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Astronomy & Astrophysics Academy Sample Schedule

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This Astronomy & Astrophysics academy will be held in-person in a commuter experience on the Rutgers–New Brunswick campus.

Below is the sample schedule for a student in the Astronomy & Astrophysics Academy, subject to change.

*Commuter students will be given options to engage in some evening activities pre-planned ahead of time with their cohort. All activities are supervised by a residential or program assistant.

8:00amDrop-off
9:00amWelcome Orientation
• Introductions, Ice Breaker, Activity
11:00amLecture: 
Introduction to Astronomy & Astrophysics
Degree Career Paths
12:00pmLunch
1:00pmLecture:
Tour of the Universe and Stars
2:00pmLecture: 
Mechanics of night sky
3:00pmActivity: 
Stellarium / Night Sky
5:00pmPick-up
8:00amDrop-off
9:00amLecture + Activity:
Celestial Sphere projection
11:00amLecture: 
History of Science from ancient to modern times
12:00pmLunch
1:00pmActivity:
Measurement of Earth radius
2:00pmLecture + Activity: 
Phases of Venus
Jupiter Moons
5:00pmPick-up
8:00amDrop-off
9:00amLecture + Activity:
Solar System
11:00amLecture + Virtual Tour of Galaxy
12:00pmLunch
1:00pmLecture + Activity:
Speed of Light
Measurement
Light Curves
5:00pmPick-up
8:00amDrop-off
9:00amLecture:
The Sun
10:00amLecture + Activity:
Spectroscopy
Doppler Effect
12:00pmLunch
1:00pmLecture:
Stellar evolution
HR diagram
2:00pmActivity:
Spectral Classification
HR Diagram
3:30pmLecture:
Death of Stars
5:00pmPick-up
8:00amDrop-off
9:00amLecture:
Cosmological Scales
Cosmological Principle
10:00amActivity:
Homogeneity and Isotropy
10:30amLecture + Activity:
Expansion of the Universe
12:00pmLunch
1:00pm          Lecture:
Big Bang
Scientific Method
Content of Universe
Unknown Problems in Astrophysics & Cosmology
2:30pmActivity:
Gravity
3:00pmGroup Project Presentations
5:00pmBreak to get ready for dinner and ceremony
6:00pmDinner & Certificate Ceremony

Voted one of the country's best summer programs for pre-college students by College Consensus.

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The University has adopted a Protection of Minors Policy to promote the well-being and safety of minors who participate in programs or activities run by or associated with Rutgers. The policy includes requirements relating to reporting suspected abuse or neglect of minors, completing relevant online training, and undergoing background checks for Authorized Adults and people in Direct Contact Positions as defined by the policy. Non-University organizations that wish to operate programs or activities involving minors on RU campuses must ensure their programs are run consistent with the guidelines of the University’s Protection of Minors Policy and the Guide to Working with Minors. For more information, please visit protectminors.rutgers.edu.

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