Astronomy
and Astrophysics

Graduate Student Adviser: Kyle M. Cudworth, Yerkes Observatory,414-245-5555
Student Affairs Assistant: Sandy Heinz, AAC 122, 702-9808
Departmental Secretary: AAC 118, 702-8203

World Wide Web: http://astro.uchicago.edu/

Astrophysics deals with some of the most majestic themes known to science. They include the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day; the origin and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the elements themselves; the unity of basic physical law; and the connection between the subatomic properties of nature and the observed macroscopic universe.

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, in conjunction with the Department of Physics, recommends three sequences of courses that present the study of these topics in different scope and depth. These are (1) a sequence that satisfies the Common Core requirements, (2) a sequence that is recommended for students who seek more detailed study of certain topics but who do not intend to pursue graduate work in astronomy and astrophysics, and (3) a program that is recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate research in astronomy and astrophysics. Sequence 2 is suitable for students who are planning to teach high school science, to work in a science museum or planetarium, or to pursue a career in any professional field after taking advantage of the unique opportunity the University of Chicago provides to obtain a broad undergraduate experience.

Physical Sciences 118-119-120/122 is a three-quarter sequence that satisfies the Common Core requirements in the physical sciences. It covers the solar system, the formation and evolution of stars, the galaxy, and the extragalactic universe. Natural Sciences 101-102-103-104-105-106 is a six-quarter sequence that satisfies the Common Core requirements in physical sciences and biological sciences. Natural Sciences 101 deals with the evolution of the universe.

For those seeking a more in-depth examination of some of the topics covered in Physical Sciences 118-119-120/122, Astronomy 181-182-183-184 are offered, usually to be taken in the sophomore or junior year. Astronomy 214-215 can then be taken in the senior year.

Students who intend to do graduate work in astronomy and astrophysics are encouraged to plan a program of undergraduate study that will lead to the Bachelor of Arts degree in physics and that will include electives in astronomy and astrophysics. Recommended electives are Astronomy 214-215 in the junior year, and Astronomy 280 and Physics 291-292-293 in the senior year.

Tutorial and research courses are available in addition to more informal opportunities for work and study in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Participation in a weekly seminar on current topics in astrophysical research is also recommended.

Faculty

JOHN E. CARLSTROM, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

JAMES W. CRONIN, University Professor Emeritus, Departments of Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics and Enrico Fermi Institute

KYLE M. CUDWORTH, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the College

DOUGLAS DUNCAN, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, and the College; Director of Astronomy, Adler Planetarium

JOSHUA A. FRIEMAN, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, and the College; Head, Theoretical Astrophysics Group, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

DOYAL A. HARPER, JR., Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Yerkes Observatory, and the College

LEWIS M. HOBBS, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the College

STEPHEN M. KENT, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the College

EDWARD KIBBLEWHITE, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

EDWARD W. KOLB, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

ARIEH KÖNIGL, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

RICHARD G. KRON, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the College; Director, Yerkes Observatory

DON Q. LAMB, JR., Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

STEPHAN MEYER, Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

TAKESHI OKA, Robert A. Millikan Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Chemistry and Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

ANGELA OLINTO, Assistant Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

PATRICK E. PALMER, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the College

ROBERT ROSNER, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

NOEL M. SWERDLOW, Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and History, Committee on the Conceptual Foundations of Science, and the College

JAMES W. TRURAN, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

MICHAEL S. TURNER, Bruce V. Rauner Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College; Chairman, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

PETER O. VANDERVOORT, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the College

DONALD G. YORK, Horace B. Horton Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Courses

In the following course descriptions, L refers to courses with laboratory.

181. The Milky Way (=Astron 181, PhySci 181). PQ: Any 100-level Common Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences, or physics. In this course we study what is known about our galaxy, the Milky Way. We discuss its size, shape, composition, location among its neighbors, motion, how it evolves, and where we are located within it, with an emphasis on how we know and what we know. K. M. Cudworth. Spring.

182. The Origin and Evolution of the Universe (=Astron 182, PhySci 182). PQ: Any 100-level Common Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences, or physics. This course discusses how the laws of nature allow us to understand the origin, evolution, and large-scale structure of the universe. After a review of the history of cosmology, we see how discoveries in the twentieth century (such as the expansion of the universe and the cosmic background radiation) form the basis of the hot Big Bang model. Within the context of the Big Bang, we learn how our universe evolved from the primeval fireball. A. Olinto. Winter.

183. Searching Between the Stars (=Astron 183, PhySci 183). PQ: Any 100-level Common Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences, or physics. With the advent of modern observational techniques such as radio and satellite astronomy, it has become possible to study free atoms, molecules, and dust in the vast space between the stars. The observation of interstellar matter provides information on the physical and chemical conditions of space and on the formation and evolution of stars. P. Palmer. Autumn.

184. Comets and Asteroids (=Astron 184, PhySci 184). PQ: Any 100-level Common Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences, or physics. Comets have always attracted our interest because of their strange (almost eerie) appearance in the night sky. In contrast, asteroids, which are so faint that the brightest was not discovered until 1801, seemed to be less important members of the solar system (until we realized that one could wipe out life on earth). We know that because of their small size, comets and asteroids carry with them important clues about the formation of the solar system, clues that were long ago erased on the planets by weather. In this course, we take a somewhat historical approach to the study of comets and the class of asteroids that may derive from them. Not offered 1998-1999; will be offered 1999-2000.

200. Tutorial in Astronomy and Astrophysics. PQ: Any 100-level Common Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences, or physics. Class limited to six students. May be taken either for a letter grade or for P/N or P/F. Readings on topics in astronomy and astrophysics under the supervision of a faculty member. Students meet with the instructor in groups of one to three for approximately two hours per week to discuss readings on mutually agreed-upon topics. Staff. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.

213. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System (=Astron 213, GeoSci 213). PQ: Consent of instructor. Knowledge of physical chemistry helpful. Representative topics include abundance and origin of the elements; formation, condensation, and age of the solar system; meteorites and the historical record of the solar system they preserve; comets and asteroids; planets and their satellites; temperatures and atmospheres of planets; and the origin of the earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. L. Grossman. Winter. L.

214. The Physics of Stars and Stellar Systems (=Astron 214, GeoSci 214). PQ: Phys 123, 133, or 143; or consent of instructor. This course introduces the astrophysics of stars and stellar systems. A discussion of the tools of astronomy is followed by the study of the physical nature of stars. Topics are observational and theoretical Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams, structure and evolution of stars, binary stars, star clusters, and end states of stars such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. T. Oka. Autumn.

215. The Physical Universe (=Astron 215, GeoSci 215). PQ: Astron 214 or consent of instructor. The laws of physics are applied on the scales of time and distance that are required in astronomy. Physical laws are applied in attempts to understand the structures and evolution of galaxies, quasars, clusters of galaxies, and the universe at large. D. Q. Lamb. Spring.

280. Senior Research Seminar. PQ: Astron 214 and 215, or consent of instructor. Current research topics in astrophysics are studied. Topics vary each year, but some examples include the early universe, high energy astrophysics, magneto-hydrodynamics in astrophysics, observational cosmology, and cosmic microwave background. Staff. Winter, Spring.

299. Participation in Research. PQ: Third- or fourth-year standing and consent of instructor. Available for either Pass or letter grading. Students may register for this course for as many quarters as they wish; they need not work with the same faculty member each time. Students are assigned to work in the research group of a member of the faculty. Participation in research may take the form of independent work on a small project or assistance to an advanced graduate student or faculty member in his or her research. A written report must be submitted at the end of the quarter. Staff. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring. L.

Students with adequate preparation may register for the following graduate-level courses with the consent of the instructor.

301-302-303-304-305. Astrophysics I, II, III, IV, V. PQ: Consent of instructor and a minimum of one year of physics. (Normally students should have completed or be enrolled concurrently in Phys 321-322-323 or 341-342-343.) This course is designed to provide a firm foundation in the principles of astrophysics (such as hydrostatic equilibrium of a self-gravitating object, radiative transfer, and radiation from a diffuse gas) needed to carry out modern astrophysical research. Many astrophysical topics are discussed, but the emphasis is on elucidating general principles rather than attempting to survey the field. Weekly seminar on current topics in astrophysical research required. Staff. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

313. Extragalactic Studies. PQ: Consent of instructor. Topics include galaxies and intergalactic space, determination of Hubble's law, and peculiar extragalactic objects such as radio galaxies, Seyfert galaxies, and quasars. D. York. Autumn.

315. Dynamics I (Fluids). PQ: Consent of instructor. This course examines the principles of hydrodynamics and hydromagnetics. Topics also include equilibrium and stability of fluid systems in astrophysics, waves, shocks, and turbulence. R. Rosner. Winter.

316. Dynamics II (Particles). PQ: Consent of instructor. This course examines the dynamics of collisionless plasmas and stellar systems. Stochastic processes and kinetic equations, dynamics of galaxies and star clusters, and astrophysical plasmas are topics that are explored. P. O. Vandervoort. Spring.

320. Relativistic Astrophysics. PQ: Consent of instructor. This course covers topics in special relativity, including the general theory of relativity and its experimental tests, and applications to astrophysical problems such as super-massive stars, black holes, relativistic star clusters, and gravitational radiation. D. Q. Lamb. Winter.

321. Cosmology. PQ: Consent of instructor. The standard Big Bang cosmological model, together with its tests and a discussion of nonstandard models, is covered. Topics covered include the Robertson-Walker metric, the 3K background, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the determination of the age of the universe, and galaxy formation, as well as other current problems in cosmology. Not offered 1998-1999; will be offered 1999-2000.

355. Radiation Measurement. PQ: Consent of instructor. Topics include methods of detection and measurements of radiation important in astronomy; theory of detectors in the X-ray, far-ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and radio regions of the spectrum; and the potential of various detectors for astronomical measurements. D. A. Harper. Autumn.

361. Interstellar Medium. PQ: Consent of instructor. Topics covered include the physics of interstellar gas, emission nebulae, HI regions, interstellar grains and molecules, and cosmic rays and the interstellar magnetic field. Not offered 1998-1999; will be offered 1999-2000.

386. History of Cosmology (=Astron 386, CFS 388, HiPSS 286). PQ: Consent of instructor. Cosmology is concerned with the large-scale contents and structure of the universe. This course considers the history of cosmology from antiquity to the present, concentrating on the period since William Herschel and particularly on our own century. N. Swerdlow. Winter.

Other courses of interest:

PhySci 118-119-120/122. Introduction to Astrophysics I, II, III. P. O. Vandervoort, J. Truran, D. York, R. Kron. L: L. Hobbs, E. Kibblewhite, J. Carlstrom. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

Phys 291-292-293. Bachelor's Thesis. PQ: Open to physics concentrators with fourth-year standing and consent of instructor. This yearlong sequence is designed to involve the student in current research. The student works on a research project in physics or a closely related field such as astrophysics, leading to the writing of a bachelor's thesis. The project may be one suggested by the instructor or one proposed by the student and approved by the instructor. Staff. Autumn, Winter, Spring.