January 29, 2010 Vol. 3, Issue 1
“Essentials of Astronomy for Engineers” offers an overview of what we know about the universe, from the Big Bang to the evolution of galaxies and planets.
Astronomy is the oldest science, born out of the human need to regulate life using the motions of the night sky. In the 21st century, it is also one of the most dynamic and exciting fields of science. After centuries of speculation and decades of research, astronomers are approaching answers to profound questions: how did the universe begin? What is the nature of dark energy and dark matter? What lies within the event horizon of a black hole? Is there life beyond the Earth in the universe?
The Academy of Program/Project & Engineering Leadership debuted “Essentials of Astronomy,” a three-day engineering course, to a full class of 30 students at Kennedy Space Center in January 2010. The Academy added “Essentials of Astronomy” to its engineering curriculum to offer NASA engineers a foundational understanding of astronomy, since their daily work is connected to cutting-edge exploration activities that attempt to answer fundamental questions.
University of Arizona Distinguished Professor Chris Impey, a leading expert in observational cosmology, gravitational lensing, and the evolution and structure of galaxies, designed this survey course to provide engineers with a firm grasp of the philosophical underpinnings of astronomy and the big picture of our current knowledge of the universe. “I’ve taught engineers at both ends of their careers — college freshmen taking a general education science requirement, and retired engineers in the Smithsonian Visiting Associates Program — so it is satisfying to teach the people involved in deploying and operating technology that has led to our current view of the universe,” said Dr. Impey.
Space missions embody both the ideals and inevitable trade-offs involved when humans harness their greatest minds and best technologies to learn more about the inhospitable realm of space. Engineering has enabled astronomers to leverage great technical advances in mirror and optics design, detector technologies, and real-time analysis of large quantities of data.
“NASA engineers design the hardware used to explore the universe, but most do not have a solid background in astronomy. This new course enables them to more fully understand the rationale and significance of the work they do,” said APPEL deputy director Roger Forsgren. “They have built the technologies used to explore and now they have the opportunity to see the results of their work — a better understanding of our universe.”
Dr. Impey brings world-class expertise along with engaging supporting resources including thought-provoking images, historical anecdotes, and even popular music and Hollywood movie clips to engage students. He presents the potentially overwhelming subject matter in an innovative manner by stepping through material “inside-out” through modules covering science, observing, mass-energy, planets, stars, galaxies, space-time, life, and meaning.
The next offering will take place March 8-10, 2010 at Marshall Space Flight Center, followed by sessions at Johnson Space Center and Goddard Space Flight this summer.
Learn more about Professor Chris Impey.
