Transfers ToUC and CSUCal-GETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5A · CSU GE Area B1DescriptionNon-technical introduction to astronomy, focusing on qualitative reasoning about stars, galaxies, and the origin and evolution of the universe. Topics include: the nature of light, matter, and telescopes; the basic physical processes of the universe; the formation and death of stars and their role in producing the elements necessary for life (including an introduction to black holes); the Milky Way and other galaxies, their structure, formation, and evolution; the history, evolution, and structure of the universe from the Big Bang to the heat death of the universe; the impact of astronomical events on life on Earth. The honors section offers a challenging intellectual environment which covers the same outline as the general course but with additional training in information literacy and communications. 