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Introduction to Astrophysics

Where to Watch Introduction to Astrophysics

24
The History of the Universe
2018-11-30
In this last episode, follow the trail of the greatest unsolved problem in astrophysics. Along the way, get a grip on the past, present, and future of the universe.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 24 Now

23
The First Atoms and the First Nuclei
2018-11-30
The Big Bang theory is one pillar of modern cosmology. Another is the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is the faint "echo" of the Big Bang, permeating all of space and discovered in 1965.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 23 Now

22
Dark Matter
2018-11-30
Begin with active galaxies that have supermassive black holes gobbling up nearby stars. Then consider clusters of galaxies and the clues they give for missing mass - dubbed "dark matter.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 22 Now

21
The Milky Way and Other Galaxies
2018-11-30
Take in our entire galaxy, called the Milky Way. Locate Earth's position; then survey other galaxies, classifying their structure.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 21 Now

20
Gravitational Waves
2018-11-30
Investigate the physics of gravitational waves, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein and long thought to be undetectable. It took colliding black holes to generate gravitational waves that could be picked up by an experiment called LIGO on Earth, a billion light years away.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 20 Now

19
Supernovas and Neutron Stars
2018-11-30
Look inside a star that weighs several solar masses to chart its demise after fusing all possible nuclear fuel. Such stars end in a gigantic explosion called a supernova, blowing off outer material and producing a super-compact neutron star, a billion times denser than a white dwarf.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 19 Now

18
When Stars Grow Old
2018-11-30
Trace stellar evolution from two points of view. First, dive into a protostar and witness events unfold as the star begins to contract and fuse hydrogen.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 18 Now

17
White Dwarfs
2018-11-30
Discover the fate of solar mass stars after they exhaust their nuclear fuel. The galaxies are teeming with these dim "white dwarfs" that pack the mass of the Sun into a sphere roughly the size of Earth.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 17 Now

16
Simple Stellar Models
2018-11-30
Learn how stars work by delving into stellar structure, using the Sun as a model. Relying on several physical principles and sticking to order-of-magnitude calculations, determine the pressure and temperature at the center of the Sun, and the time it takes for energy generated in the interior to reach the surface, which amounts to thousands of years.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 16 Now

15
Why Stars Shine
2018-11-30
Get a crash course in nuclear physics as you explore what makes stars shine. Zero in on the Sun, working out the mass it has consumed through nuclear fusion during its 4.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 15 Now

14
Planets around Other Stars
2018-11-30
Embark on Professor Winn's specialty: extrasolar planets, also known as exoplanets. Calculate the extreme difficulty of observing an Earth-like planet orbiting a Sun-like star in our stellar neighborhood.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 14 Now

13
The Properties of Stars
2018-11-30
Take stock of the wide range of stellar luminosities, temperatures, masses, and radii using spectra and other data. In the process, construct the celebrated Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, with its main sequence of stars in the prime of life, including the Sun.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 13 Now

12
The Message in a Spectrum
2018-11-30
Starting with the spectrum of sunlight, notice that thin, dark lines are present at certain wavelengths. These lines reveal the composition and temperature of the Sun's outer atmosphere, and similar lines characterize other stars.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 12 Now

11
Radio and X-Ray Telescopes
2018-11-30
Non-visible wavelengths compose by far the largest part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Even so, many astronomers assumed there was nothing to see in these bands.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 11 Now

10
Optical Telescopes
2018-11-30
Consider the problem of gleaning information from the severely limited number of optical photons originating from astronomical sources. Our eyes can only do it so well, and telescopes have several major advantages: increased light-gathering power, greater sensitivity of telescopic cameras and sensors such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs), and enhanced angular and spectral resolution.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 10 Now

9
Comparative Planetology
2018-11-30
Survey representative planets in our solar system with an astrophysicist's eyes, asking what makes Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Jupiter so different. Why doesn't Mercury have an atmosphere?

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 9 Now

8
Photons and Particles
2018-11-30
Investigate our prime source of information about the universe: electromagnetic waves, which consist of photons from gamma ray to radio wavelengths. Discover that a dense collection of photons is comparable to a gas obeying the ideal gas law.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 8 Now

7
Black Holes
2018-11-30
Use your analytical skill and knowledge of gravity to probe the strange properties of black holes. Learn to calculate the Schwarzschild radius (also known as the event horizon), which is the boundary beyond which no light can escape.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 7 Now

6
Tidal Forces
2018-11-30
Why are the rings around Saturn and the much fainter rings around Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune at roughly the same relative distances from the planet? Why are large moons spherical?

