WD Astronomy: Occam's Razor and the Idea of Epicycles

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Occam's Razor and the Idea of Epicycles

http://www.jimloy.com/cindy/ptolemy.htm

The most useful statement of the principle for scientists is
"when you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better."

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Phs:142/Principles of Astronomy (3 Credit Concurrent Enrollment Class for 1 term)

Course Purpose: Upon completion of the course, the student will have fundamental understanding of our solar system and its elements, stars and their life history, galaxies, and the origin and history of the universe. The student will be able to apply these concepts both during classroom discussions or in an optional lab setting. The course will also enhance a student’s perception of the universe, allow the student to view the night-time sky with greater enjoyment, and foster a better understanding of the nature of science.

MAJOR UNITS OF INSTRUCTION:

Astro.1 Our Place in the Universe

Astro.2 The Solar System

Astro.3 About Stars and Celestial Surveying

Astro.4 Life History of a Star

Astro.5 Galaxies and the History of the Universe

9.1 UNIT OBJECTIVES:

10.1 Unit One Objectives

At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:

10.1.1 Discuss the origins of astronomy, early astronomers, and astrology

10.1.2 Solve simple problems on gravity and planetary motion

10.1.3 Describe the Earth and the Moon and their motions: seasons, time, and

lunar and solar eclipses

10.1.4 Discuss electromagnetic radiation and spectroscopy

10.1.5 Solve basic problems involving optics and optical equipment

10.1.6 Understand the fundamental operation of major types of telescopes

10.2 Unit Two Objectives

At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:

10.2.1 Describe properties and history of the Earth

10.2.2 Compare and contrast the properties of the Moon and Mercury

10.2.3 Discuss the planets Venus and Mars

10.2.4 Understand the origin and properties of the Jovian planets

10.2.5 Relate similarities and differences of the Jovian planets

10.2.6 Discuss the moons and rings associated with the Jovian planets

10.2.7 Compare and contrast the properties of the terrestrial and Jovian planets

10.2.8 Describe Pluto and its moon

10.2.9 Describe the origin, nature and lifetimes of comets and asteroids

10.2.10 Discuss meteorites and the evolution of the solar system

10.3 Unit Three Objectives

At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:

10.3.1 Relate the systems used in celestial surveying

10.3.2 Detail stellar magnitude scales and spectra

10.3.3 Describe the properties of stars

10.3.4 Relate the manner in which an H-R diagram depicts the life cycle of a

star

10.3.4 Discuss binary stars

10.3.5 Describe the structure and properties of our own Sun

10.3.6 Discuss regions lying between stars

10.4 Unit Four Objectives

At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:

10.4.1 Describe principles relating to the Special Theory of Relativity

10.4.2 Describe principles relating to the General Theory of Relativity

10.4.3 Describe stellar structure and types of stars

10.4.4 Discuss stellar evolution from birth to death including the relation of a

star's mass to its evolutionary history

10.4.5 Describe white and brown dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes

10.5 Unit Five Objectives

At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:

10.5.1 Describe the structure and our place in the Milky Way Galaxy

10.5.2 Discuss Nebulae, types of galaxies, and properties of galaxies

10.5.3 Describe Quasars and the question they raise

10.5.4 Discuss the formation and evolution of galaxies

10.5.5 Discuss the Big Bang Theory and cosmological models for the origin

and evolution of the universe

10.5.6 Discuss the possibilities of life elsewhere in the universe and SETI

PHS: 143 Principles of Astronomy Lab (1 credit) (This does not count for additional high school credit)

MAJOR UNITS OF INSTRUCTION:

9.0 MAJOR UNITS OF INSTRUCTION:

9.1 Sky and Telescope

9.2 Basic Astronomy and the Solar System

9.3 The Sun, the Stars, and Galaxies

10.0 UNIT OBJECTIVES:

10.1 Unit One Objectives

At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:

10.1.1 Perform visual observations on the Moon, the Planets, the Sun, and the Stars

10.1.2 Identify properties of light, lenses, and mirrors

10.1.3 Identify parts and types of telescopes and use a telescope to view the nighttime

sky

10.1.4 Use star charts and catalogues properly

10.2 Unit Two Objectives

At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:

10.2.1 Examine stellar spectra and classify stars according to their spectra

10.2.2 Do detailed observation on the features, mass and period of the Moon

10.2.3 Observe motions and features of other planets in the solar system

10.3 Unit Three Objectives

At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:

10.3.1 Examine evidence that the Sun rotates and determine the rotational period

from sunspots

10.3.2 Make determinations about stars in relation to color magnitude and H-R

diagrams

10.3.3 Study galactic recession in relation to Hubble's velocity-distance law