# Astronomy (ASTR) courses

Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 8 courses

Source: https://palomar.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/32573/33385/32599

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027.

### ASTR 100* — Principles of Astronomy

- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules

See ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy

### ASTR 105L* — Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory

- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules

See ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab

### ASTR 120 — Planets, Moons, and Comets

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 3.00 hours lecture
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/fall-2026/astr.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/spring-2027/astr.md)
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass

The astronomy and geology of the solar system, observations, dynamics, relativistic ideas, including theories of formation and evolution. Comparative survey of the atmospheres, surface features and interiors of planets and satellites. Minor objects, such as comets and asteroids, will be included.

### ASTR 197 — The Universe: Contemporary Topics in the Space Sciences

- **Units:** 1-3
- **Hours:** 1.00-3.00 hours lecture, 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass
- Notes: Units awarded in topics courses are dependent upon the number of hours required of the student. Any combination of lecture and laboratory may be scheduled by the department. Refer to Class Schedule. May be transferable to UC upon UC's review of the course syllabus.

Selected topics in astronomy and space sciences, emphasizing current research and discoveries. Refer to the Class Schedule for specific topics covered.

### ASTR 210 — Life in the Universe

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 3.00 hours lecture
- **Prerequisite:** ASTR 120 or ASTR C1001
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/spring-2027/astr.md)
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass

A scientific exploration of life in the universe using the findings of astronomy, biology, and chemistry. Topics include the development of life and its environments on Earth, the search for life in the cosmos, interstellar communications and travel, and the effects of contact.

### ASTR 295 — Directed Study in Astronomy

- **Units:** 1-3
- **Hours:** 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- **Prerequisite:** Prior approval of project is required by instructor.
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass
- Notes: May be transferable to UC upon UC's review of the course syllabus.

Individual study in field, library, or laboratory for interested students.

### ASTR C1001 — Introduction to Astronomy

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 3.00 hours lecture
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 5 sections (/c/palomar-college/schedule/fall-2026/astr.md); Spring 2027, 4 sections (/c/palomar-college/schedule/spring-2027/astr.md)
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass
- Notes: Formerly ASTR 100

An introduction to the science of astronomy and the nature of the universe. Topics include observation and movements of celestial bodies, exploration of celestial phenomena, the physics of light, and the nature of stars and galaxies.

### ASTR C1001L — Introduction to Astronomy Lab

- **Units:** 1
- **Hours:** 3.00 hours lab
- **Prerequisite:** (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): ASTR C1001 or ASTR 120
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/palomar-college/schedule/fall-2026/astr.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/palomar-college/schedule/spring-2027/astr.md)
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass
- Notes: Formerly ASTR 105L

Exploration of the techniques used in astronomy to determine the physical properties of stars and galaxies. The physical nature of light and the optical principles of a telescope are also explored. Measurements of planetary and stellar phenomena are used to investigate the astronomical methods of determining the size, composition and age of the universe.