Week 5 Overview

WEEK 5: Feb 3 - Feb 19

Overview

This week we will be introducing the properties of light and discussing astronomical instrumentation.

By the end of this week, you should be able to:

  • compare and contrast the properties of waves with the properties of particles.
  • give examples of the wave and particle behavior of light.
  • describe the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • describe the types of information that can be obtained by observing light.
  • explain how light detectors have improved over time.
  • describe the advantages of modern detectors over historical ones.
  • relate a telescope's aperture and focal length to resolution and image size.
  • summarize the advantages and disadvantages of ground-based telescopes and telescopes placed in orbit.

Make sure that you complete the following:

  • Attend lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:10am (JFB 101).
  • Complete reading and reading quizzes before lectures (listed in Activities below).
  • Complete the homework assignment (listed in Activities below).

We will have the first midterm exam next week, on Thursday (Feb. 13) during class (9:10-10:30am). You can find a study guide Download study guide under "Files" that should prepare you for the exam. Also, please visit the office hours / study hall this week (see Syllabus) in preparation for the exam if you have any questions!

Learning Materials

View the following learning materials :

Readings

Lecture Slide Decks

Activities

 

prepare for next week

Please read Sections 5.1 - 5.3 in Understanding Our Universe, and take Reading Quiz 5.1-5.3 by 8:00am next Tuesday.

The first midterm will be Thursday, February 13:  please review all material from Chapters 1-4 of Understanding Our Universe.  I have uploaded a study guide Download study guide of concepts to be covered in this first exam.