An introduction to astronomy: understanding stars and planets

Aims 

This course aims to:   

• provide an overview of astronomy as a science  
   
• explore the techniques used by astronomers to better understand how we know about  
  the universe  
   
• develop a sense of how modern astronomy is constantly changing as new discoveries  
  are made 

Content 

In this course, we will be learning the basics of astronomy, by first looking at how astronomers from the earliest civilizations to modern day developed an understanding of our solar system and our place in it. Our current understanding of the solar system has mainly come from centuries of observed movements of the planets and stars, but in recent decades includes satellite and robotic missions that have allowed us to explore regions of our solar system first hand. We will discuss why Pluto is no longer classified as a planet, and what astronomers have learned from the hundreds of new objects discovered in the icy periphery of our solar system. Beyond our solar system, hundreds of new plants are discovered each year. We will look at the theories of how stars and planets from and explore the different types of star formation that take place in nebulas in our solar neighbourhood. We will discuss the discovery of planets beyond our solar system, and how theories of star and planet formation are constantly evolving as astronomers discover more and varied planetary systems around stars other than our Sun. We also examine some of the basic techniques used to find new planets around the closest neighbouring stars. Finally, we will discuss how common planets are around other stars, and by examining the various factors astronomers have deemed necessary to ascertain if life is possible (and detectable) beyond Earth, you will be able to estimate for yourself how likely it might be that life might exist on other planets.  

Presentation of the course  

This course will involve lectures aided by slides and animations. No previous reading or prior knowledge of astronomy is required. The course will also involve some short, in-class activities that require basic mathematical knowledge.  

Course sessions 

1. Understanding our solar system: a historical perspective and recent discoveries 
   This lesson will look at how we know what we know about the solar system, and how this understanding has evolved given recent advances in astronomy.   
    
2. An astronomer’s toolbox: using light across the spectrum 
   We will look at how light is a powerful tool in understanding the physics behind stars, planets and more. The lesson will show how emission across the spectrum relates to distinct physical processes in outer space.   
    
3. The life cycles of stars 
   We will look at how stars form, and when planets form in the context of the stars they orbit. You can expect to better understand how a star’s mass affects its formation, and how the discovery of new planets is changing astronomers’ views of star and planet formation.   
    
4. A tour of the stars and planets in our solar neighbourhood 
   We will look at how many exoplanets have been discovered thus far and take an in-depth look at some of the most interesting star systems.   
    
5. Discovering exoplanets and the possibility of life beyond Earth 
   We will learn the techniques used by astronomers to detect nearby undiscovered planets. You will have the opportunity to do a statistical exercise that estimates the likelihood of finding life beyond our solar system.  

Learning outcomes 

You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course.  

The learning outcomes for this course are:  

• to understand the basic techniques and methodologies astronomers use to study planets, stars and beyond  
   
• to develop a broader perspective of our universe and how the Earth and our solar system fit into it 
   
• to analyse astronomy-related popular news and social media and to distinguish why they are newsworthy 

Required reading 

There are no compulsory readings for this course. However, you may find the below recommended reading list of interest to supplement your course.  

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

Evaluation and Academic Credit  

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.  

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay. 

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit. 

Certificate of attendance 

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.