Astronomy

Faculty
The Major
Honors

Double majors
Minor
Distribution Requirement

Cornell’s Astronomy faculty, research staff, graduate, and undergraduate students are active in diverse areas of modern astronomy ranging from theoretical astrophysics and general relativity to the study of exoplanets, pulsars, star formation, galaxy formation and evolution, cosmology, and the exploration of the solar system. Cornell and the California Institute of Technology are leading an international consortium in a design study for a large submillimeter telescope, CCAT, in the high Atacama desert in Chile. Several members of the department faculty are also principal investigators on major NASA space and planetary exploration missions.

The department offers a number of courses to satisfy a general interest in astronomy. These courses have few or no prerequisites and are not intended for the training of professional astronomers. Among the introductory courses, several choices are available, depending on background and on the requirements to be fulfilled. The 1000-level courses are designed primarily for nonscience majors. The alternative introductory sequence ASTRO 2211 –ASTRO 2212 is geared toward sophomore physical science and engineering majors and requires co-registration in beginning calculus. ASTRO 2201 and ASTRO 2202 are intended for students with an interest in astronomy but no scientific background; they are topical rather than survey-oriented. ASTRO 3301 and ASTRO 3303 are designed for physical science and engineering majors as an introduction to core topics in astrophysics. Other courses at the 2000- and 3000-levels may appeal to students of various backgrounds and interests, as indicated in the individual course descriptions.

Courses numbered above 4000 are intended for students who have had two to three years of college physics and at least two years of college mathematics. ASTRO 4940 - Independent Study permits students to engage in individual research projects under the guidance of a faculty member.

Interested students are encouraged to become members of the undergraduate Cornell Astronomy Club. The club has access to the Fuertes Observatory on campus and conducts regular observing and astrophotography sessions. All students are invited to visit the Space Sciences Building, see the exhibits on display there, and consult faculty members about career plans or choice of courses.

Website: www.astro.cornell.edu

Faculty

T. L. Herter, chair (616 Space Sciences Bldg., (607) 254-4556); G. J. Stacey, director of undergraduate studies (212 Space Sciences Bldg., (607) 255-5900); R. E. Bean, J. A. Burns, D. B. Campbell, D. F. Chernoff, J. M. Cordes, E. E. Flanagan, P. J. Gierasch, R. Giovanelli, A. G. Hayes, M. P. Haynes, J. R. Houck, D. Lai, J. P. Lloyd, R. V. E. Lovelace, J. I. Lunine, P. D. Nicholson, D. A. Riechers, S. W. Squyres, Y. Terzian, S. A. Teukolsky, J. F. Veverka, I. M. Wasserman. Emeritus: P. F. Goldsmith, M. O. Harwit

The Major:

The purpose of the major in Astronomy is to provide in-depth knowledge and education about the nature of the universe. Astronomy relies heavily on preparation in physics and mathematics. Consequently, many courses in these fields are included as prerequisites. In preparation for the major, students normally elect the introductory physics sequence PHYS 1112 –PHYS 2213 –PHYS 2214 or PHYS 1116 –PHYS 2217 –PHYS 2218 and the complementary pathway in mathematics, MATH 1110 –MATH 1220 –MATH 2210 –MATH 2220 or MATH 1910 –MATH 1920 –MATH 2930 –MATH 2940 (or equivalent). Students who anticipate undertaking graduate study are urged to elect the honors physics sequence PHYS 1116 –PHYS 2217 –PHYS 2218 –PHYS 3318 –PHYS 3327 if possible. We recommend, but do not require, that prospective astronomy majors take at least one of the following courses: ASTRO 2211 , ASTRO 2212 , ASTRO 2290 . Students are also urged to acquire computer literacy. ASTRO 3334 is designed to give students hands-on experience with the methods of analysis, visualization, and simulation needed in astrophysical research. Acceptance to the major is first considered after completion of three semesters of introductory physics and mathematics and in general requires a GPA of 3.2 in physics and mathematics courses.

The major requirements stress the importance of building a strong preparation in physical science.

The following upper-level courses are normally required:

Additional Information:

With permission of the major advisor, students interested in planetary studies may substitute appropriate advanced courses or may pursue an independent major under the program in the Science of Earth Systems. Majors are encouraged to supplement the above courses with any astronomy, physics, or other appropriate courses at or above the 3000-level. Advanced seniors can enroll in astronomy graduate courses with the permission of the instructor. Students are also encouraged to work with faculty members on independent study projects under the course ASTRO 4940 or to apply to a variety of programs at Cornell, Arecibo, and elsewhere that offer undergraduates summer employment as research assistants. Nearly all undergraduate majors and concentrators become involved in research projects in the junior and senior years.

Students whose interest in astronomy is sparked somewhat late in their undergraduate career are encouraged to discuss possible paths with the director of undergraduate studies in Astronomy.

Honors:

A student may be granted honors in Astronomy upon the recommendation of the Astronomy Advisors Committee of the Astronomy faculty. Typical requirements for graduating with honors are a minimum GPA of 3.5 over the past four semesters and grades of A– or better in ASTRO 4410 , ASTRO 4431 , and ASTRO 4432 or ASTRO 4433 .

Double majors:

A double major in Astronomy and another subject is possible in many circumstances. However, the set of courses used to fulfill the requirements for each major must be completely independent.

Minor:

The minor in Astronomy for other majors normally requires 12 credits, at least 8 of which must be at the 3000 level or above. We recommend, but do not require, that sophomores planning to concentrate in Astronomy take at least one of the following courses:

Distribution Requirement:

All courses in astronomy, except ASTRO 1700 and ASTRO 3340 may be used to fulfill the science distribution requirement in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Office of the University Registrar