Astronomy 100 - Exploring the Universe

Spring
2026
03
4.00
Alan Peel

TU TH 2:30PM 3:45PM

UMass Amherst
84781
Hasbrouck Laboratory room 134
acpeel@umass.edu
Lecture: For nonscience majors. Introductory survey of astronomy. How we learn about the Universe and what we already know of it, how it originated, evolves, and its ultimate fate. Emphasis on modern research in solar phenomena, stellar evolution (including white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes) and galaxy studies (including quasars). Lab: Multiple sections. For nonscience students. Introduction to the night sky, telescopes, astronomical events, and celestial maps. Visual and telescopic observations of the constellations, moon, planets, stars, an d other interesting astronomical objects. Gen.Ed.(PS)

A good understanding of high school algebra required. Attendance mandatory at first two class sessions; enrolled students who fail to show up may be dropped from class. Students who wish to enroll but are restricted from enrolling on Spire may speak with the Instructor after class.

Multiple required components--lab and/or discussion section. To register, submit requests for all components simultaneously.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.