Essential Skills and Information to Master
The student will investigate and understand scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe. Key concepts include
a) cosmology including the Big Bang theory; and
b) the origin and evolution of stars, star systems, and galaxies.
- The universe is vast in size and very old.
- The Big Bang theory is our best current model for the origin of the universe. The Big Bang theory states that the universe began in a very hot, dense state that expanded and eventually condensed into galaxies.
- Much of our information about our galaxy and the universe comes from ground-based observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. Much information about other planets comes from ground-based observations from Earth, but also from landers and orbiting spacecraft.
- Galaxies are collections of billions of stars. The basic types of galaxies are spiral, elliptical, and irregular.
- explain the potential origin and role of ultra massive black holes in the center of galaxies.
- evaluate the probability of travel to nearby solar systems using current spacecraft speeds.