IN A SENSE, ASTRONOMY IS THE ULTIMATE SCIENTIFIC ENDEAVOR — the attempt to know the unknowable, the entirety of the universe. Astronomers are only beginning to peer into the distant past, at least 10 billion years, to explore the origins of the cosmos. Even the deepest explorations into space have barely taken us beyond our terrestrial doorstep. And while centuries of ever-more-sophisticated observations and measurements from Earth have revealed a great deal, they have also raised mind-boggling new questions. But the study of astronomy also has critical long-term implications for practical science and our own well being, from space flight to environmental and health issues. In addition, a basic knowledge of the universe helps us to live with imagination and insight in our own technological world.
The goal of Hamilton's Astronomy Program is to offer students a clearer understanding of the universe through selected physics courses and hands-on research opportunities.More ...
Academic Program
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The close student-faculty collaboration that is at the heart of
Hamilton's physics program means that every astronomy minor completes
an extended independent-study research project with close faculty
supervision. Hamilton regularly offers research options in such fields
as general astronomy, theoretical quantum gravity, general relativity,
nuclear physics, laser spectroscopy and nonlinear dynamics. Student
projects often lead to papers that are presented at professional
conferences and/or published in scholarly journals.
RESOURCES
Hamilton is home to the solar-heated C.H.F. Peters Astronomical Observatory, which houses an 11 1/4" Maksutov telescope and several smaller telescopes. The observatory has been recently upgraded and now features computer control of the telescope mount and CCD readout for collecting images. In addition, state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology and small classes at the Science Center mean that Hamilton undergraduates have the opportunity to work closely with instruments available only to graduate students at many schools.
The astronomy program makes its home in Hamilton's Science Center. Completely remodeled and expanded in 2005, the state-of-the-art facility provides an array of modern equipment, including supercomputers, a cutting-edge laser lab and a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer. Nearby, the College's upgraded C.H.F. Peters Astronomical Observatory houses a number of telescopes for student research and occasional public use and also includes facilities for solar energy research.
Hands-On Discovery
Astronomy at Hamilton is explored in small classes, with faculty members who know their students on an individual basis. That means one-on-one encouragement, personal direction and research opportunities suited to your needs and interests. In the best liberal arts tradition, courses stimulate analytical thinking, critical reading and the ability to write and speak with clarity, precision and authority. In addition, hands-on laboratory work in cutting-edge facilities is a central part of the curriculum starting in the first introductory courses.
Summer Study
Many physics students also opt to pursue summer research projects on campus — another opportunity to work with faculty members and other top scholars. In a typical year, more than 70 students receive grants to do scientific research at Hamilton during the summer.
The astronomy program makes its home in Hamilton's Science Center. Completely remodeled and expanded in 2005, the state-of-the-art facility provides an array of modern equipment, including supercomputers, a cutting-edge laser lab and a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer. Nearby, the College's upgraded C.H.F. Peters Astronomical Observatory houses a number of telescopes for student research and occasional public use and also includes facilities for solar energy research.
Hands-On Discovery
Astronomy at Hamilton is explored in small classes, with faculty members who know their students on an individual basis. That means one-on-one encouragement, personal direction and research opportunities suited to your needs and interests. In the best liberal arts tradition, courses stimulate analytical thinking, critical reading and the ability to write and speak with clarity, precision and authority. In addition, hands-on laboratory work in cutting-edge facilities is a central part of the curriculum starting in the first introductory courses.
Summer Study
Many physics students also opt to pursue summer research projects on campus — another opportunity to work with faculty members and other top scholars. In a typical year, more than 70 students receive grants to do scientific research at Hamilton during the summer.
The astronomy program makes its home in Hamilton's Science Center. Completely remodeled and expanded in 2005, the state-of-the-art facility provides an array of modern equipment, including supercomputers, a cutting-edge laser lab and a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer. Nearby, the College's upgraded C.H.F. Peters Astronomical Observatory houses a number of telescopes for student research and occasional public use and also includes facilities for solar energy research.
Hands-On Discovery
Astronomy at Hamilton is explored in small classes, with faculty members who know their students on an individual basis. That means one-on-one encouragement, personal direction and research opportunities suited to your needs and interests. In the best liberal arts tradition, courses stimulate analytical thinking, critical reading and the ability to write and speak with clarity, precision and authority. In addition, hands-on laboratory work in cutting-edge facilities is a central part of the curriculum starting in the first introductory courses.
Summer Study
Many physics students also opt to pursue summer research projects on campus — another opportunity to work with faculty members and other top scholars. In a typical year, more than 70 students receive grants to do scientific research at Hamilton during the summer.
