• 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.