Robinson Center Saturday Enrichment Program
Winter 2016 Astronomy Course: Alien Worlds
Instructor: Kristen Garofali
Here you will find information (syllabus, assignments and lectures) for the Robinson Center Saturday course I am currently teaching. This quarter the course is entitled “Alien Worlds,” and focuses on exoplanets, or planets outside the solar system. Students will address the following questions throughout the course of the quarter:
- How do we detect and characterize exoplanets?
- What factors determine if an exoplanet is likely to be habitable?
- How is habitability of alien worlds portrayed in popular shows and movies versus how do scientists view habitable exoplanets?
- How common are habitable exoplanets and what does this mean for our search for intelligent life on other worlds?
Contact: garofali AT uw DOT edu