ASTRO 10 - Introduction to Astronomy

    Recent Professors
    Sean P. Kemp, Michael Michio Masuda, Jagruti Vedamati, Celso C. Batalha
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Summer 2026, Spring 2026
    Class Size
    50 students
    Difficulty
    6.1Demandingout of 10
    Credits
    3
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of ASTRO 10
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5A · CSU GE Area B1
    Description
    This is an introductory science course for non-science majors covering topics of modern Astronomy. It highlights pivotal aspects in the history of Astronomy such as its distinction and further separation from Astrology. It lists the physical processes governing the origins of a star system and indicates the causes of the apparent motion of sky objects and cyclic sky events. The sources of periodical astronomical events such as phases of the moon, solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and seasons are identified and related via the fundamental laws of physics. The astronomical tools of photometry and spectroscopy are introduced for their indispensable role in analysis towards the detection of planets around other stars, the investigation of dark matter and dark energy, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life. Additional topics include the origins of galaxies, large scale structure, and a full description of the Big Bang theory.
    Usually Held
    Tue Thu 9:15am–10:35am, Mon Wed 9:15am–10:35am, Tue Wed Thu 8:00am–9:50am