Hi all, every year NUSAS (in collaboration with NTUAS) organises Astrochallenge. An Astronomy competition for Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges and Polytechnics.
This year, in conjunction with Astrochallenge, we have organised a crash course series on Astronomy and related subjects that is open to public.
If you plan to come down with friends, your astronomy club or just by yourself, do indicate on the form below
Google form link: https://goo.gl/forms/jIcqpcvWvo2j0Fh23
The abstracts of the talks are as follows:
Cosmology – Dr Cindy Ng (1230 – 1330)
Abstract: Cosmology is the study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. In physics, we study the universe through conducting astronomical observations of the universe’s large-scale structures and dynamics, and developing theories to construct viable cosmological models. This lecture provides an introduction to the Big Bang theory, which is the prevailing cosmological model for the universe. The history and development of the theory will be covered, and some outstanding problems will be discussed.
The Scientific Process in Astronomy – Prof Phil Chan (1345 – 1445)
Abstract: Science sounds so exact but what exactly is Science? Carl Sagan once mentioned that “Science is more than a body of knowledge[1]. It is a way of thinking by humans, a way of skeptically interrogating the Universe with a fine understanding of human fallibility”.[2] Science is indeed a process whereby we arrive at a certain conclusion based on a theoretical framework through the use of the language of mathematics.
[1] we do not distinguish epistemic (invisible) and ontological (visible) knowledge.
[2] “If we are not able to ask skeptical questions, to interrogate those who tell us that something is true, to be skeptical of those in authority, then, we are up for grabs for the next charlatan (political or religious) who comes rambling along.”
The Lifecycle of Stars
– Dr Abel Yang (1500 – 1600)
Abstract: We will start from interstellar gas leading into star formation, and build up a star. Then we will look at the physics of a single star before discussing the end stages of a star’s life.
