A Brief Journey Through the Invisible Universe (106-0-1)
Instructors
Farhad Zadeh
847/491-8147
Technological Institute Building (2145 Sheridan Road), Room F-215, Evanston
Meeting Info
Technological Institute F280: Mon, Wed 9:00AM - 10:20AM
Overview of class
This course focuses on the invisible universe at radio, and X-ray wavelengths for non-science and
science majors. The night sky, the Sun and the solar system planets appear very different
when observed with radio, and X-ray telescopes. Studying the invisible universe provides an awe in the
diversity of phenomena that our universe offers. The realm of the invisible light includes the
components of the fascinating history of invisible universe, and numerous discoveries over the
last several decades (e.g., pulsars, quasars, the Big Bang background radiation, black holes, organic molecules) and fundamental differences between visible and invisible night sky. Although the focus of the course will be on radio astronomy, some topics related to X-ray astronomy will also be covered.
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 and X-ray bands span a remarkably wide range of wavelengths, varying by factors of thousands, whereas human vision is limited to a narrow range between red and blue, covering only about a factor of two.
This course discusses new tools to unveil the `hidden\' sky over a wide range of wavelengths
covering radio and X-ray universe in ways that can not be viewed or understood in the optical wavelengths.
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 cannot be understood if observed in visible light.
Learn about:
-The history of radio and X-ray astronomy.
-Learn about how radio and X-ray 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) Three quizzes for a total of 60% of the final grade
2) Final Exam 30%
3) Participation in class discussion 10%
Class Materials (Required)
1) Notes written by Felix Lockman, Lecture notes available on canvas for free.
2) The Invisible Universe (required)
The Invisible Universe: Why There's More to Reality than Meets the Eye
Author: Dr. Matthew Bothwell
Publisher: Oneworld Publications (2021)
Length: 320 pages
ISBN: 978-0861541249
Available on Amazon
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, clocks and gravity. Midterm
Week 6: X-ray astronomy
Week 7: The Big Bang
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
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.