Study the formation, evolution, and current state of our solar system, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Learn from NASA mission data and explore planetary geology, atmospheric science, impact hazards, global warming, and the search for life beyond Earth.

Full details for ASTRO 1102 - Exploring our Solar System

This course explores the evolution of the universe since the Big Bang and how our understanding has developed from ancient to modern times. Topics include the changing views of the sky, the formation of black holes, dark matter and dark energy, and the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe. The course provides a nonmathematical introduction to these subjects and addresses uncertainties and unresolved questions in cosmology.

Full details for ASTRO 2201 - The History of the Universe

A quantitative exploration of planetary systems. Topics include orbital dynamics, planetary atmospheres, greenhouse effects, and smaller bodies like asteroids and comets. Includes comparisons to exoplanetary systems. More rigorous than ASTRO 1102.

Full details for ASTRO 2212 - The Solar System: Planets, Small Bodies and New Worlds

Study stellar formation, evolution, and final stages as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. Covers fundamental astrophysical concepts and observational evidence.

Full details for ASTRO 3302 - The Life of Stars: From Birth to Death

Reviews basic techniques employed in the collection and processing of spacecraft images of solar system objects using MATLAB. Experience with MATLAB is not strictly necessary, but some general experience with computer programming is preferred.

Full details for ASTRO 3310 - Planetary Image Processing with MATLAB

Allows students to conduct independent research or study a specific area of astronomy under faculty supervision. A written report is required.

Full details for ASTRO 4940 - Independent Study in Astronomy

Compact objects (neutron stars, black holes and white dwarfs) are the endpoints of stellar evolution. They are responsible for some of the most exotic phenomena in the universe such as supernovae, magnetars, gamma-ray bursts, neutron star and black hole mergers. Supermassive black holes also lie at the heart of the violent processes in active galactic nuclei. The study of compact objects allows one to probe physics under extreme conditions (high densities, strong magnetic fields, and gravity). This course surveys the astrophysics of compact stars and related subjects. Emphasis is on the application of diverse theoretical physics tools to various observations of compact stars. There are no astronomy or general relativity prerequisites.

Full details for ASTRO 6511 - High Energy Astrophysics

Full details for ASTRO 6555 - Interstellar Medium

A graduate level course in astrodynamics and trajectory design. Course topics include a brief review of the two body problem, impulsive transfers, and perturbations; orbit determination and one-way ranging; algebraic and symplectic mappings and surfaces of section; the circular and elliptical 3-body problem, invariant manifolds and 3-body orbit design; secular and resonant perturbations; finite and continuous thrust modeling and transfer design. The course will emphasize numerical methods and building deep understanding of modern approaches to orbital design problems. Familiarity with basic orbital mechanics (at the level of MAE 4060 or equivalent) and numerical integration of dynamical systems will be assumed.

Full details for ASTRO 6579 - Advanced Astrodynamics

Guided reading and seminars on topics not currently covered in regular courses.

Full details for ASTRO 6940 - Advanced Study and Research

A reading seminar for graduate students to broaden their astronomy knowledge, practice public speaking, and analyze key findings from seminal research papers.

Full details for ASTRO 7683 - Seminar: Astronomy and Planetary Science