Faculty of the Department of Astronomy
Abraham Loeb, Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science (Chair)Charles Alcock, Professor of Astronomy
Edo Berger, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Natural Sciences
David Charbonneau, Professor of Astronomy (Director of Undergraduate Studies)
Daniel James Eisenstein, Professor of Astronomy
Douglas Finkbeiner, Associate Professor of Astronomy
Alyssa A. Goodman, Professor of Astronomy
Jonathan E. Grindlay, Paine Professor of Practical Astronomy
Lars Hernquist, Mallinckrodt Professor of Astrophysics
Robert P. Kirshner, Clowes Professor of Science (on leave spring term)
John M. Kovac, Assistant Professor of Astronomy and of Physics
Julia C. Lee, Associate Professor of Astronomy
James M. Moran, Donald H. Menzel Professor of Astrophysics
Ramesh Narayan, Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of the Natural Sciences (Director of Graduate Studies)
Dimitar D. Sasselov, Professor of Astronomy (on leave fall term)
Irwin I. Shapiro, Timken University Professor
Alicia M. Soderberg, Assistant Professor of Astronomy
Christopher Stubbs, Professor of Physics and of Astronomy, Harvard College Professor
Other Faculty Offering Instruction in the Department of Astronomy
Sean M. Andrews, Lecturer on AstronomyRaymond Blundell, Lecturer on Astronomy
Steven Robert Cranmer, Lecturer on Astronomy
Alexander Dalgarno, Phillips Professor of Astronomy, Emeritus
Thomas M. Dame, Lecturer on Astronomy
Rosanne Di Stefano, Lecturer on Astronomy
Martin S. Elvis, Lecturer on Astronomy
Daniel G. Fabricant, Lecturer on Astronomy
Giovanni G. Fazio, Lecturer on Astronomy
Christine Jones Forman, Lecturer on Astronomy
William R. Forman, Lecturer on Astronomy
Anna Frebel, Lecturer on Astronomy
Lincoln J. Greenhill, Lecturer on Astronomy and Senior Research Fellow
Matthew Holman, Lecturer on Astronomy
Justin C. Kasper, Lecturer on Astronomy
David W. Latham, Lecturer on Astronomy
Jeffrey E. McClintock, Lecturer on Astronomy
Soren Christian Dalgaard Meibom, Lecturer on Astronomy
Ruth Ann Murray-Clay, Lecturer on Astronomy
Philip M. Sadler, Frances W Wright Senior Lecturer on Celestial Navigation in the Department of Astronomy
Patrick O. Slane, Lecturer on Astronomy
Howard A. Smith, Lecturer on Astronomy
Patrick Thaddeus, Robert Wheeler Willson Professor of Applied Astronomy, Emeritus
David J. Wilner, Lecturer on Astronomy
Qizhou Zhang, Lecturer on Astronomy
Astronomy 16 provides an introduction to stellar and planetary astrophysics, and Astronomy 17 provides an introduction to galactic and extragalactic astrophysics. Both courses use single-variable calculus and some introductory mechanics. Together these two courses, which may be taken in either order, provide a complete introductory survey of astrophysics. Astronomy 16 and 17 form the foundation for both the secondary field and the concentration in astrophysics. Both courses receive Gen Ed credit. Students interested in an introduction to the methods of observational astrophysics are encouraged to consider Astronomy 100, which includes a trip to use the telescopes located at the F. L. Whipple Observatory in Arizona. Astronomy 98 is a research tutorial intended for students pursuing the astrophysics concentration or secondary field, although this course is open in special cases to concentrators in related fields. Students interested in substantial independent research during their senior year should consider Astronomy 99, leading to the senior thesis. Astronomy 110, 120, 130, 150, 151, 191, 192, and 193 each offer the opportunity for study of a particular field of astrophysics. Each of these courses requires preparation in mathematics and physics.
Students interested in an introduction to astronomy that presumes no mathematical preparation above the level of high school algebra should consider SPU 19, SPU 21, SPU 22, SPU 30, and Astronomy 2. These courses use a variety of approaches aimed at introducing the key concepts that address some of the great questions of astronomy.
Primarily for Undergraduates
Astronomy 2. Celestial NavigationCatalog Number: 2179 Enrollment: Limited to 30.
