
Exhibitions
Meanwhile, More Light
Dennison Hall window mural by Jim Cogswell, opens Nov 2008
Out of this World
Astronomical images, Hatcher Library Gallery, Feb 1 - Mar 7, 2009
Imaging the Universe
Fine art, A & D Slusser Gallery, Feb 6 - Mar 6, 2009
University of Michigan Astronomy Research
Exhibit Museum of Natural History, Jan - Jul, 2009
New Views of the Universe
Multimedia exhibit, Exhibit Museum, Jan 30 - Jul 30, 2009
ViewSpace Hubble exhibit
Exhibit Museum of Natural History, opens Jan, 2009
Rare Manuscripts by Galileo, Kepler, and others
Special Collections Library, Feb - Apr, 2009
Celestial Maps
Third Thursday in the Map Library, Feb 19
Also, on-line exhibit at the University Libraries
Silence by Jim Cogswell
Fine art, Residential College Gallery, Mar 6 - Apr 10, 2009
Detroit Works Gallery
Astronomical images, Mar 15 - Apr 15
Talks
Astronomy of the 21st Century
Distinguished Speaker Series, Location TBA, 7:30 pm
1/23, 2/6, 2/20, 3/13, 4/3
Saturday Morning Physics
Lecture Series, 170 Dennison
Saturdays, 10:30 am, Dates TBA
Eyes on the Universe
Lecture Series, Exhibit Museum of Natural History, 7:30 pm
1/28, 2/18, 3/18
Exhibit Museum's Science Cafe
Conor O'Neil's, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
1/14, 2/11, 3/11, 4/15
Events
Campus Star Parties
hosted by University Lowbrow Astronomers, Ingalls Mall, 8 pm
2/14, 3/7, 4/4
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Space-themed concert, Michigan Theater
March 19 & 22
Galileo by Bertolt Brecht
Theater production, Residential College Auditorium
March 27 - March 29
Sciencepalooza
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
April 4 & 5
FestiFools Parade
Main Street, 4-5 pm
April 5
Detroit Observatory
Open houses at 150-year-old Ann Arbor landmark
Antique Telescope Society
Annual meeting, Detroit Observatory
May 8 - May 10
Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Program
Universe theme
Theme Semester Courses
Astro 115:
Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe
This course introduces the exciting new field of astrobiology, exploring the origins of life in the Universe. Scientific methods and an overview of star and planet formation are included. The course then explores the origin of life on Earth, focusing on the emergence and diversity of life on our planet. These factors will then be used to explore the question of life in the Solar System now or potentially in the past. We then delve into the exciting search for "extra-solar" planets and their biological potential. Finally, we speculate on the existence of life in the Universe, the possibility of communication with E.T. and, ultimately, travel between the stars. This course is intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school background. (3 credits, BS, QR/2, NS)
Astro 188:
The Cosmos Through the Constellations
Tour the constellations that are visible this season, and explore topics in both basic and frontier astronomy by examining notable astronomical phenomena associated with these star patterns. This course will also relate mythology linked to the origin of the constellations and discuss celestial cartography. We will typically explore one constellation per lecture, focusing on the nature of astronomical objects of which a prototypical example is found in the featured constellation. There will be two one-hour lectures per week, and one discussion section per week, held in the Angell Hall planetarium. (3 credits, BS, QR/2, NS)
History 239:
Zoom - The History of Everything
This interdisciplinary course integrates the human story with its terrestrial and cosmic surroundings. The course addresses issues of scale by shifting perspectives in space and time through orders of magnitude; class sessions narrow the picture from galaxy clusters to our own planet. In addition, the course focuses on themes of complexity and connection - showing how the universe has its own history, characterized by the emergence of more complex aggregates of atoms, molecules, and elements. These units grow in complexity as they succeed in extracting ever increasing amounts of energy from their environments. The class then shows how human communities developed, through interregional connections, new ways to share and exploit natural resources. Yet just as stars and galaxies face ultimate collapse, so global human society now confronts a range of resource challenges that are difficult to overcome. (4 credits)