ASTRONOMY - UNIVERSE

The Big Bang Theory

1.  Outline the major components of the known universe, including galaxies, stars, solar systems, black holes and nebulae.

2.  Define the astronomical unit (AU), light year and parsec, and identify where they are used.

3.  Calculate weight, compared to earth, on other astronomical bodies.

4.  State the Big Bang Theory.

5.  Investigate the evidence that led to the prediction and discovery of the expansion of the universe by Hubble and Friedman.

6.  Describe the Steady State theory for the origin of the universe, and explain why it was replaced.

Stars

7.  Describe the source of the energy of a sun as nuclear fusion, where mass is converted to energy.

8.  Investigate the emission spectra of stars. (Extension)

9.  Investigate the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, and the basis of the different characteristics of stars. (Extension)

10.  Identify the Sun as a Main Sequence star.

11.  Describe the stages of the life cycle of a star, including the role that gravity plays in the cycle.

Astrophysics today and the future

12.   Identify and describe the impact of two technologies that changed our understanding of the universe.

13.   Identify some of the Big Questions still being asked in Astrophysics.