Philip M. Sadler
Half course (fall term). Tu., 11:30-1:30, Tu., 7-10 pm. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14, 15, 18
Never be lost again! Find your way on sea, land, or air by employing celestial and terrestrial techniques. Acquire expertise in using navigators’ tools (sextant, compass, and charts) while learning the steps to the celestial dance of the sun, moon, stars, and planets. This 108-year-old course continues to rely on practical skills and collaborative problem-solving, while utilizing historical artifacts (instruments, maps, captains’ logs) and student-built devices. Culminating in a day-long cruise to practice navigation skills.
Note: Minimal lecturing; predominantly practical activities with individual attention from teaching staff. Math beyond high school trigonometry and geometry unnecessary.
Astronomy 16. Stellar and Planetary Astronomy
Catalog Number: 8813
David Charbonneau
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course provides an introduction to the physical principles describing the formation and evolution of stars and their planetary companions. Topics include thermal radiation and stellar spectra; telescopes; energy generation in stars; stellar evolution; orbital dynamics; the Solar system; and exoplanets. This course includes an observational component: students will determine the distance to the Sun, and use the Clay Telescope atop the Science Center to study stellar evolution and detect exoplanets.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Science of the Physical Universe or the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in mechanics, which may be taken concurrently, satisfied by Physics 11a, or Physics 15a, or Physics 16.
Astronomy 17. Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy
Catalog Number: 22304
Daniel James Eisenstein
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2:30–4; . EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course provides an introduction to the physical principles describing galaxies and the composition and evolution of the Universe. Topics include the interstellar medium; star clusters; the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way; other galaxies; clusters of galaxies; active galaxies and quasars; cosmology; and the early universe. This course includes an observational component: In addition to observing galaxies with the Science Center Clay Telescope, students will use the millimeter-wavelength telescope at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics to measure the rotation velocity of the Milky Way galaxy and to determine its mass.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Science of the Physical Universe or the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in mechanics, which may be taken concurrently, satisfied by Physics lla, or Physics 15a, or Physics 16.
*Astronomy 91r. Supervised Reading and Research
Catalog Number: 1545
Abraham Loeb and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Supervised reading and research in a subject of astrophysics that is not normally included in
the regular course offerings of the department.
Note: Students must arrange for course supervision with an individual member of the Department. The course may be counted only once toward the concentration requirements, and may not be taken more than twice.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 16 or Astronomy 17.
*Astronomy 98. Research Tutorial in Astrophysics
Catalog Number: 3121
Douglas Finkbeiner and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). M., 4–5:30, Tu., 5:30–7:30 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 9, 18
This tutorial introduces students to research at the forefront of astrophysics, and provides opportunities for students to meet with research scientists and individuals active in science
policy, education, and journalism. Students meet weekly for a lecture and discussion over dinner with a guest speaker, preceded by a reading and a preparatory seminar. Students will be mentored throughout the term on a research project of their choosing. The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics is home to one of the largest groups of astronomers in the world, providing extensive opportunities for undergraduate research.
Note: Open to students pursuing the concentration or secondary field in astrophysics, and in special cases to concentrators in other physical sciences.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 16 or Astronomy 17.
*Astronomy 99. Senior Thesis in Astrophysics
Catalog Number: 5413
James M. Moran and members of the Department
Full course. Hours to be arranged.
For honors candidates in Astrophysics. Individually supervised reading and research
leading to the senior thesis. The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics is home to one of the largest groups of astronomers in the world, providing extensive opportunities for undergraduate research.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 98.
Cross-listed Courses
Earth and Planetary Sciences 52. Introduction to Global Geophysics - (New Course)[Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning 19 (formerly Quantitative Reasoning 46). The Art of Numbers]
[Science of the Physical Universe 19 (formerly Science A-35). The Energetic Universe]
Science of the Physical Universe 21 (formerly Science A-36). Stellar Understanding of the Cosmos
Science of the Physical Universe 22. The Unity of Science: From the Big Bang to the Brontosaurus and Beyond
Science of the Physical Universe 30 (formerly Science A-54). Life as a Planetary Phenomenon
For Undergraduates and Graduates
Astronomy 100. Methods of Observational AstronomyCatalog Number: 95134
Edo Berger
Half course (spring term). W., 12–2, F., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 5, 6, 7, 8
In this course we will learn the basic tools of modern astronomical research, including telescopes, detectors, imaging, spectroscopy, and common software. Emphasis will be placed on both the theory behind telescopes and their use, and hands-on experience with real data. Using this basic knowledge we will analyze science-level astronomical data from a wide range of telescopes and review the basic properties of stars, galaxies, and other astronomical objects of interest. The course includes a trip to the F. L. Whipple Observatory on Mount Hopkins, Arizona, to gather data with various telescopes.
