Astronomy

Hanh Tran | George Mason University | December 8th 2009Hanh Tran | George Mason University | December 8th 2009

NASA Image

no longer a planet

Jupiter has at least 63 moons!

Yes, an average star…

X-ray

Infrared

Ultraviolet

Extreme Ultraviolet

Extreme Ultraviolet

The Milky Way

Many Clusters

Many Super Clusters

String Theory / M-Theory, Dr. Edward Witten

1893Boo…

• Astro within GMU:

• David Cerri, my old Boss, “Teacher” & Inspirer

• Dr. Harold Geller, Associate Chair, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy &Director of Mason Observatory

• Dr. Joseph Pesce, Astronomy Professor & CEO of Omnis, Inc.

• Prof. Muffarah Jahangeer, most passionate Instructor ever!

• Astro outside GMU:

• Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Director, Hayden Planetarium

• Dr. Jeffrey Lockwood, Director, ACP for TERC, Cambridge, MA

• Dr. Ed Witten, Theoretical Physicist, Leading Researcher in Superstring Theory

• Dr. Rick Fienberg, Press Officer & Education & Outreach Coordinator, AAS

• Dr. Steve Maran, Senior Advisor to the Executive Officer, AAS

• Dr. Kevin Marvel, CAE, Executive Officer, AAS

• Brian Kruse, Lead Formal Educator, ASP

Voted “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive” by People Magazine in 2000

“Happy to have you aboard … p.s. I am on a federal committee right now to help call for astro being a fundamental part of a school's curriculum. So the struggle continues.”

Dr. Tyson Pluto

http://ia.terc.edu

•Astronomy High-School Teacher & College Professor•Director, Astrobiology Curriculum Project for TERC, Cambridge, MA•Author

•Many inspirational articles•“Black Holes to Blackboards” column on ASP’s Mercury Magazine•Curriculum materials for NSF Programs

•Project STAR•Hands-On Universe•Hands-On Astrophysics

•Currently working on:•Investigating Astronomy, high-school level textbook

CHANGEMAKER•Designed 1st Astronomy course in his High-School District in 1979

•Taught it ever since

Must Read: Black Holes to Blackboards: Science for the Masses

“It would be nice if more astronomy and physics were taught in school. Astronomy of today is even more exciting than it was in 1893!”

String TheoryString Theory

M Theory

String TheorySUPER

String TheoryString Theory

M Theory

“Being an astronomer, I'd be happy if astronomyplayed a larger role in our school curricula.” –Dr. Kevin Marvel, CEO

“I agree with your thesis, as I'm sure most astronomers would … Having taught astronomy at the high-school and college levels … I can

tell you that I think the U.S. education system is in a shambles.” – Dr. Rick Fienberg

“Further back in time, Astronomy was often consideredpart of basic learning, at least for academics.” – Dr. Steve Maran

If I have sparked the tiniest bit of interest in you, then by all means register for ASTR 103

next semester! -HT

Or read on… I have merely scratched the surface.

“There is no rule which decrees you cannot go back and enjoy another field, there are so many interesting fields, which is why many

faculty have several degrees in several fields. I would encourage you to study on your own if time does not permit formal studying, and go back for formal studies when you are able.

There is immense pleasure to be had in deriving new knowledge of the mysteries that

surround us." – Prof. Jahangeer, GMU