ASTR 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Local Group, Spiral Galaxy, Hubble Deep Field
Document Summary
Chapter 1, big picture, short history of the universe. Astronomy is defined as the study of the objects that lie beyond our planet. Earth and the processes by which these objects interact with one another. It involves tracing the evolutionary process of the cosmos to become as hospitable as it is today. Science is a method and through its observations, we can model scientific phenomena (early geocentric universe, current heliocentric solar system) Hypotheses are proposed, which after experimentation and observation, become part of the astronomical paradigm. Condition: they have to be able to be tested. Astronomy is largely an observational and historical science rather than experimental (similar to forensics) Peer reviews reinforce the self-correcting aspect of science - we challenge each others" hypotheses. We derive scientific laws from the scientific process. These assumptions of uniformities across the universe allow us to make scientific progress. Math is more precise in describing the universe than any other language.