Note: This course is similar in content to Astronomy 97 (no longer offered). Students who have taken Astronomy 97 may not take Astronomy 100 for credit.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 16 or Astronomy 17, either of which may be taken concurrently.
[Astronomy 110. Exoplanets]
Catalog Number: 43612
David Charbonneau
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A survey of the rapidly-evolving field of the detection and characterization of planets orbiting other stars. Topics includes proto-stellar collapse and star formation; comets, meteorites, and protoplanetary disk structure; models of planet formation; methods of detecting extrasolar planets; composition and physical structure of planets; planetary atmospheres; habitable zones; greenhouse effect; biosignatures.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 16.
Astronomy 120. Stellar Physics
Catalog Number: 58719
Alicia M. Soderberg
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1; M., 7–9 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Stars are the basic building blocks of galaxies and are responsible for the nucleosynthesis of most of the elements. Topics include stellar structure; energy transport in stars; stellar atmospheres; astroseismology; nuclear fusion in stars; stellar evolution; nucleosynthesis of the elements; stellar death and supernovae; the degenerate remnants of stars; black holes. This course will make use of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics, but will review these subjects as necessary.
Note: Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 16. Physics 15c strongly recommended.
[Astronomy 130. Cosmology]
Catalog Number: 73826
Douglas Finkbeiner
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
The physical model describing the initial conditions, evolution, and ultimate fate of the Universe. Topics include cosmic dynamics; the Robertson-Walker Metric; curvature; estimating cosmological parameters; the accelerating universe; dark matter; gravitational lensing; the cosmic microwave background; nucleosynthesis; inflation and the very early universe; formation of structure.
Note: Offered in alternate years.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 17 or Physics 15c.
Astronomy 150. Radiative Processes in Astrophysics
Catalog Number: 8993
Ramesh Narayan
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course offers a survey of radiative processes of astrophysical importance from radio waves
to gamma rays. Topics include thermal and non-thermal processes, including bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, and Compton scattering; radiation in plasmas; atomic and molecular spectra.
Note: Open to seniors concentrating in Astrophysics or Physics. Juniors considering this course should contact the instructor.
Prerequisite: Physics 143a.
[Astronomy 151. Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics]
Catalog Number: 3025
Lars Hernquist
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Fluid and gas dynamics with applications drawn from astrophysical phenomena. Topics include: kinetic theory, diffusive effects, incompressible fluids, inviscid and viscous flows, boundary layer theory, accretion disks, fluid instabilities, turbulence, convection, gas dynamics, linear (sound) waves, method of characteristics, Riemann invariants, supersonic flow, non-linear waves, shocks, similarity solutions, blast waves, radiative shocks, ionization fronts, magnetohygrodynamics, hydromagnetic shocks, dynamos, gravitational collapse, principles of plasma physics, Landau damping, computational approaches, stability criteria, particle based (Lagrangian) methods, adaptive mesh refinement, radiation hydrodynamics.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
Astronomy 189. Exoplanet Systems - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 92184 Enrollment:
Matthew Holman and Ruth Ann Murray-Clay
Half course (spring term). M., F., 12:30–2. EXAM GROUP: 5, 6
Introduction to the formation and dynamical evolution of planetary systems. We will discuss how and where planets form and how their orbits evolve with time, shaping the diversity of planetary systems now observed. Applications will be drawn from extrasolar planetary systems as well as our own solar system.
Note: For 2012-13, this course replaces Astronomy 110, which is similar in content. This course will use results from thermodynamics. Supplemental lectures will be offered for students who have not completed Physics 181 or Engineering Sciences 181.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 16, and a course in mechanics at the level of Physics 15a or above.
Astronomy 191. Astrophysics Laboratory
Catalog Number: 3615
John M. Kovac and Jonathan E. Grindlay
Half course (fall term). F., 2-5, and hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 9
Laboratory and observational projects in astrophysics. Students design and undertake two projects from a selection including: observational studies of the cosmic microwave background radiation, molecules in interstellar clouds, the rotation of the galaxy, galactic molecular sources with the submillimeter array (SMA), stars and clusters with the Clay Telescope; and laboratory experiments including super-conducting submillimeter detectors, x-ray CCDs, and hard x-ray imaging detectors and telescopes.
