The Universe is teeming with planets; we now know of thousands of them orbiting stars other than our Sun. Zach Berta-Thompson observes transiting exoplanets -- those that pass in front of their stars as seen from Earth, resulting in periodic dimmings. Specializing in time-series photometry and spectroscopy with astronomical telescopes, Berta-Thompson searches for new transiting planets and studies the composition and dynamics of their atmospheres. By developing new observational techniques and applying them to planets in diverse environments, he aims to understand the fundamental processes that sculpt the evolution of planetary atmospheres. This research makes use both of large ground-based telescopes, like the 3.5m telescope at Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico, and premier space-based telescopes, like the Hubble Space Telescope or the soon-to-be-launched James Webb Space Telescope.
ASTR 1030 - Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 1
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2023
Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Earth, Sun, moon, planets and origin of life. Requires nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Like ASTR 1000 and 1010, but taught at a higher intellectual level, including a significant amount of quantitative analysis. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 2600 - Introduction to Scientific Programming
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019
Introduces principles, methods and tools of scientific programming commonly used in research. Topics include an introduction to programming in Python, data structures, numerical methods for calculus and data manipulation/visualization. Techniques covered are relevant to many technical fields but emphasis is placed on application to problems in astronomy and planetary science. Class time is split between lectures and in-lab tutorials. Degree credit not granted for this course and PHYS 2600.
ASTR 3400 - Research Methods in Astronomy
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2018
Introduces research methods in astronomy and engages students in an active research project. The research projects will vary and may include astronomical observations, data analysis, scientific programming, theoretical models and statistical inference. As part of their research, students will read scientific papers, attend local seminars and prepare oral and written research proposals and reports. Elective for ASTR majors.
ASTR 3510 - Observations and Instrumentation 1
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Lab course in astronomical observation and instrumentation. Hands-on exercises include obtaining and analyzing multi-wavelength data, basic optical design and instrumentation and statistical analysis of data, with emphasis on imaging applications. A significant number of night time observation sessions are required. Elective for APS majors. Practical Python knowledge required (ASTR/PHYS 2600 or equivalent strongly recommended.) Elective for APS minors on space available basis.
ASTR 5810 - Planetary Atmospheres
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2020 / Spring 2022
Covers the structure, composition, and dynamics of planetary atmospheres. Also includes origin of planetary atmospheres, chemistry and cloud physics, greenhouse effects, climate, and the evolution of planetary atmospheres past and future.
ASTR 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics. Same as ATOC 5835 and GEOL 5835.
GEOL 5810 - Planetary Atmospheres
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2020
Covers the structure, composition, and dynamics of planetary atmospheres. Includes the origin of planetary atmospheres, chemistry and cloud physics, greenhouse effects, climate, and the evolution of planetary atmospheres - past and future. Same as ATOC 5810 and ASTR 5810.
GEOL 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics. Same as ATOC 5835 and ASTR 5835.
