• Semester 1 (Day)

Synopsis

The  unit consists of illustrated lectures, tutorials, plus  observing
evenings  at  Mt.  Kent Observatory outside Toowoomba.    The  lecture
course begins with astronomy's historical origins,  and the telescopes
of  modern astronomical science.  The solar  system is introduced,  as
well  as  the life cycles of stars.   Discussion then ranges from  the
Milky Way to other galaxies, and the formation, structure and fate  of
the Universe.

Topics  covered: History of Astronomy; Telescopes; The  Solar  System;
The  Variable  Sun; The Earth and its atmosphere and life;  Asteroids,
Comets  and  the extinction of the Dinosaurs; The lives of  the  Stars
and  Black  Holes;  The  Fate of the Sun and  Earth;  The  Search  for
Extraterrestrial Intelligence; The Milky Way; Galaxies and  Cosmology;
The Big Bang; Observing the Sky.