Lecture Notes
Topic: Basics of Astronomy
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
• Define and explain key concepts
• Analyze examples and case studies
• Apply theoretical knowledge to solve problems
Overview
Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole. It
seeks to understand phenomena such as stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmology.
Key Terms
Term Definition
Light Year The distance light travels in one year, about 9.46 trillion kilometers.
Exoplanet A planet located outside our solar system.
Redshift The increase in wavelength of light from distant galaxies, indicating they are moving a
Worked Example / Case Study
Case Study: The discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system with seven Earth-sized exoplanets has
implications for the search for habitable worlds.
Conceptual Diagram
■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
■ Input ■ → ■ Process/Logic■ → ■ Output/Result ■
■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
Practice Problems
1. Define two of the key terms in your own words and give real-world examples.
2. Summarize the case study in three bullet points.
3. Identify one current event related to this topic and explain its relevance.
Summary
This lecture on basics of astronomy provided key concepts, examples, and exercises. Use the
references below to explore further.
Further Reading
• Carroll & Ostlie, *An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics*, Pearson, 2017.
• NASA Exoplanet Exploration: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov
