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Sinclair College
444 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402

AST 1111 The Solar System

Patterns and movements of celestial objects; history of astronomy; gravity, light, and matter; various types of telescopes; origins of the solar system; properties of planets and their moons; asteroids, comets, meteoroids and space exploration. Students must sign up for concurrent lab sections.

Prerequisites: MAT 0100 or MAT 0600 or MAT 1450 or MAT 1110 or MAT 1130 or MAT 1445

Course Outcomes
  • Compare and contrast the geocentric versus heliocentric views of the the universe by presenting historical evidence to support the progression of these views.
  • Compare and contrast the physical and orbital properties of Terrestrial versus Jovian planets.
  • Describe the current theory for the formation of the solar system and analyze the evidence that is available in support of this theory.
  • Describe the nature of electromagnetic radiation, explain how light is produced and the various instruments that astronomers use in making observations and measurements. Apply the principles of spectroscopy to deduce basic properties like composition and temperature of celestial objects.
  • Describe the characteristics that distinguish the minor bodies of the solar system (moons, asteroids, comets, meteoroids) and given a set of physical properties of a minor body, identify the object.
  • Explain the daily and yearly motions of the Sun, cause of seasons, phases of the Moon, eclipses and the motions of the planets and stars based on observations of these celestial objects in the sky.
Credit Hours: 3
  • Classroom: 3 hours
  • Division: Science, Mathematics and Engineering
  • Department: Astronomy
  • Repeatable Credit: No
  • Offered Online: Yes
Available Sections
Online Learning
Online Learning
Faculty: Wright
Term: Summer 2023
Format: Condensed content. Shorter than normal term. Complete work online when it fits your schedule, while adhering to weekly deadlines. No scheduled meeting times. Requires computer and high-speed internet.
Note: Must register for AST-1117-500, 501, or 502
Course Fee: $22.50
Open Seats: 2
Section: 500
Open Seats: 2
Section: 500
Online Learning
Online Learning
Faculty: Wright
Term: Summer 2023
Format: Condensed content. Shorter than normal term. Complete work online when it fits your schedule, while adhering to weekly deadlines. No scheduled meeting times. Requires computer and high-speed internet.
Note: Must register for AST-1117-500, 501, or 502
Course Fee: $22.50
Open Seats: 18
Section: 501
Open Seats: 18
Section: 501