The study of astronomy helps us to understand the formation and evolution of planetary systems, the stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. At Allegheny, astronomy has always included much more than the constellations: the underlying goals are to give students an appreciation of the beauty and order of the known universe and also to show students how astronomers have come to learn what we know. Astronomy classes at Allegheny address questions such as: "What would it be like to travel to a black hole?"; "What is the fate of the universe?"; and "Is there other intelligent life?" We explore the reasons for everyday phenomena such as the seasons and the phases of the Moon, and we probe the cutting edge science that describes heavenly bodies such as planets, stars, and galaxies. Classes in astronomy at Allegheny make use of both the Wible Planetarium and the Newton Observatory.
Astronomy is by nature a very interdisciplinary science, as reflected in the chemistry, geology, mathematics, philosophy, and physics courses that can be counted toward the astronomy minor at Allegheny. The astronomy minor therefore provides students with the opportunity to apply and combine their classroom knowledge from a variety of courses. A minor in astronomy requires a total of at least 22 semester hours. The five core courses (18 semester hours) are:
The minor is completed with one of the following courses or pair of courses:
Below are selected descriptions of courses at Allegheny that are most relevant to astronomy and the astronomy minor. For more information, contact:
Jamie Lombardi
814-332-2975
Carr Hall 115
Physics 020: Introductory Astronomy (with lab).
A descriptive study of the solar system, the stars, and the
universe on its largest scales. Topics covered include the phases
of the Moon, the seasons, the tides, the historical roots of
astronomy, the constellations, telescopes, the Sun, star formation
and evolution, black holes, compact objects, and the expansion of
the universe. The course is designed to give students an
appreciation of the beauty and order of the known universe. Use is
made of the Wible Planetarium and the Newton Observatory. Because
observations are weather dependent, students in the course must
plan to complete an observation during appropriate evening or other
hours. Students may not receive credit for both Physics 020 and
Physics 129. Offered every spring.
Physics 129: Fundamentals of Astronomy (with lab).
A study of the Earth and heavenly bodies, their observed
characteristics and motions, and the theories that account for
them. The course is designed to give the students an understanding
of the tools and fundamental physical concepts of astronomy. Topics
covered include celestial timekeeping, gravity, orbits, light, the
birth and evolution of stars, basic relativity theory, black holes
and other compact objects, dark matter, dark energy, and the big
bang theory. Use is made of both the Wible Planetarium and the
Newton Observatory. Many of the labs are computer-based exercises.
Intended for students comfortable with pre-calculus. Students may
not receive credit for both Physics 020 and Physics 129. Offered
every fall.
Physics 320: Astrophysics.
A quantitative study of topics including celestial mechanics as
described by Kepler's and Newton's laws, radiation in astronomy,
telescopes, stellar spectra, star formation, the structure and
evolution of stars, relativity, black holes, and big bang
cosmology. Prerequisites: Physics 101 or 110; and one of Physics
102, 120, or 129; or permission of instructor. Offered alternate
years beginning in the 2007-08 academic year.
Physics 420-429: Current topics in Astrophysics.
An examination of selected current topics of interest in
astrophysics, such as dark matter, dark energy, black hole
formation, star cluster dynamics, stellar collisions, the mass of
neutrinos, planetary formation, and gravity wave sources. Students
contribute to the class through discussion and brief
presentations. Group discussion is based on readings from journal
articles and monographs. Prerequisites: Physics 101 or 110; and
Physics 020, 129 or 320; or permission of instructor. Credit: Two
semester hours. Offered alternate years beginning in the 2008-09
academic year.
Geology 110: Physical Geology.
The study of Earth properties and the dynamics of geologic systems
to provide a basic understanding of the resources, environments,
and evolution of our planet. The course considers Earth materials,
interior structure of the planet, Earth surface processes, landform
development, environmental geology, and physical evolution of the
Earth. Specific topics include minerals and rocks, plate tectonics,
ocean basins, continents, river and groundwater systems, glaciers,
volcanism and earthquakes. Laboratory or field work, one period.
Philosophy 230: Science in Its Cultural Setting.
A study of the structure and justification of scientific theory and
of the activities of scientists engaged in theory development. A
theoretical component of the course concerns the logical processes
of theory acceptance and rejection. That component is fleshed out
in historical study of theory development in one or two notable
episodes in the history of science, such as the Copernican
revolution in astronomy or the development of Darwinian theory in
biology. Prerequisites: One course in philosophy or one course in
natural science, or permission of instructor.
