About the Course
In the 17th century, Galileo looked into the sky with a simple pair of lenses and saw the moons of Jupiter. Modern times have had similarly profound discoveries. This course investigates light, optics, and other areas of physics used in the study of modern astronomy. We'll tour the universe, learning about planets and their physical, chemical, and geological properties; the mathematics of orbiting bodies; and how to use visual and calculated stellar brightness scales to calculate distances to stars. By plotting sunspots and distinguishing solar types based on color, temperature, and luminosity, we'll investigate the lifecycle of the sun and other stars; learn about the evolution of galaxies; use data from drifting galaxies to approximate the Hubble Constant; and discuss exotic objects like quasars and black holes.
Typical Class Size: 18-20
Learning Objectives
- Develop models of key concepts in modern astronomy and the underlying physical principles of light and optics
- Explain how interactions between matter and energy give rise to observational data about the distant universe without direct interaction, and analyze and draw conclusions from that data
- Present physical, chemical, and geological properties of select planets and calculate their orbits, brightness scales, and distance(s) to those planets
- Evaluate attributes of solar system bodies to identify, classify, and compare them based on color, temperature, and luminosity
- Construct a timeline of historic astronomy to include the rise of fundamental physics such as Newton’s laws, the nature of light, and other key discoveries in the field; propose and speculate on future discoveries for the next 1,000 years
- Present the physics governing the life cycle of stars, correctly sequencing the stages from initial gravitational collapse, through main-sequence nuclear fusion, and eventually to end products such as black holes and neutron stars
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
UC-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Filling up fast! 3 spots left
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab fee of $187.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Foundations of Astronomy, by Michael Seeds, Dana Backman, and Eric Wegryn
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab fee of $187.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Foundations of Astronomy, by Michael Seeds, Dana Backman, and Eric Wegryn
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid