Syllabus for Roster(s):

  • 17Sp ASTR 1260-001 (CGAS)
In the UVaCollab course site:   17Sp ASTR 1260 Threats

Course Description

Threats from Outer Space

This course deals with harmful, or potentially harmful, astronomical phenomena, such as asteroid/comet impacts, solar storms, supernovae, cosmic rays, gamma ray bursts, black holes, galaxy collisions, evolution of the Sun, and the end of the universe. Attack by extraterrestrials is also included in the mix. Sensational claims have been made in these areas, so the reasonableness of various claims will be examined carefully. Physical principles will be used to evaluate the dangers involved. Various astronomical phenomena will be described, even if the threat level is low.

Course book: Philip Plait, Death from the Skies! The Science Behind the End of the World, Penguin, 2008.