Prof. Hamilton's research concerns fundamental questions in astrophysics. His current work focuses on black holes and cosmology. He is well known for his scientifically accurate general relativistic visualizations of black holes, which have appeared widely on TV, on the internet, and in other venues. See http://jila.colorado.edu/~ajsh/insidebh/ for examples.
ASTR 1200 - Stars and Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Non-science majors are introduced to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities to attend nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040.
ASTR 2010 - Modern Cosmology-Origin and Structure of the Universe
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Introduces modern cosmology to nonscience majors. Covers the Big Bang; the age, size, and structure of the universe; and the origin of the elements and of stars, galaxies, the solar system, and life.
ASTR 2030 - Black Holes
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Black holes are one of the most bizarre phenomena of nature. Students are introduced to the predicted properties of black holes, astronomical evidence for their existence and formation, and modern ideas about space, time, and gravity.
ASTR 3740 - Cosmology and Relativity
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Special and general relativity as applied to astrophysics, cosmological models, observational cosmology, experimental relativity and the early universe. Elective for APS major and minor.
ASTR 5110 - Atomic and Molecular Processes
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Explores the application of quantum physics and statistical mechanics to problems in astrophysics, space physics and planetary science, with an emphasis on radiative processes and spectroscopy of atoms and molecules.
ASTR 5770 - Cosmology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Studies the smooth universe, including Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, Friedmann equations, cosmological parameters, inflation, primordial nucleosynthesis, recombination, and cosmic microwave background. Also studies the lumpy universe, including linear growth of fluctuations, power spectra of CMB and galaxies, dark matter, and large scale flows. Covers galaxy formation and intergalactic medium. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics or instructor consent will be required.
