evidence supporting modern cosmological theories.
- Evaluate the roles of dark matter and dark energy in the universe.
- Understand current research on exoplanets and astrobiology.
- Interpret scientific evidence concerning the origin and evolution of the cosmos.
- Develop scientific literacy regarding major discoveries and unanswered questions in astronomy.