Topic outline

  • Course content and learning outcomes

    Course structure

    There will be one theory session and one practice session each week on the same topic. The sessions are complementary, the first aiming to give the theoretical and scientific background and the latter to provide practical details, such as simulations, exercises, discussions, and so on, to enhance the student's understanding.


    Theory sessions on Mondays at 14-16 in TU3 (TUAS 1171-72)

    • First theory session 7.1.2019.


    Practice sessions on Fridays at 10-12 in TU3 (TUAS 1171-72)

    • First practice session 18.1.2019.


    Exam

    The exam will be held on Friday 12.4.2019 at 9 - 11 in room TU3 (TBC).


    Workload

    • Contact hours: 48h (2x2h / week)
    • Independent work: 87h


    Course content

    • Basics of astronomy and space physics.
    • Building blocks and central properties of the universe and the solar system.
    • Emission mechanisms
    • Coordinate systems.
    • Celestial mechanics & orbits.
    • Observations of astronomical and solar system phenomena.
    • Space technology and missions.
    • Space science and technology research and education at Aalto University.


    Learning outcomes

    • After the course the student has the basic knowledge of astronomy, space physics and space technology that are needed for further studies.
    • The student knows the structure and central physical properties of the universe and the solar system, and the objects contained in them.
    • She/he identifies the basic concepts and tools of astronomy and space physics, and is able to solve simple problems related to them.
    • The student can list what kind of observations can be made of astronomical and solar system phenomena, and what is the motivation behind such efforts.
    • She/he can compute simple orbits of satellites using celestial and orbital mechanics, and can apply various celestial coordinate systems.
    • The student recognises the basic vocabulary used in space science and technology, and how Aalto University is situated in the national and international space research scenes.


    Teachers

    Anne Lähteenmäki, Jaan Praks, Esa Kallio, Merja Tornikoski and Joni Tammi


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