When you look up at the night sky, what do you see? There are patterns of stars, planets, the moon, and some sights that you may not be able to explain. Astronomy is the study of those objects in space -- how stars, planets, and galaxies form and behave -- and the universe itself.
If you want to understand the mysteries of the night sky, this could be the major for you.
Astronomy students study space, the history and future of the universe, and the objects within, such as planets, stars, and galaxies. Subjects of study include the evolution of stars, how the stars and planets move through space, chemistry, and advanced math.
Eastern has a particularly strong area of study in Near Earth Objects. Asteroids that have orbits that could intersect the Earth’s orbit are the focus of this research. Our Astronomy research group does observational studies of these objects.
Students that complete the Astronomy concentration will be prepared for graduate school in Astronomy. They will also be suited for technical positions in a variety of areas. Their problem solving and analytical skills will serve them well in the workforce.
For more information, contact Dr. Robert Strausbaugh.
Physical Sciences Building Room 2131
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-3220
physics@eiu.edu