Astronomy Lectures by Ian Morison

Course Lectures

• Black Holes - No Need to be Afraid!

  Ian Morison

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  This module delves into the enigmatic concept of black holes, often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture. Contrary to popular belief, black holes are not to be feared. This lecture will cover:

  • The scientific definition of black holes
  • Methods for detecting black holes despite their invisibility
  • Stephen Hawking's contributions to our understanding of black holes

  By the end of the module, participants will have a clearer understanding of these fascinating cosmic entities and their role in the universe.

• Voyages to the Outer Solar System

  Ian Morison

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  This module takes participants on an incredible journey through the outer solar system, focusing on the remarkable discoveries made by the Voyager spacecraft. Highlights include:

  • The stunning images captured during the Voyager missions
  • The exploration of Jupiter and its moons through Galileo
  • The Cassini-Huygens mission's insights into Saturn and its moon Titan

  Participants will gain appreciation for the technological advancements that enabled these missions and the profound impact these explorations have on our understanding of distant worlds.

• Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe

  Ian Morison

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  In this module, participants will discuss some of the most perplexing mysteries of the universe. The lecture will cover:

  • The unknown components of dark matter and dark energy
  • Questions surrounding the origins of the universe
  • The instruments being developed to uncover these mysteries

  This engaging discussion aims to highlight the challenges that scientists face and the innovative technologies being employed to probe the unknown.

• The Violent Universe

  Ian Morison

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  This module focuses on the most violent phenomena in the universe, showcasing the incredible power of cosmic events. Topics include:

  • Supernovae and hypernovae, and their role in star formation
  • Gamma-ray bursts and their implications for astrophysics
  • The Big Bang as the ultimate explosion

  Participants will gain insight into the physics behind these dramatic cosmic events and their significance in the broader context of the universe.

• Hubble's Heritage

  Ian Morison

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  This module reflects on the profound legacy of Edwin Hubble and the Hubble Space Telescope. Key topics include:

  • The discovery of the expanding universe and its implications
  • The role of the Hubble Space Telescope in transforming our understanding of astronomy
  • Recent discoveries that have reshaped our view of the cosmos

  Participants will appreciate how Hubble's contributions continue to influence modern astrophysics and inspire future generations of astronomers.

• To Infinity and Beyond

  Ian Morison

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  This module offers an overview of the evolution of cosmology over the past century. Participants will explore:

  • The development of Big Bang models of the universe
  • Recent revelations about the nature of dark matter and dark energy
  • The intriguing concept of a Multiverse beyond our own

  By examining these developments, participants will gain an understanding of the current landscape of cosmological research and the exciting questions that remain unanswered.