SCI2400 From Galileo to GPS: How astronomy shapes our lives

This unit presents an insight into how science contributes to the development of a society through the eyes of astronomy. The unit uses some of the key astronomical discoveries to demonstrate a complex interaction between pursuing scientific knowledge and how such discoveries influence our society. We will start with the discoveries of Galileo Galilei in early 17th century and how they were influenced by the historical and cultural setting nurtured by the Medici and Lorraine families, the founders and rulers of Tuscany. We will then explore how the development of instrumentation for experimental demonstrations in the 18th century, such as planetariums, were used to popularize science among the public. We will then fast forward to the 21st century and tap into astronomy topics for which new telescopes, such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), are still being constructed. The activities will be delivered through visits to museums and observatories, classroom discussions and research-based activities. You will develop awareness of how scientific discoveries are created and propagated in an internationalised world.