In this course we will explore the physical mechanisms that drive both galaxy and planet formation, albeit on different scales. We will look at physical theory, astronomical observation, and, of course, some stunning pictures, to help paint a story about how the universe evolved to look like how it does today. At the end of the course, we will have all learned just a bit more about our place in this magnificent universe.

Light is a vital tool in astronomy but we can do more with it than just take pretty pictures. In this class we will learn how astronomers split light into the electromagnetic spectrum, what that is, and what that can tell us about various objects throughout the universe. There will be an interactive demonstration to help students understand the physics behind why splitting light emitted from celestial objects creates useful scientific data. Once we know how the data is collected, we will connect it to current research topics in astronomy.