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Courses Taught
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"Life in the Universe" (AST 2037):
This is a new course which is designed for the interested student to scientifically expolre the
possibility of life elsewhere in the Universe. Speculation about alien life has occupied people's
mind since the times of the ancient Greeks, but only recently are we in a position to actually
explore this interesting subject in a meaningful way. This is a Science course, all idle speculation,
religious beliefs, and fanciful ideas will be checked at the door! Special attention will be given to
the conditions on the Planet Earth that seems to be necessary for the survival of life. Most of the
time will be spent on studying possible ways to communicate over the vast distances of interstellar
space and the possibility that we could recognize a signal from a distant technical society.
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"Solar System Astronomy" AST 2201:
This course will offer you a glimpse of the vast and complex universe we inhabit, concentrating on
the Solar system in which we live. The first part of the semester we will concentrate on the history
and fundamentals of modern astronomy and the remainder of the semester will consist of an in-depth
study of the origin, characteristics and future of our Solar system. Included will be discussions of
the information obtained about the planets and their moons by spacecraft.
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"Descriptive Astronomy" AST 1002:
This course will offer you a glimpse of the vast and complex universe we inhabit, concentrating on
the formation of stars and galaxies. The first part of the semester we will concentrate on the history
and fundamentals of modern astronomy and the remainder of the semester will consist of an in-depth
study of Stellar and Extragalactic astronomy.
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"Modern Astrophysics" AST 2306:
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"Extragalactic Astrophysics" AST 5204 (Graduate class):
This class will focus on the study of the creation and evolution of the universe at large, including the
basic macroscopic building blocks (galaxies) and the overall large-scale structure.
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"Seminar on General Relativity" (Graduate class):
The course is basically an introduction to general relativity including the use of differential
geometry and tensor analysis. Special relativity and tensor theory will be discussed initially,
followed by a tour through General Relativity. Deviation from Newtonian gravity and observational
tests of both special and general relativity will be discussed where appropriate.
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"Physics of Music" (Graduate Class):
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Research Interests
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Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei
Multifrequency Variability of Blazars
Time Series Analysis
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Astronomical Telescopes Used in Research
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SARA Telescope (optical)
International Ultraviolet Explorer (UV)
Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (High Energy)
EINSTEIN, EXOSAT, ROSAT and XTE (X-ray)
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Recent Publications
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MicroVariability of Blazars: Correlations and Duty Cycles.
J. R., Webb 2007 AAS/AAPT meeting 210, #02.02,2007
Simultaneous Observations of 0716+71,
Pollock, J. T., Webb,J, R., Azarnia, G. AJ, 133,287, 2007.
Wavelet Analysis of Blazar Microvariability,
Humrickhouse, C, Webb, J., JSARA, vol #2, 2007.
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Books Edited
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Blazar Microvariabilty Workshop II: Entering the GLAST Era. 2005
Edited by: H.R. Miller, K. Marshall, J.R. Webb, and M. F. Aller,
Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series, volume 350.
Blazar Continuum Variability Workshop - 1995
Edited by H. R. Miller, J. C. Noble,a nd J. R. Webb,
Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series, Volume 110.
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Professional Memberships
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SARA Board of Directors
Full Member of the American Astronomical Society AAS
Planetary Society member PS
Southern Cross Astronomical Societymember
Member of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal (CSICOP)
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| Dr. James R. Webb |
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| Information |
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| Director, SARA Observatory |
| Professor of Physics |
| SARA Board of Directors |
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| Ph.D. in Astronomy |
| University of Florida, 1988 |
| M.A in Astronomy |
| University of Florida, 1985 |
| Bachelors of Physics |
| Ball State University, 1981 |
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| > | Excellence in Teaching Award (TIP), 1995 |
| > | Presidents Teaching Award, 1998 |
| > | Faculty Teaching Award, Fall 1999 |
| > | Faculty Service Award, Fall 2002 |
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| > | Physics department certificate of Appreciation for organization of the departments star parties and public lecture series |
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| > | "Oscar" recipient from Southern Cross Astronomical Society for public outreach and education efforts, Spring 2008 |
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| > | Excellence in Teaching Faculty Award, September 22, 2010. |
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| > | Finalist, Worlds Ahead Faculty Award, September 11, 2011. |
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| > | Faculty Award for Excellence in Engagement,Septmeber 27, 2012 |
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| > | Published over 60 refereed scientific articles in extragalactic astrophysics |
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| > | Editor of conference proceedings in Extragalactic Astronomy |
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| > | Analyzed data from several NASA satellites and many ground-based telescopes in research |
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| > | Currently director of the SARA observatory at Kitt Peak National Observatory |
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| > | Contributed to over 60 papers presented at scientific conferences |
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Department of Physics
Florida International University
Miami, FL 33199
Office: CP 222
Phone: (305) 348-3964
Fax: (305) 348-1600
eMail: webbj@fiu.edu
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