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 M152: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
This course focuses on the invisible universe at radio wavelengths for non-science and
science majors. The night sky, the Sun and the solar system planets appear very different
when observed with radio telescopes. 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 visible and invisible night sky.
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 understood if observed in visible light.
Learn about:
-The history of radio astronomy.
-Learn about how radio telescopes detect radiation
-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 meetings
Evaluation Method
This is a descriptive course using simple mathematics concentrating on some of the most exciting concepts in Astronomy.
Preliminary Evaluation:
1) 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:
Week 1: Electromagnetic radiation. Thermal radio emission: The planets
Week 2: The Birth of Radio Astronomy and the discovery of a new type of radiation; Tour of the invisible universe.
Radio Telescopes and how they work
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 Foundational Discipline
Natural Sciences Distro Area