Astronomy (ASTRO)Arts and Sciences
Showing 17 results.
Course descriptions provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.
Last Updated
- Schedule of Classes - October 30, 2025 7:09PM EDT
Classes
ASTRO 1102
Course Description
Study the formation, evolution, and current state of our solar system, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Learn from NASA mission data and explore planetary geology, atmospheric ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Choose one lecture and one discussion.
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Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- TR
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Chatterjee, S
Schmidt, B
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- M
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- M
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- M
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- M
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- T
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- T
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- W
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- W
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- W
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Staff
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
ASTRO 2201
Course Description
This course explores the evolution of the universe since the Big Bang and how our understanding has developed from ancient to modern times. Topics include the changing views of the sky, the formation of ... view course details
Regular Academic Session.
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
Regular Academic Session.
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
ASTRO 2212
Course Description
A quantitative exploration of planetary systems. Topics include orbital dynamics, planetary atmospheres, greenhouse effects, and smaller bodies like asteroids and comets. Includes comparisons to exoplanetary ... view course details
ASTRO 2290
Course Description
This course is primarily an introduction to special relativity with astrophysical applications. Later in the course we will also navigate the space-times around non-rotating and rotating black ... view course details
Regular Academic Session.
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- TR
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Wasserman, I
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
Prerequisite: MATH 1120 or MATH 1910, PHYS 1112 or PHYS 1116. No prior knowledge of special relativity or astrophysics is necessary.
ASTRO 2299
Course Description
Investigate the potential for life beyond Earth, covering cosmic evolution, planetary formation, life’s origins, and astrobiology. Includes current efforts in the search for extraterrestrial life. view course details
ASTRO 3303
Course Description
Explore galaxy formation and evolution over 13+ billion years. Topics include the role of black holes, dark matter, mergers, and cosmic environments in shaping galaxies. view course details
ASTRO 4432
Course Description
Examines the production, interaction, and detection of electromagnetic radiation to interpret astrophysical phenomena. view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASTRO 6530
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
ASTRO 4433
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to theoretical and observational cosmology for science and engineering majors. Topics include general relativity in cosmology, the history of cosmic expansion, early ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASTRO 6599, PHYS 4433, PHYS 6599
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
ASTRO 4434
Course Description
Explores planetary physics, including orbital dynamics, tidal interactions, planetary interiors, atmospheres, and radiative transfer. view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASTRO 6570
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
ASTRO 4940
Course Description
Allows students to conduct independent research or study a specific area of astronomy under faculty supervision. A written report is required. view course details
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Chatterjee, S
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Chung, D
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Flanagan, E
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Ho, A
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Lewis, N
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Savransky, D
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Stacey, G
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
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Class Number & Section Details
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Meeting Pattern
- Jan 20 - May 5, 2026
Instructors
Kaltenegger, L
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Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
ASTRO 6530
Course Description
Astronomers study cosmic phenomena through radiation, including electromagnetic, neutrinos, cosmic rays, and gravitational waves. This course focuses on electromagnetic radiation, exploring its production, ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASTRO 4432
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
ASTRO 6570
Course Description
Focuses on planetary dynamics, atmospheres, and interior structure, with applications to solar system and exoplanetary science. view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASTRO 4434
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
ASTRO 6577
Course Description
This course explores remote sensing techniques for studying solar system surfaces and the geomorphic processes shaping them. Topics include orbital dynamics / tides, impact cratering, volcanism, tectonism, ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: EAS 5770
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
ASTRO 6580
Course Description
Field trip to accompany Astro 6577. view course details
Regular Academic Session.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1 Credit GradeNoAud(Letter grades only (no audit))
ASTRO 6599
Course Description
This course explores modern cosmology, covering the Big Bang theory, the universe’s matter content, and its evolution. Topics include the early universe, symmetry breaking, inflation, nucleosynthesis, ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASTRO 4433, PHYS 4433, PHYS 6599
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
ASTRO 6940
Course Description
Guided reading and seminars on topics not currently covered in regular courses. view course details
Regular Academic Session.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-4 Credits Opt NoAud(Letter or S/U grades (no audit))
ASTRO 7683
Course Description
A reading seminar for graduate students to broaden their astronomy knowledge, practice public speaking, and analyze key findings from seminal research papers. view course details
Regular Academic Session.
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Credits and Grading Basis
1 Credit S/U NoAud(Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (no audit))