Note: Primarily for concentrators in astrophysics or combined concentrators with physics. Students with physics as their primary concentration, but with a serious interest in astrophysics, may take this to satisfy their laboratory requirement (in lieu of Physics 191) upon petition to the Head Tutor in Physics.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 16 or 17, or Physics 15c or equivalent.
Astronomy 193. Noise and Data Analysis in Astrophysics
Catalog Number: 4495
James M. Moran
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
How to design experiments and get the most information from noisy, incomplete, flawed, and biased data sets. Basic of Probability theory; Bernoulli trials: Bayes theorem; random variables; distributions; functions of random variables; moments and characteristic functions; Fourier transform analysis; Stochastic processes; estimation of power spectra: sampling theorem, filtering; fast Fourier transform; spectrum of quantized data sets. Weighted least mean squares analysis and nonlinear parameter estimation. Bootstrap methods. Noise processes in periodic phenomena. Image processing and restoration techniques. The course will emphasize a Bayesian approach to problem solving and the analysis of real data sets.
Note: Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 21b or equivalent.
Cross-listed Courses
Applied Mathematics 111. Introduction to Scientific Computing[Earth and Planetary Sciences 121. Terrestrial Planets]
[Earth and Planetary Sciences 161 (Global Tectonics). Planetary Physics and Global Tectonics]
*Physics 191r. Advanced Laboratory
Primarily for Graduates
These courses are primarily aimed at graduate students in astronomy, although properly prepared undergraduates and graduate students from other fields are welcome. The required graduate core courses are Astronomy 150, 201a and b, and 202a and b, while a wide range of advanced courses is available for further work. Courses may be available as reading courses at times other than those shown, by arrangement with the instructor. Graduate students in Astronomy are required to take one graduate physics course selected from Physics 210 or 251a (or Astronomy 251). More advanced physics courses may be substituted upon petition to the Committee on Academic Studies.Astronomy 201a. Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics
Catalog Number: 4303
Steven Robert Cranmer
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Stars are the basic building blocks of the universe, and they are responsible for the production of most elements via nucleosynthesis. This course covers the energy generation and transport in stars, stellar atmospheres and radiative transfer, stellar evolution, and asteroseismology. The Sun and its heliosphere are also studied as the closest and best-studied examples of a star and its circumstellar plasma. This course also provides a brief survey of planetary astrophysics, including the dominant processes acting in the interiors and atmospheres of planets in our own solar system and in others.
Note: Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 150 (may be taken concurrently).
Astronomy 201b. Interstellar Medium and Star Formation
Catalog Number: 4206
Alyssa A. Goodman
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Nature of the Interstellar Medium (ISM): composition, energetics, densities and interactions; observations and theory. Processes leading to the formation of stars and planets, as well as studies of the feedback on the ISM from stellar deaths.
Note: Offered in alternate years.
[Astronomy 202a. Galaxies and Dynamics]
Catalog Number: 8237
Daniel James Eisenstein
Half course (fall term). M., W., 9:30–11. EXAM GROUP: 2, 3
An overview of extragalactic astronomy. Galaxy formation, evolution and properties, galactic dynamics, clustering, gas dynamics, star formation and other topics at the frontiers of extragalactic astronomy.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
[Astronomy 202b. Cosmology]
Catalog Number: 2446
Abraham Loeb
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 9:30–11. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12
The cosmological principle: isotropy and homogeneity, cosmological world models, thermal history of the Big Bang, the microwave background, inflation, growth of density fluctuations, large scale structure and other topics at the frontiers of cosmology.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
[Astronomy 218. Radio Astronomy]
Catalog Number: 2883
James M. Moran
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Historical development; diffraction theory of antennas and interferometers; signal detection and measurement techniques. Thermal, synchrotron and spectral-line emission in the context of radio observations of the sun, planets, pulsars, masers, hydrogen clouds, molecular clouds, ionized regions, active galaxies, quasars, and the cosmic background. Observational projects and laboratory exercises carried out with the Submillimeter Array, Haystack Observatory and the CMB Laboratory.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 150 or Physics 153 recommended.
