A Brief Journey Through the Invisible Universe (106-0-1)
Instructors
Farhad Y Zadeh
847/491-8147
Technological Institute Building (2145 Sheridan Road), Room F-215, Evanston
Meeting Info
Technological Institute L168: Tues, Thurs 9:00AM - 10:20AM
Overview of class
This course focuses on the invisible universe at radio wavelengths for non-science and science majors. Radio night sky and the solar system planets look very different than the visible night sky and planets. Studying the invisible universe provides an awe in the diversity of phenomena that our universe offers. The realm of the invisible includes the components of the fascinating history of radio astronomy, and numerous discoveries over the last 90 years (e.g., pulsars, quasars, the Big Bang background radiation, organic molecules) and fundamental differences between radio and optical telescopes.
Before 1931, the study of the universe was limited to optical observations of the night sky. Karl Jansky changed everything by building a radio telescope that could observe the sky day or night. We are all familiar with radio frequencies by listening to FM radio stations and using GPS satellites for navigation. Radio astronomy is the study of natural radio emission from celestial objects at frequencies outside FM and GPS frequencies. The human eye can see optical light but is blind to radio signals, including those that provide important clues about the history of our universe. The radio band is very broad, spanning 100,000 Hz between 10^7 to 10^12 Hz, whereas our eyes are only sensitive between red and blue, a factor of two. This course discusses new tools to unveil the `hidden' sky over a wide range of frequencies in ways that can not be viewed or understood in the optical frequencies.
Registration Requirements
None required
Learning Objectives
This distro course is for undergraduate students who have no background in astronomy. Learn about
cool objects in the universe that can not be viewed or understood in the visible spectrum of radiation.
Learn about: -The history of radio astronomy and the coupling of physics and astronomy (cosmic rays and radio radiation) -
Learn about how radio telescopes detect radiation
-Physics of the radio sky and realm of the invisible sky
-Enjoyment: fun and awe moments
-Scientific literacy - a bit of how quantitative science works Create a sense of belonging that has a wider context
Teaching Method
Two 80-minute or three one-hour lectures per week
Evaluation Method
This is a descriptive course using simple mathematics concentrating on some of the most exciting concepts in Astronomy.
Preliminary Evaluation:
1) Weekly or bi-weekly quizzes 50% of the final grade
2) Final Exam 30%
3) Final project 20%
Class Materials (Required)
Notes written by Felix Lockman, Lecture notes on canvas. Reading must be done before class discussion
Class Notes
Topics to be Covered:
Roughly, two chapters per week. A total of 18 chapters in the textbook
Week 1: Electromagnetic radiation. Thermal radio emission: The planets
Week 2: The Birth of Radio Astronomy and the discovery of nonthermal radiation and cosmic rays.
Tour of the radio universe.
Radio Telescopes and how they work. Radio Interferometry.
Week 4: Hydrogen and the structure of galaxies. Dark Matter
Week 5: Pulsars and clocks. Midterm
Week 6: Pulsars and gravity
Week 7: The Big Bang: the oldest radio waves
Week 8: How stars are formed. Death of stars
Week 9: Interstellar Chemistry and Life. Video presentations
Class Attributes
Natural Sciences Distro Area