Astronomy 030: Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Introduction to the search for extraterrestrial life. Review of current knowledge on the origins and evolution of life on Earth; applications to the search for life elsewhere in the universe. Discussion of what makes a planet habitable, how common these worlds are in the universe, and how we might search for them. Survey of past, current, and future searches for extraterrestrial intelligence. Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to freshmen. Preregistration required. Please go to the website to enter preferences for seminars:

Astronomy 110: Planets and Stars

For non-science majors. An introduction to stars and planetary systems. Topics include the solar system and extrasolar planets, planet and stellar formation, and the evolution of stars from birth to death. TAs: Anne Abramson and Carie Cardamone Prerequisites: No prerequisite other than a working knowledge of elementary algebra.

Astronomy 120: Galaxies and the Universe

For non-science majors. An introduction to stars and stellar evolution; the structure and evolution of the Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies; quasars, active galactic nuclei, and supermassive black holes; cosmology and the expanding universe. Prerequisites: No prerequisite other than a working knowledge of elementary algebra.

Astronomy 130: Life in the Universe

For non-science majors. An introduction to the astronomical and physical conditions that were conducive to life on Earth and the searches for similar conditions and for intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. Detailed survey of the objects making up the solar system as determined from astronomical observations and in situ planetary probes. TA: Charles Baldner Prerequisites: No prerequisite other than a working knowledge of elementary algebra.

Astronomy 135: Archaeoastronomy

Astronomy 155: Introduction to Astronomical Observing

A hands-on introduction to the techniques of astronomical observing. Observations of planets, stars, and galaxies using on-campus facilities and remote observing with Yale?s research telescopes. Use of electronic detectors and computer-aided data processing. Evening laboratory hours required. Prerequisites: One previous college-level science laboratory or astronomy course recommended.

Astronomy 160: Frontiers and Controversies in Astrophysics

For non-science majors. A detailed study of three fundamental areas in astrophysics that are currently subjects of intense research and debate: (1) planetary systems around stars other than the sun; (2) pulsars, black holes, and the relativistic effects associated with them; (3) the age and ultimate fate of the universe. Prerequisites: No prerequisite other than a working knowledge of elementary algebra.

Astronomy 170: Introduction to Cosmology

An introduction to modern cosmological theories and observations. Topics include aspects of special and general relativity; curved space-time; the Big Bang; inflation; primordial element synthesis; the cosmic microwave background; the formation of galaxies; and large-scale structure. Prerequisites: A strong background in high-school mathematics and physics.

Astronomy 171: Religion and the Big Bang

An exploration of the gap between modern scientific cosmology and religion. The efforts of scientific, philosophical, and religious thinkers to define and bridge this gap. Steady state vs. big bang cosmologies; the anthropic principle; multiverse theories. Objectivity and intentionality in epistemology; meaning and creation; matter and spirit; divine action. Prerequisites: One introductory course in cosmology and one in either philosophy or religious studies, or with permission of instructors.

Astronomy 210: Stars and their Evolution

An intensive introduction to planetary physics and stellar evolution. Star formation, nuclear processes, and the origin of the elements; supernovae, pulsars, and black holes. Prerequisites: MATH 112a or b or equivalent and high school physics.

Astronomy 220: Galaxies and Cosmology

n intensive introduction to extragalactic astronomy. Topics include the structure and contents of galaxies, evolution of galaxies, observational cosmology, and the history of the universe. Prerequisites: A strong background in high school mathematics and physics.

Astronomy 255a/PHYS 295a: Research Methods in Astrophysics

The acquisition and analysis of astrophysical data, including the design and use of ground- and space-based telescopes, computational manipulation of digitized images and spectra, and confrontation of data with theoretical models. Examples taken from current research at Yale and elsewhere.

Astronomy 310: Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy

Basic properties of stars and their distribution in space; stellar populations and the structure of our galaxy; external galaxies and their structure and distribution in the universe; evolution of galaxies; galaxy interactions and active galactic nuclei; introduction to cosmology. Prerequisites: MATH 115 and PHYS 201 or equivalents.

Astronomy 320: Physical Processes in Astronomy

Instruduction to the physics required for understanding current astronomical problems. Topics include basic equations of stellar structure, stellar and cosmic nucleosynthesis , radiative transfer, gas dynamics, and stellar dynamics. Numerical methods for solving these equations. Prerequisites: MATH 120a or b and PHYS 210b or equivalents, or permission of instructor. Taught in alternate years.

Astronomy 343b/PHYS 343b: Gravity, Astrophysics, and Cosmology

Astronomy 355: Observational Techniques

The design and use of optical telescopes, cameras, spectrographs, and detectors to make astronomical observations. The reduction and analysis of photometric and spectroscopic observations.

Astronomy 355 : Observational Astronomy

Optics for astronomers. Design and use of optical telescopes, photometers, spectrographs, and detectors for astronomical observations. Introduction to error analysis, concepts of signal-to-noise, and the reduction and analysis of photometric and spectroscopic observations. Prerequisites: Previous experience with computer programming recommended. Prerequisite: one astronomy course numbered above 200, or permission of instructor.

Astronomy 360: Interstellar Matter and Star Formation

Observations of interstellar matter at optical, infrared, radio, and X-ray wavelengths; dynamics and evolution of the interstellar medium including interactions between stars and interstellar matter; molecular clouds and processes of star formation. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisites: MATH 120 and PHYS 201 or equivalents.

Astronomy 380: Stellar Populations

The stellar populations of our galaxy and galaxies of the Local Group. Topics include the properties of stars and star clusters, stellar evolution, and the structure and evolution of our galaxy. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisites: MATH 120, PHYS 201, and one Astronomy course numbered above 200.

Astronomy 385: Introduction to Radio Astronomy

Introduction to the theory and techniques of radio astronomy, including radio emission mechanisms, propagation effects, antenna theory, interferometry, and spectroscopy. Discussion of specific topics such as Jupiter, radio stars, molecular clouds, radio galaxies, ETI, and the microwave background. Includes observational exercises with a small radio telescope. Prerequisites: MATH 120 and PHYS 201 or equivalents

Astronomy 418: Stellar Dynamics

Astronomy 420: Computational Methods for Astrophysics and Geophysics

The analytic and numerical/computational tools necessary for effective research in astronomy, geophysics, and related disciplines. Topics include numerical solutions to differential equations, spectral methods, and Monte Carlo simulations. Applications are made to common astrophysical and geophysical problems including fluids and N-body simulations. Prerequisites: ASTR 320b, MATH 120a or b, 222a or b or 225a or b, and 246a or b.

Astronomy 430: Galaxies

A survey of the contents, structure, kinematics, dynamics, and evolution of galaxies; galaxy interactions and the environments of galaxies; properties of active galactic nuclei. Prerequisites: MATH 120, PHYS 201, and one Astronomy course numbered above 200.

Astronomy 440: Radiative Processes in Astrophysics and Geophysics

Astronomy 450: Stellar Astrophysics

The physics of stellar atmospheres and interiors. Topics include the basic equations of stellar structure, nuclear processes, stellar evolution, white dwarfs, and neutron stars. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisites: MATH 120 and PHYS 201 or equivalents.

Astronomy 465: The Early Universe

Astronomy 490a/491b: Independent Project in Astronomy

Independent project supervised by a member of the department with whom the student meets regularly. The project must be approved by the instructor and by the director of undergraduate studies; the student is required to submit a complete written report on the project at the end of the term.