Astronomy for physicists 210


 
Module code PHY 210
Qualification Undergraduate
Faculty Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Module content

Introduction to the universe: distance and time scales. Solar System overview. Techniques of astronomy: telescopes and optics, basic radio receiver. Solar system: gas giants, terrestrial planets, small bodies. Stellar evolution and death. Interstellar medium: gas, dust, molecules and masers. Supernova and Pulsars: galaxies and the Milky Way, galactic evolution and classification. Quasars, apparent superluminal motion, black holes. Big Bang, and the age of the universe. Expansion of the universe. SKA, MeerKAT, SALT, HESS and history of astronomy in SA. Other current topics in astronomy.

Module credits 24.00
Prerequisites PHY 114, PHY 124
Contact time 1 discussion class per week, 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Department Physics
Period of presentation Semester 2

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