2. INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
What is Astronomy ?
Astronomy is NOT Astrology
Why do we study Astronomy ?

3. Astronomy - the scientific study of the Universe beyond Earth
Astronomy is a true science. It includes the topics of the history of astronomy, human space exploration, our Sun and Moon, planets, other stars, galaxies, and cosmology (the origin, structure, and fate of the whole Universe).

4. Astronomy is a True Science
Astronomy is based on observations and experiments that can be repeated, and that give the same results no matter who does the experiment or makes the observation.
Astronomy makes precise predictions about our Universe that can be tested to see if the predictions are true or not.
Astronomy makes use of other well-established sciences like physics and chemistry.

6. Astrology is NOT a Science
Seeks to discover “hidden knowledge” by the interpretation of omens (like reading tea leaves).
Results are not repeatable.
Predictions are vague and not testable.
Does not incorporate sciences like chemistry and physics.

7. Astrology Predictions for your Teacher
Best accessory – hairbrush – they must be kidding.
Perfect job – actor, cruise ship host – not.
Travel destination – Singapore – I don’t think so !
“A special event is about to happen, and you're at the center of it.” Awfully vague – covers about everything. Worthless.

8. Why do we study Astronomy ?
Natural disasters
Recreation and esthetics
Scientific inquiry and curiosity
Education of an informed society (you !)
Our place in the Universe
Origin and fate of the Universe (Cosmology)
True Science versus science fiction

9. Natural Disasters
Comet and meteorite impacts, for example.

10. BOOM !!

12. Recreation and Esthetics
The Universe is beautiful.

16. Scientific Inquiry and Curiosity
For example – our instruments can see what our eyes cannot.
Space exploration.

17. Saturn – Different Kinds of Light

18. Saturn – Different Kinds of Light
Ultraviolet Visible
Infrared Radio

19. Space Exploration

20. Education of an Informed Society

21. Our Place in the Universe
Where are we?

24. 12 ½ light years away

25. 250 light years away

26. 5 thousand light years away

27. 50 thousand light years away

28. 500 thousand light years away

29. 5 million light years away

30. 100 million light years away

31. 1 billion light years away

32. 14 billion light years away

33. Origin and Fate of the Universe
This part of Astronomy is called Cosmology.
Cosmology seeks a scientific explanation for how the Universe began and how it might end (or will it go on forever?).

34. The Beginning – The Big Bang

35. 100 billion years from now the Universe will appear frozen in time as we look out into space. Only the light from the Local Group of galaxies will remain visible, if anyone is still around to see it.

36. True Science versus Science Fiction
Some astronomy stuff may be weird, BUT IT’S TRUE.
Black Holes.
Radiation from the beginning of the Universe.
Science fiction is just weird.
Favorite movies.

37. A Spinning Black Hole

38. Radiation from the Beginning of the Universe 13.7 billion years ago