[Astronomy 219. High Energy Astrophysics]
Catalog Number: 1858
Edo Berger and Ramesh Narayan
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Discussion of relativistic and high-energy astrophysical phenomena and observational techniques. Accretion onto compact stars (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes); active galactic nuclei, galaxy clusters. Gamma-ray bursts and cosmic rays. X-ray and gamma-ray background.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
[*Astronomy 224. Solar System Dynamics]
Catalog Number: 8374
Matthew Holman
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to the techniques of modern solar system dynamics, applied to our own solar system as well as to extra solar planetary systems. Research component focuses on applications of solar system dynamics to data from Pan-STARRS-1.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
Prerequisite: Physics 11a, 15a, or 16.
Astronomy 251. Quantum Mechanics for Astrophysics
Catalog Number: 5381
Lars Hernquist
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Quantum mechanics with applications to atomic and molecular processes important in astronomical environments. Atomic and molecular structure; spectroscopy (selection rules, oscillator strengths, photoionization); scattering theory (elastic, inelastic, approximate methods); line broadening; collision processes (cross sections, rate coefficients) involving electrons, ions, atoms, and molecules.
Note: Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Physics 143a or the equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed Courses
Applied Mathematics 205. Advanced Scientific Computing: Numerical Methods[Earth and Planetary Sciences 238. Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer of Planetary Atmospheres]
Earth and Planetary Sciences 250r. Topics in Planetary Sciences: Fundamentals and Applications of Dynamic Compression
Physics 210. General Theory of Relativity
Physics 251a. Advanced Quantum Mechanics I
Graduate Courses of Reading and Research
Unless otherwise specified, these courses are given fall term, repeated spring term.*Astronomy 300. Topics in Modern Astrophysics
Catalog Number: 7915
Charles Alcock 5194, Sean M. Andrews 6903, Edo Berger 6027, Raymond Blundell 2753, David Charbonneau 5225, Steven Robert Cranmer 3185, Alexander Dalgarno 1157, Thomas M. Dame 2755, Rosanne Di Stefano 1508, Daniel James Eisenstein 6590, Martin S. Elvis 2530, Daniel G. Fabricant 3711, Giovanni G. Fazio 1143, Douglas Finkbeiner 5556, Christine Jones Forman 5766, William R. Forman 6075, Anna Frebel 3187, Alyssa A. Goodman 3348, Lincoln J. Greenhill 4490, Jonathan E. Grindlay 4593, Lars Hernquist 4250, Matthew Holman 1260, Justin C. Kasper 6261, Robert P. Kirshner 1071 (on leave spring term), John M. Kovac 6553, David W. Latham 3716, Julia C. Lee 5305, Abraham Loeb 3349, Jeffrey E. McClintock 2108, James M. Moran 4090, Ruth Ann Murray-Clay 6913, Ramesh Narayan 2871, Philip M. Sadler 2231, Dimitar D. Sasselov 1020 (on leave fall term), Irwin I. Shapiro 7660, Patrick O. Slane 4838, Howard A. Smith 6880, Alicia M. Soderberg 6570, Christopher Stubbs 4856, Patrick Thaddeus 1398, David J. Wilner 2855, and Qizhou Zhang 4477
A seminar, reading, or research course may be arranged with any of the faculty listed. Students can also arrange to obtain Astronomy 300 credit for reading or research with scientific staff members of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics; consult Astronomy Department office.
*Astronomy 301hf. Journal Club
Catalog Number: 5224
Edo Berger 6027 and Alicia M. Soderberg 6570
Half course (throughout the year). Tu., at 4.
Each week two speakers (faculty, lecturers, and students) will report on current research in astronomy, providing students with an opportunity to practice the organization and presentation of technical material. A minimum of one presentation will be expected from each student each year focused on their own research or new results in the literature. Faculty will similarly discuss recent results from the literature, as well as their own research as a way to provide an overview of research activities at the Harvard Astronomy Department. The course is intended as an opportunity for substantive discussion, as an opportunity to find out about research activities, and to foster interaction between the students and faculty.
*Astronomy 302. Scientists Teaching Science
Catalog Number: 9869
Philip M. Sadler 2231
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–3:30.
Learn the secrets of lecturing well, leading discussions, connecting to real-world applications, and creating tests in any scientific discipline as we focus on relevant educational research and case studies, plus engage in practical classroom activities.
Note: Open to graduate students in all areas of science. Assignments help illustrate research findings from life, earth, and physical science education. Undergraduates with an interest in teaching at the pre-college level may be admitted with instructor permission.
Prerequisite: Experience as a teaching fellow or tutor.