Astronomy
Astronomy is a dynamic field that incorporates elements of physics, chemistry, and other physical sciences as well as mathematics and computer science. Astronomy students form a select group of capable, patient, motivated people who study the origin, structure, and evolution of planets, stars, and galaxies as well as the processes which formed and modified them. These studies are done with telescopes and instrumentation (data gathering) and with computers (data analysis, including mathematical models).
The Astronomy Program at Western offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate courses, serving general education requirements as well as leading to a Minor in Astronomy and to Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
What does WestConn offer students?
Experience-driven learning! Students learn their science firsthand, from the very first course.
Opportunities for students:
- Observatory internships
- Planetarium show development and production
- Science exhibit development
- Independent research projects at the WCSU Observatory & Planetarium facility
- Research at the National Undergraduate Research Observatory (NURO) in Flagstaff, Arizona
- Presentation and publication of research
- Interaction with other science students at conferences
- Center for Galactic Astronomy
- Astronomy and Astrophysics Association (Astronomy Club)
Modern equipment, including a 20-inch Ritchey-Chrétien computer-controlled telescope, a digital CCD camera and CCD spectrograph, numerical modeling and image processing software, a Spitz A3p star projector, and ancillary computer-controlled projectors
The personal touch! Students work closely with faculty to develop their scientific skills and research projects. We want our graduates to succeed!
A record of accomplishment. Graduates have gone on to productive careers in research and education.
Facilities
Among the facilities available for use are two observatories, a planetarium, and an astronomical computer center (the Center for Galactic Astronomy).
Please see the detailed list of astronomical facilities at Western.
Degrees and Options
Master of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences: Astronomy Option
Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences; Astronomy Option
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Earth Science: Astronomy Option
Minor in Astronomy
Bachelor of Science in Astronomy (pending)
Special Activities
- Research excursions to the National Under-graduate Research Observatory (NURO) in Flagstaff, Arizona
- Public Nights at the WCSU Observatory and Planetarium, Westside Campus (weekly; call (203) 837 - 8672)
- Special viewings and planetarium shows for school, scout and other groups (call (203) 837 - 8671)
- Invited speakers and other activities in the New Science Building (WCSU Midtown Campus)
