Summer in Boulder is a great time to become reacquainted with the wonders of our Universe. For the past thirty years, humankind has undertaken an extraordinary exploration of our own cosmic neighborhood, the solar system. Much of our current knowledge has been provided by the results of robot explorers to the planets--an adventure in which the University of Colorado has played an important role. In this course (APAS 1110), we will get to know each of our neighboring planets, their moons, and the sun. We'll explore how scientists know what they know about the solar system, based on the application of simple physical principles and critical thinking. Using these tools, we will also discuss current theories for Earth, the planets, and the origin of life. To help us examine these issues, we will make use of some unique facilities that are available to us at the University of Colorado: some classes will be conducted at the Fiske Planetarium, where the night sky from any time or place can be simulated over our heads; and, in addition, the telescopes of the Sommers-Bausch Observatory will be available for special night sessions. APAS 1110 is approved for the arts and sciences core curriculum: natural sciences.
For more information, contact the University of Colorado, Department of Astrophysical, Planetary and Atmospheric Sciences, Campus Box 391, Boulder, CO 80309-0391; telephone (303) 492-8915, fax (303) 492-3822.