This is a self-contained course for students not majoring in the physical sciences. Lectures focus on practical astronomy and provide a historical perspective of our place in the Universe. Phenomena that can be readily observed with the unaided eye or a small telescope are discussed. This course gives a historical perspective on the development of Astronomy, beginning with the 4500 year old monolithic monument, Stonehenge, to the recent spectacular discoveries by the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes.

This is a self-contained course for students not majoring in the physical sciences. The Universe in which we live is an unimaginably vast and rich place that is understandable through the same physical laws that govern our existence here on Earth. By exploring topics from our nearest neighboring stars to the farthest galaxies newly formed after the Big Bang, this course will engage your mind to better understand our Universe and your everyday world.

An introduction to the physics of the solar system, stars, galaxies, extragalactic objects and the Universe at large. Topics include: size scales of the Universe, some review of basic physics, telescopes, the evolution and deaths of stars, the interstellar medium, star clusters, our Milky Way galaxy, external galaxy formation and evolution, active galactic nuclei and quasars, dark matter, dark energy, and cosmology.  This course is intended for students majoring in the natural sciences. Although calculus is not used in this course, algebra and trigonometry are used extensively.

This is a self-contained course for students not majoring in the physical sciences. Topics covered include overview of the solar system, gravitation and mechanics, the history of space flight, rocket propulsion, the Moon landings, interplanetary trajectories and planetary orbits, light, remote sensing, interstellar space travel and life in the universe. Specific examples of planetary space missions and their scientific instruments, goals and results will be discussed. Particular emphasis will be placed on current missions.

This course is for students who have a desire to become familiar with the nature and motions of celestial objects in the night sky and techniques to observe them. Each week students meet for two 50 minute lectures on campus and one evening session at Allegheny Observatory. Transportation to the Allegheny Observatory is provided by the University during the Fall and Spring terms. The course will be given at a level suitable for both science and non-science majors who want to learn how to use a telescope and enjoy observational and practical astronomy.