Astronomy

SOLA/RCA Astronomy is an introductory survey of the basic principles of modern astronomy, including

• Naked eye and basic observation techniques
• Constellation recognition
• Diurnal, monthly, and annual lunar and solar motions
• Eclipses
• Gravitation theory
• Nature of light and matter
• Solar system components (planets, asteroids, comets)
• Planetary atmospheres, structure
• The sun
• Stellar structure
• Stellar evolution
• Neutron stars and black holes
• The Milky Way galaxy
• Normal galaxies
• Quasars and active galaxies
• Cosmology

We will approach this mass of material through our texts, through discussion, through guided Web Tours, and through lab experiences. As we learn about the concepts and methods of modern astronomy, we will try to put them into perspective by addressing these questions:

• What is science?
• What is scientific methodology?
• How do we observe a natural object or event?
• How do we use instruments to discover more detailed information about matter, energy, motion, and forces?
• How do we evaluate and organize our knowledge?
• What are hypotheses, models, theories, and natural laws?
• How do we test, accept, or disprove a theory?
• How does the very act of organizing knowledge limit or enhance the way we think about nature and ourselves?
• What are the ethical implications of scientific investigations into energy and matter?
• What are the areas of conflict between current astronomical theories and models, and the social, cultural, and religious concerns of the human community?
• What are our responsibilities as stewards of the natural resources of Earth?

Astronomy is an independent course, and is recommended for students who have completed Natural Science or Biology but need to develop more mathematical skills before tackling AP Chemistry or AP Physics. Students who have already complete chemistry and physics and want more science before college will have the opportunity to apply concepts learned in those classes here.

You should have completed Algebra I and be taking or have completed a course in geometry. If you know or are learning the following formulae and concepts, you should be fine:

• The quadratic formula: ax² + bx + c = 0 and its solution x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac))/2a
• General area and volume equations like
  • circumference of a circle = π * 2 * radius = diameter * π
  • area = π * r²
  • volume of sphere = (4 * π * r³)/3
• Basic trigonometric relationships: sin α = h/r, where r is the hypotenuse of the right-angle triangle, and h is the side opposite angle α; similarly cos α, tan α and their inverses csc α, sec α, and cot α.
• Basic trigonometric identities, such as sin² α + cos² α = 1 (there are about a dozen of these that an introductory trigonometry course would cover).

This course is offered through Scholars Online, a non-profit organization supporting classical Christian education through Internet-based courses. Permission to copy course content (lessons and labs) for personal study is granted to students currently enrolled in this course for the Academic Year 2008/2009 or Summer 2008. Reproduction for any other purpose, without the express written consent of the author, is prohibited.