ASTRO 1106 - Relativity, Cosmology, and Black Holes

(PBS)

Summer. 3 credits.

Prerequisites: high school algebra and trigonometry.

A. Brazier.

Explanation of Einstein’s theory of special relativity, which brought about a fundamental change in our conceptual understanding of space and time. The consequences of the theory—including mass-energy equivalence, nuclear fission and fusion, and thermonuclear process in stars and why we can’t travel faster than light—and how it all makes sense. Cosmology, studying the evolution and future of the universe and general relativity. The death of stars: white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.