3.0 Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, learners will be able to:

• Identify the order of celestial bodies encountered during a space traveler’s journey from Earth to distant galaxies.
• Explain the concept of an astronomical unit (AU).
• Assess the significance of the discovery of dark matter and its role in shaping our understanding of the universe, including its implications on the formation and evolution of galaxies.
• Discuss the fundamental forces that explain all observable phenomena in the universe.