Foundation Astrophysics : FAP 100

Week 1: Welcome to the Cosmos

• Topics:
  • What is Astrophysics? Defining the field and its role in understanding the universe.
  • The history of astronomy: from ancient civilizations to the space age.
  • The interdisciplinary nature of astrophysics, connecting with physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
• Objectives:
  • Gain a clear understanding of astrophysics and its significance.
  • Recognize major historical milestones in astronomy.
  • Understand how astrophysics fits within broader scientific exploration.
• Activities:
  • Watch an introductory documentary on the “Evolution of Astronomy.”
  • Reflective discussion: “What would you most like to discover about the universe?”

Week 2: Navigating the Night Sky

• Topics:
  • Introduction to celestial coordinates and basic sky navigation.
  • Identifying constellations, stars, and prominent celestial objects.
  • Basics of observing planets, the Moon, and notable astronomical phenomena.
• Objectives:
  • Learn to locate celestial objects using tools like Stellarium or a basic star map.
  • Recognize constellations and seasonal changes in the night sky.
• Activities:
  • Virtual sky observation using Stellarium.
  • DIY activity: Make a simple star wheel to locate constellations at different times of the year.
• Weekly Reflection: “What did you see in your local night sky this week?”

Week 3: Understanding Our Solar System

• Topics:
  • The formation and evolution of the Solar System.
  • Overview of planets, moons, comets, and asteroids.
  • Modern missions exploring the Solar System (e.g., Mars rovers, Voyager).
• Objectives:
  • Identify the components of the Solar System and their characteristics.
  • Understand the dynamics of planetary orbits and compositions.
• Activities:
  • Interactive solar system model (online simulation).
  • Research assignment: Choose a Solar System body to explore in detail.

Week 4: The Lives of Stars

• Topics:
  • Birth of stars: from stellar nurseries to main-sequence stars.
  • Stellar classification and HR diagrams.
  • Evolution of stars from giants to supernovae and their end states.
• Objectives:
  • Learn about the life cycle of stars and factors influencing their evolution.
  • Interpret the HR diagram and understand stellar classification.
• Activities:
  • Create a timeline of a star’s life cycle.
  • Virtual lab: Build an HR diagram based on star data.

Week 5: Black Holes, Neutron Stars, and Other Cosmic Giants

• Topics:
  • Formation and characteristics of black holes and neutron stars.
  • Exploring event horizons, singularities, and the mysteries of black holes.
  • Gravitational waves and their role in detecting cosmic events.
• Objectives:
  • Understand the end stages of massive stars.
  • Recognize how gravitational waves reveal information about cosmic phenomena.
• Activities:
  • Visualize gravitational wave detections with online simulations.
  • Group activity: Debate the possibility of information escaping black holes.

Week 6: Exploring Galaxies and the Structure of the Universe

• Topics:
  • Types of galaxies and their characteristics.
  • Galaxy formation, clustering, and interactions.
  • The cosmic web: how galaxies organize in the universe.
• Objectives:
  • Identify and differentiate types of galaxies.
  • Comprehend galaxy evolution and the large-scale structure of the universe.
• Activities:
  • Virtual galaxy exploration with NASA’s interactive galaxy atlas.
  • Short essay: “What fascinates you most about galaxies?”

Week 7: Cosmology and the Big Bang

• Topics:
  • The Big Bang Theory and cosmic inflation.
  • The expanding universe and redshift.
  • Introduction to dark matter and dark energy.
• Objectives:
  • Understand the Big Bang as the leading theory of the universe’s origin.
  • Learn about the evidence for cosmic expansion.
  • Grasp basic concepts of dark matter and dark energy.
• Activities:
  • Redshift lab using online tools to simulate expanding galaxies.
  • Reflective discussion: “What mysteries would you like to solve in cosmology?”

Week 8: Astrobiology and the Search for Life

• Topics:
  • Conditions for life and the field of astrobiology.
  • Extremophiles on Earth and implications for life in extreme environments.
  • Exoplanets and criteria for habitability.
• Objectives:
  • Introduce the science of astrobiology and planetary habitability.
  • Connect extremophiles to potential extraterrestrial life.
  • Discuss methods of exoplanet discovery and study.
• Activities:
  • Virtual lab: Identify potential habitable exoplanets.
  • Discussion: “How would the discovery of extraterrestrial life impact us?”

Appendix A: Tools of the Trade – Telescopes and Observatories

• Topics:
  • Types of telescopes and observatories (optical, radio, space-based).
  • Data collection and analysis in astrophysics.
  • Famous observatories and their contributions (e.g., Hubble, James Webb).
• Objectives:
  • Learn the basics of how telescopes work and their role in observing the cosmos.
  • Understand how data is collected, processed, and analyzed.
• Activities:
  • Virtual telescope tour of the James Webb Space Telescope.
  • Practical activity: Build a simple pinhole camera or small telescope model.

Appendix B: The Future of Astrophysics

• Topics:
  • Latest discoveries and what lies ahead in astrophysics research.
  • Next-generation telescopes and missions.
  • The impact of astrophysics on technology and society.
• Objectives:
  • Gain insight into the future of astrophysics and upcoming technologies.
  • Understand how astrophysics continues to shape our understanding of the cosmos.
• Activities:
  • Final project: Research and present a topic on an emerging field (e.g., gravitational waves, dark matter, new missions).
  • Course reflection: “What has this course taught you about the universe?”

Assessment and Engagement Strategies

1. Weekly Quizzes and Assignments – Assess understanding of core concepts, with fun questions and reflections to keep learners engaged.
2. Interactive Discussion Forums – Weekly topics encourage students to share observations, questions, and ideas.
3. Group Projects and Debates – Small groups can work on mini-projects or debates on current astrophysical topics, building community and engagement.
4. Capstone Project (Week 10) – Choose a topic from the course to explore deeply and present to the class. Options include creating a presentation, video, or even a virtual observatory tour.
5. Certificates and Badges – Digital badges for course milestones (e.g., “Star Navigator,” “Galaxy Explorer”) to motivate progress. Certificate on completion of the course.