What makes a star shine? How long will the sun keep shining? What are black holes and how can they form? Astronomy is a general introduction to contemporary astronomy that includes how stars form and how they end their existence. The course gives special attention to the historical roots of astronomy and the exciting discoveries of the past few years. Students learn how pulsars and black holes result from the evolution of normal, massive stars, and how giant holes are at the center of galaxies and quasars. Astronomy students explore the solar system and constellations and learn to find their way around the sky. In labs, students explore concepts discussed in class.