ASTR 10A - GENERAL ASTRONOMY: SOLAR SYSTEM

    Recent Professors
    GEOFF MATHEWS
    Recent Semesters
    Winter 2027
    Class Size
    40 students
    Credits
    5
    Winter 2027 Sections
    View Winter 2027 sections of ASTR 10A
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5A · CSU GE Area B1
    Description
    Non-technical introduction to astronomy, focusing on the search for life in the universe. The course starts with examination of the planets, moons, and other small bodies which make up our solar system, and continues to the scientific search for life elsewhere in the universe, including the thousands of planets we have found orbiting other stars. Topics include the nature of light, the atom, and telescopes; an examination of the planets and their moons and rings, dwarf planets, comets, asteroids, and meteors; catastrophic events (including the impact that may have killed the dinosaurs); the search for planets and life around other stars, the challenges of space travel, and evidence-based views on extraterrestrial contact. No background in science or math is assumed.
    Usually Held
    Mon Wed 10:00am–12:15pm, Tue Thu 1:00pm–3:15pm