Modern Astronomy, Spring 2026

This course is an introduction to astronomy for non-majors at PKU. We will discuss galactic astronomy, including stars and exoplanets, galaxy structure and formation, the Big Bang and Cosmology, and our own Solar System. The syllabus is here. We do not use a textbook, but the free openstax textbook is an excellent resource.

zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81758755807?pwd=JXAbeWyFviXBR8wvGZdCeW2oIF3dmc.1

  • Class 1 pdf
  • Class 2 pdf
  • Class 3 pdf
  • Class 4 pdf
  • Class 5 pdf
  • Class 6 pdf

  • Homework 1, due March 9 at 3pm pdf

  • Homework 2, due March 23 at 3pm pdf
    • Question 3: Gaia data of the Pleiades Gaia data
    • Question 4: orbits of HR 8799 planets mp4

  • Homework 3, due April 27 at 3pm pdf

  • Project 1, due April 13 at 3pm pdf