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 L150: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

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.

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

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.