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ASTRON 0115 - INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY: BRITISH CONTRIBUTIONS AND DEVELOPMENTSMinimum Credits: 3 Maximum Credits: 3 This course will explore human knowledge of the solar system and of the night sky, as well as the growth of astronomy as a science. The development of astronomy in England has been influenced by many factors and represents a rich microcosm of the evolution of astronomy in the western world. British contributions to astronomy will be used to exemplify the progress and achievements of this field of science. Throughout history astronomy has been intertwined with both time-keeping and navigation and we will explore these connections in and around London. The passage of time is manifested through the motions of the sun which we will investigate when we visit sundials throughout London. More elaborate structures, like Stonehenge (which we will discuss and visit), can be used to mark the passage of time on greater scales. The importance of astronomy to time-keeping also made it invaluable to navigation. When we visit the National Maritime Museum we will examine and discuss the instruments in their Astronomical and Navigational Collection to elucidate the link between astronomy and navigation. This link between the two areas meant that the interests of astronomers intersected with the interests of the government which led to the development of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich which we will also visit and explore. Lastly, when we visit Westminster Abbey we will see that the importance of the work of astronomers was so valued that the scientists themselves were esteemed. Academic Career: Undergraduate Course Component: Lecture Grade Component: LG/SNC Elective Basis
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