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 6 Now

5
Newton's Hardest Problem
2018-11-30
Continue your exploration of motion by discovering the law of gravity just as Newton might have - by analyzing Kepler's laws with the aid of calculus (which Newton invented for the purpose). Look at a graphical method for understanding orbits, and consider the conservation laws of angular momentum and energy in light of Emmy Noether's theory that links conservation laws and symmetry.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 5 Now

4
The Physics Demonstration in the Sky
2018-11-30
In the first of two episodes on motion in the heavens, investigate the connection between Isaac Newton's laws of motion and the earlier laws of planetary motion discovered empirically by Johannes Kepler. Find that Kepler's third law is the ideal method for measuring the mass of practically any phenomenon in astrophysics.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 4 Now

3
Making Maps of the Cosmos
2018-11-30
Discover how astrophysicists map the universe. Focus on the tricky problem of calculating distances, seeing how a collection of overlapping techniques provide a "cosmic distance ladder" that works from nearby planets (by means of radar) to stars and galaxies (using parallax and Cepheid variable stars) to far distant galaxies (by observing a type of supernova with a standard intrinsic brightness).

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 3 Now

2
Zooming In to Fundamental Particles
2018-11-30
After touring the universe on a macro scale in the previous episode, now zoom in on the microcosmos - advancing by powers of ten into the realm of molecules, atoms, and nuclei. Learn why elementary particles are just as central to astrophysics as stars and galaxies.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 2 Now

1
Zooming Out to Distant Galaxies
2018-11-30
Define the difference between astrophysics and astronomy. Then study the vast range of scales in astrophysics - from nanometers to gigaparsecs, from individual photons to the radiation of suns.

Watch Introduction to Astrophysics Season 1 Episode 1 Now

"Introduction to Astrophysics" from The Great Courses Signature Collection is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the fundamental concepts and phenomena in the field of astrophysics. Designed for beginners and astronomy enthusiasts alike, this course takes viewers on a journey through the vast expanse of the universe, uncovering the mysteries of stars, galaxies, black holes, and more.

Led by Professor Alex Filippenko, a renowned astrophysicist and award-winning educator, "Introduction to Astrophysics" delves into the key principles and theories that underpin our understanding of the cosmos. Through a series of captivating lectures, Professor Filippenko explains complex topics in a clear and accessible manner, making the wonders of the universe accessible to all.

Viewers will learn about the origins of the universe, the life cycle of stars, the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Professor Filippenko also delves into cutting-edge research and the latest discoveries in astrophysics, shedding light on some of the most pressing questions facing the field today.

In addition to the fascinating content, "Introduction to Astrophysics" also features stunning visuals, animations, and simulations that bring the concepts to life. Viewers will journey through the cosmos, witnessing the birth of stars, the collisions of galaxies, and the violent explosions of supernovae. These visuals help to deepen viewers' understanding of the concepts and provide a sense of the scale and beauty of the universe.

Throughout the course, Professor Filippenko's passion for astrophysics is evident, and his enthusiasm is infectious. His engaging teaching style and ability to make complex topics relatable make "Introduction to Astrophysics" a captivating and enlightening viewing experience. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned astronomy enthusiast, this course offers something for everyone.

By the end of "Introduction to Astrophysics," viewers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the universe and a better understanding of our place within it. This course is not just an educational journey—it is a transformative experience that will leave viewers inspired and awestruck by the beauty and complexity of the cosmos.

Overall, "Introduction to Astrophysics" is a stellar addition to The Great Courses Signature Collection, offering a compelling, informative, and visually stunning exploration of one of the most fascinating fields of science. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge of astrophysics or simply want to indulge your curiosity about the universe, this course is sure to satisfy your thirst for knowledge and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the cosmos.

Introduction to Astrophysics is a series categorized as a new series. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 24 episodes, the show debuted on 2018. The series has earned a no reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at undefined.

How to Watch Introduction to Astrophysics

How can I watch Introduction to Astrophysics online? Introduction to Astrophysics is available on The Great Courses Signature Collection with seasons and full episodes. You can also watch Introduction to Astrophysics on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Amazon online.

Genres
Channel
The Great Courses Signature Collection
Cast
Joshua N. Winn