Astronomy

This course introduces four key areas in astronomy:

1. **Observing Earth and the Night Sky** (Strand ASTR.1): We explore how what we see above affects life here and our adventures in space. From understanding the Earth-Sun-Moon relationship to investigating historical insights and the impact of space exploration, we'll uncover the wonders above and their importance to us.

2. **Solar System Structures and Formation** (Strand ASTR.2): Dive into our cosmic neighborhood! Learn about planets, moons, asteroids, and more, and how they came to be. We'll also tackle the big question of human colonization beyond Earth, considering which celestial bodies might be suitable for future missions.

3. **Stellar Evolution** (Strand ASTR.3): Stars have fascinating life stories! Explore how they're born, change, and eventually bid adieu. We'll decipher stellar properties and predict the fates of different stars, from white dwarfs to supernovae.

4. **Galaxies and the Universe** (Strand ASTR.4): Prepare to zoom out! We'll discuss the universe's beginnings, dark matter, and energy mysteries, and how galaxies evolve over time, including dramatic events like mergers.

These topics promise an exciting journey through space, offering insights into our cosmic origins and our place in the universe.