Astronomy 16: Stars and Gas in the Milky Way

A multi-wavelength observation of the "Black Widow pulsar". The red represents X-ray emission from a fast-moving neutron star; the green indicates optical emission from interstellar gas with which the star is colliding; the blue corresponds to optical emission from background stars in the Milky Way (reference: Stappers et al 2003).

The aim of this class is to introduce students to the fundamental astronomical principles underlying the behavior of planets, stars and interstellar gas in the Milky Way. We will cover the basic physical concepts used to understand how stars shine, evolve and interact with each other, and will then conclude by looking at the interstellar medium and the overall structure of our Galaxy. To give you a hands-on experience of astronomy, the course will also involve a significant experimental component, involving studies of individual planets and stars using the Knowles Telescope at the Science Center, and measurement of Galactic rotation using the CfA millimeter telescope.

Instruction in Astronomy 16 will consist of lectures (3 hours per week) and laboratory/analysis sessions (about 2 hours per week). The total contact time will thus be about 5 hours per week.

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