ASTRO 1106

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - January 30, 2026 3:06PM EST

ASTRO 1106
Relativity, Cosmology, and Black Holes

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Explanation of Einstein's theory of Special Relativity, which brought about a fundamental change in our conceptual understanding of space and time. The consequences of the theory: the relativity of simultaneity; mass-energy equivalence, nuclear fission and fusion and thermonuclear processes in starts; why we can't travel faster than the speed of light; and how it all makes sense, including the resolution of some apparent paradoxes. Cosmology, studying the evidence for the evolution and future of the universe, and the considerations and evidence driving our theories, including an introduction to General Relativity and investigation of Dark Matter and Dark Energy. The death of stars: white dwarfs, neutron stars and pulsars, and black holes.


Prerequisites high school algebra and trigonometry.

Distribution Requirements (OPHLS-AG), (PHS-AS), (SCT-IL)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SU, 2024SU, 2023SU, 2022SU

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Syllabi: none

  •   Six Week Summer. 

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  1574 ASTRO 1106   LEC 001

  •  
    • MTWRF
    • Jun 22 - Jul 31, 2026

    • Staff

  • Instruction Mode: Online

    This Summer Session class is offered by the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions. For details visit: https://sce.cornell.edu/.
    Enrollment open to: Precollege Studies Online program students. For details visit: https://sce.cornell.edu/precollege/program/online.