Dr. Madigan studies stellar and gas dynamics near massive black holes, with applications to our Galactic center, the Andromeda nucleus and post-starburst galaxies. She also explores the collective gravity of icy bodies in the outer solar system, and is interested in exoplanet dynamics and white dwarf pollution.
keywords
orbital dynamics, stars around supermassive black holes, minor planets in outer Solar System
ASTR 1030 - Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
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 2030 - Black Holes
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
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 3710 - Formation & Dynamics of Planetary Systems
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Covers the origin of planetary systems and their dynamical evolution. Topics include the physics and chemistry of planetary formation, orbital mechanics and extrasolar planets. This course and ASTR 3720 and ASTR 3750 may be taken in any order. Elective for APS major and minor.
ASTR 5720 - Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Highlights the classification, structure, content, dynamics, and other observational properties of galaxies, active galaxies, and clusters of galaxies. Discusses Hubble's Law, the cosmic distance scale,and the intergalactic medium. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics.
ASTR 5820 - Origin and Evolution of Planetary Systems
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Considers the origin and evolution of planetary systems, including proto-planetary disks, condensation in the solar nebula, composition of meteorites, planetary accretion, comets, asteroids, planetary rings and extrasolar planets. Applies celestial mechanics to the dynamical evolution of solar system bodies. Same as ATOC 5820 and GEOL 5820.
ASTR 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
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.
ASTR 6000 - Seminar in Astrophysics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Studies current research and research literature on an astrophysical topic. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for a total of 4 credit hours to meet candidacy requirements.
GEOL 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
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.
