Astronomy
at Pomona College

Table Of Contents
Major Requirements
Minor Requirements
EPSS Option
Student Research Opportunities
Equipment Available
Faculty

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Astronomy, the study of the formation and evolution of the universe, extends the laws of physics to the largest scales of both space and time. The study of astronomy allows students to apply their knowledge of physics to the formation and structure of stars, galaxies, and the early universe itself. Astronomy is currently going through what many have called a "golden age". Dozens of new ground-based telescopes such as the Keck Telescope and new space observatories are extending our view of the heavens beyond optical wavelengths. Students majoring in astronomy have the opportunity to study data taken from space, and also may travel to distant observatories to gather new data. Many careers for astronomers exist in NASA and other research institutes, as well as in industrial settings where computer skills and quantitative analysis are important. Pomona College offers a complete sequence of observational and theoretical courses in astronomy and astrophysics, and has an extensive array of telescopes and instruments for student research projects.

The following sections tell more about the astronomy curriculum, research opportunities, and the telescopes and instrumentation currently available at Pomona College.

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1). Major in physics concentrating in astronomy

The astronomy major is offered as a concentration in physics, and provides a thorough preparation for graduate study in astronomy and astrophysics. Students complete a comprehensive program in physics, mathematics and astronomy, which includes a core set of four courses: Introductory Astrophysics - Astro 62, Observational Astronomy - Astro 101, and two of the Advanced Astrophysics seminar half courses (These are special-topic courses such as Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics or Planetary Astronomy) of the student’s choice. In addition, a senior thesis is required, which gives the student extensive experience in astronomical research. Other courses which must be taken for the major include General Physics (51a and 51b), Mathematics through Linear Algebra (60), and the following physics courses: Atomic Physics (101), Mechanics (125), Electricity and Magnetism (142), Advanced Physics Laboratory (172 or 173) and two other upper-division physics courses, which could include General Relativity (160) and Optics (155).

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2). Minor in astronomy

Students in other majors can also choose to minor in astronomy, and may choose between two main tracks, one ideal for students interested in gaining in-depth knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics, and the other based on a wider range of elective courses chosen by students interested in a broader exposure to general astronomy.

All students who minor in astronomy must take General Physics (51a and 51b) as well as Introduction to Astrophysics (Astro 62) and Observational Astronomy (Astro 101). Students then choose between the following two tracks:
 

• two of the following courses: Introductory Astronomy (Astro 1), Life in the Universe (Astro 3), Archeoastronomy and World Cosmology (Astro 6), or
• Physics 101 and two Advanced Astrophysics Seminar half courses (Astro 120-124) of the student’s choice.




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3). Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences Major.

A new concentration is also offered in coordination with the geology department in the subject of Earth Planetary and Space Sciences (E.P.S.S.). This track, which blends astronomy, physics and geology, facilitates interdisciplinary exploration of planetary science and space physics. The E.P.S.S concentration requirements are below:

1. Introductory Courses: Geology 7; Introductory Astronomy (Astro1) or Introductory Astrophysics (Astro 62), General Physics (51a and 51b), Math through Calculus III (32).

2. Disciplinary Focus in Astronomy: Astronomy 101, and two of Astronomy 120,121,122, 123, or 124. Also requires Atomic and Nuclear Physics (101), Linear Algebra (Math 60), and two Geology courses: Earth History (53) and Remote Sensing of the Earth’s Environment (130).

3. Independent Study: Astronomy 199 or Geology 199, advanced study topic to be selected in consultation with Dr. Penprase or Dr. Grosfils.

4. Senior Thesis: Geology 192 or Physics 191.


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4). Student Astronomy Research

The Astronomy Department at Pomona College is actively involved in promoting student research in space physics and astronomy. Many of our students have participated in prestigious undergraduate fellowships, and have continued to do graduate research at a high level. Pomona students have participated in Space Telescope Science Institute funded research projects, performed astronomical research in Munich, Germany at the eminent Max Planck Institute as part of the European Southern Observatory summer program, and have participated in a semester long research fellowship at the Cerro-Tololo Observatory in Chile. In addition, students have spent summers working at the nearby Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and at Tuscon’s Kitt Peak Observatory. On campus, students have worked with Dr. Penprase in spectroscopic, polarimetric and photometric research which included trips the Nordic Optical Telescope in the Canary Islands and collaboration with astronomers in Naples, Italy.


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5) Pomona College Astronomy Equipment

Pomona College has an array of on-campus telescopes from portable 4" reflectors to the 14" Cassegreins found under the domes of Brackett Observatory to a horizontal solar telescope. In addition, Pomona owns and runs a 40" telescope located at JPL’s Table Mountain Observatory in Wrightwood, California. Instrumentation for these telescopes includes two spectrographs, and a CCD camera. In addition, the college is currently designing and building a polarimeter and an infrared camera with support from NSF and JPL.


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6) Faculty and their Astronomical Research Interests

The Pomona College Physics and Astronomy Department has seven faculty members, with diverse research interests including fluid dynamics, electron diffraction studies of atomic physics, and microdevice physics and fabrication. Below are listed several Pomona and Claremont faculty with research interests particularly relevant to astronomy and astrophysics.

Dr. Bryan Penprase: Ultraviolet and optical spectroscopic studies of molecular clouds and the interstellar medium, Space Telescope observations of atomic and molecular clouds, IRAS observations of the infrared emission from the galaxy.

Dr. Alma Zook: Multi-spectral studies of QSOs, including VLA observations of external galaxies. Laboratory studies using non-linear optics and acoustics.

Dr. Thomas Moore: General Relativity, including cosmology, neutron stars and black holes. Author of several general physics textbooks including "A Travelers Guide to Space-time" and "Six Ideas That Shaped Physics."

In addition, the Department offers forums of interaction and classes led by visiting astronomers from scientific institutions in the area such as JPL. For example, "Life in the Universe" is taught by Pomona alum and IPAC scientist Dr. Tom Jarrett.


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7) Additional Information

For further information, contact any of the faculty above or visit the Pomona Astronomy Department on the Internet at http://www.astronomy.pomona.edu. Additional information on the programs in archeoastronomy can be found at http://www.astronomy.pomona.edu/archeo. The Physics and Astronomy Department has maintains a separate website at http://www.physics.pomona.edu.

Further questions? Contact Dr. Penprase by email (bpenprase@pomona.edu) or phone (909) 621-8724.