A study of the night sky primarily for non-science majors. Provides a brief history of astronomy through Newton. Topics include the properties of the sun, earth, moon, planets, asteroids, meteors and comets; origin and evolution of the solar system; life in the universe; and recent results from space missions and ground-based telescopes.

A study of stars, star formation, and evolution primarily for non-science majors. Topics include light, atoms, and modern observing technologies; origin of the chemical elements; supernovae, pulsars, neutron stars, and black holes; structure and evolution of our galaxy; nature of other galaxies; active galaxies and quasars; expanding universe, cosmology, the big bang, and the early universe.

Alien worlds orbiting other stars were the subject of speculation going back to ancient times, and were first detected in the 1990s. Today, thousands of extrasolar planets are known and show a remarkable diversity compared to our own solar system. This introductory astronomy course for non-science majors discusses the known exoplanets: how they are discovered, their orbits, physical properties, formation, evolution and fate.

From ancient Babylon to modern cosmology, nearly every culture on Earth has stories and myths of creation. It is a universal human desire to understand from where we came. In this introductory astronomy class for non-science majors, students will explore the origins of the Universe, structure and galaxies, stars, planets and life. The course will use the content to illustrate the nature of science and scientific inquiry.

Black holes are stellar remnants that are so dense that nothing, not even light, can escape their gravitational pull. Nevertheless, systems that contain these "dark stars" are among the brightest sources in the universe. In this introductory course, aimed primarily at non-science majors, students will explore the seemingly paradoxical nature of black holes and evaluate the astronomical evidence for their existence.

For first- and second-year students considering Astronomy/Astronomy-Physics as a major, or current A/A-P majors. Faculty will present ongoing research to introduce students to both the subject matter and the required physical, mathematical, and computational background of contemporary astronomy research. Potential long-term undergraduate research projects will be emphasized.

Primarily for science majors. A thorough discussion of the basic concepts and methods of solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on physical principles. Prerequisite/corequisite: ASTR 2110, MATH 1210 or 1310, PHYS 1420 or 1425, or instructor permission; ASTR 2110 and 2120 form a sequence and should be taken in that order.

Primarily for science majors. A lecture and laboratory course that deals with basic observational techniques in astronomy. The laboratory section generally meets at night. Students use observational facilities at the McCormick and Fan Mountain Observatories. Additional work outside posted laboratory hours will be required to take advantage of clear skies.

The next great adventure in space flight will be a human mission to Mars. In this course, we will explore how such a mission might take place. Topics will include the basics of spaceflight, spacecraft and rocket design, the history of human space exploration, its legacy and impact on the modern world, the current state of spaceflight, and new technologies that are being developed to make the mission possible.

Intended for STEM majors and non-STEM majors who are comfortable with some non-calculus math. The course explores the structure, properties, and history of galaxies. Topics include: the structure of galaxies; galaxy demographics; star motions and populations; nuclear black holes; galaxy interactions; dark matter halos; the distribution of the elements; and the formation and evolution of galaxies.

Primarily for astronomy/astrophysics majors. Students will be exposed to a research methods-intensive set of mini projects, with emphasis on current active areas of astrophysics research. The goal is to prepare students for research in astrophysics. Topics will include databases and database manipulation, astronomical surveys, statistics, space observatories and observation planning, intro to numerical simulations, and proposal writing.Prerequisites: ASTR 2110/2120 and PHYS 2660, or instructor permission.

Independent study of a topic of special interest to the student under individual supervision by a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Graduate students will be exposed to a research methods-intensive set of projects, with emphasis on current active areas of astrophysics research. The goal is to prepare students for research in astrophysics. Topics will include databases and database manipulation, astronomical surveys, statistics, space observatories and observation planning, intro to numerical simulations, and proposal writing.

Studies the physics of the interstellar gas and grains, the distribution and dynamics of gas, and cosmic radiation and interstellar magnetic fields. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Introduces the physics of basic radiation mechanisms and particle acceleration processes that are important in high energy phenomena and space science. Discusses applications to pulsars, active galactic nuclei, radio galaxies, quasars, and supernovae. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

UVa staff and guest speakers discuss current research problems.

Under supervision, the student undertakes or assists with a current research problem. This course may be repeated for credit.

For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.