Robert Wallace Astronomy 220

Titles in this series:

• How Do Telescopes Work?

  In this program, you will learn about the history of the telescope, the modern-day telescope, and how telescopes work. Topics include: refracting telescopes, large telescopes, the job of modern-day telescopes, the Milky Way, black holes, and the beginning of the Universe.

• The Solar System

  The Solar System is approximately five billion years old, but how did it begin? This program covers the basic theories of origins of the Solar System. Topics include: planets of the Solar System, satellites, future of the Solar System, evolution of the sun, mass of the Solar System, and other galaxies.

• The Sun, Source of Energy and Life

  The Sun is one of the billions of stars found in our galaxy. In this program, you’ll learn about the physical characteristics of the Sun: size, distance, mass, temperature. We will also cover helium atoms, nuclear fusion, the ocean, the Sun as a source of energy, and more!

• What Are Comets?

  In ancient days, comets were considered to be harbingers of ill-fortune. Today, comets provide possible answers about the origins of our Solar System. In this program, you’ll learn about the composition of comets, their structure, and their behavior patterns in the Solar System. We’ll also discuss the orbits of comets, their origins and evolution, and one of the most famous comets of all: Halley’s Comet.

• What Are Stars?

  The Milky Way is made up of approximately 15 billion stars. What are stars, and how are they formed? This program will discuss that and more, including our most famous star: the Sun. We’ll also learn about the planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.