Major theme: The Music of the Spheres – how we came to know the universe.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the epistemology of astronomy: how we came to know the clockwork universe and the physics if the natural world. The theory of astronomical knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.
- Describe and contrast the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system.
- Use Kepler’s laws to describe the motion of objects in the Solar System.
- Explains how Galileo’s astronomical discoveries provided empirical evidence for the heliocentric model.
- Describe the work of Galileo and Newton, which led them to discover the physical laws that govern the motion of all objects.
Outline:
Heliocentric Solar System Model
- Copernicus’ model
- Observations made by Tycho Brahe
Kepler’s Cosmic Harmonies (Basis of orbital mechanics)
- Law of Ellipses
- Law of equal areas
- Harmonic Law
Galileo’s Cosmology
- Classical mechanics
- Observational astronomy with a telescope
Newton
- 1st Law: Law of motion
- 2nd Law: Force Law (F=ma)
- 3rd Law: Reaction Law
Activities & Assignments:
Review the classroom notes folder
Read textbook: Chapter 3
ClassAction: Renaissance Astronomy: Kepler (lessons 1-3)
Pair & Share: Kepler’s 3rd Law (see green book in classroom)
PhET lab: Explore Gravity and Orbits; compare the period and path of the earth, moon, and satellite in “Cartoon” mode.
Lab 1: See AST102 Lab manual for instructions. The links for the various simulations and videos are:
Step 3: Energy Skate Park
Step 4: Newton’s cradle (click “enable shockwave”)
Step 7: Apollo astronaut’s experiment
Extra Resources:
Star Party at Chamberlain Observatory
Kepler Observatory’s Tally of Planets.
Tour the solar system: www.nineplanets.org
