Transcript Introduction - Earth/Environmental Science

INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
 What is Astronomy ?
 Astronomy is NOT Astrology
 Why do we study Astronomy ?
Astronomy - the scientific
study of the Universe
beyond Earth
Astronomy is a true science. It includes the
topics of the history of astronomy, human
space exploration, our Sun and Moon, planets,
other stars, galaxies, and cosmology (the
origin, structure, and fate of the whole
Universe).
Astronomy is a True Science
 Astronomy is based on observations and
experiments that can be repeated, and that give
the same results no matter who does the
experiment or makes the observation.
 Astronomy makes precise predictions about our
Universe that can be tested to see if the
predictions are true or not.
 Astronomy makes use of other well-established
sciences like physics and chemistry.
Astrology is NOT a Science
 Seeks to discover “hidden knowledge” by the
interpretation of omens (like reading tea
leaves).
 Results are not repeatable.
 Predictions are vague and not testable.
 Does not incorporate sciences like
chemistry and physics.
Astrology Prediction
for your Teacher
 The weather forecast for your day will include some fog,
but you can help burn it off early if you keep a sunny
disposition. Instead of letting the gray mood of grouchy
folks turn you inward or sullen, let it be a challenge to
you to be all the more cheerful. With one chirpy 'good
morning!' you will be able to turn a frown into a smile -and get a rush from your ensuing sense of power. Spread
your bright demeanor to strangers and friends alike, and
make it a great day… Awfully vague – covers about
everything. Worthless.
Why do we study Astronomy ?
 Natural disasters
 Recreation and esthetics
 Scientific inquiry and curiosity
 Education of an informed society (you !)
 Our place in the Universe
 Origin and fate of the Universe (Cosmology)
 True Science versus science fiction
Natural Disasters
 Comet and meteorite impacts, for
example.
BOOM !!
Recreation and Esthetics
The Universe is beautiful.
Scientific Inquiry and Curiosity
For example – our instruments can
see what our eyes cannot.
Space exploration.
Saturn – Different Kinds of Light
Saturn – Different Kinds of Light
Ultraviolet
Visible
Infrared
Radio
Space Exploration
Education of an Informed Society
Our Place in the Universe
Where are we?
50 thousand light years away
Origin and Fate of the Universe
 This part of Astronomy is called
Cosmology.
 Cosmology seeks a scientific
explanation for how the Universe began
and how it might end (or will it go on
forever?).
The Beginning – The Big Bang
100 billion years
from now the
Universe will
appear frozen in
time as we look
out into space.
Only the light
from the Local
Group of galaxies
will remain
visible, if anyone
is still around to
see it.
True Science versus
Science Fiction
 Some astronomy stuff may be weird, BUT
IT’S TRUE.
Black Holes.
Radiation from the beginning of the
Universe.
 Science fiction is just weird.
Favorite movies.
A Spinning Black Hole
Radiation from the Beginning of the
Universe 13.7 billion years ago