Overview%20of%20Astronomy%20121

1
Overview of Astronomy 121

• The Solar System A study of Planetary Surfaces
  and Properties

2
Main Learning Goals

• To gain an understanding of some of the detailed
  properties of the various objects that make up
  our solar system ? wealth of imaging data
  available.
• To achieve a coherent understanding of how the
  solar system was able to form in the Galaxy and
  the probability that similar formation processes
  occurred elsewhere ? are there other earths out
  there?

3
Course Organization - Modular

• Begins with a historical overview of various
  models of the solar system ? this provides an
  importance illustration of the link between
  cultural bias and scientific model making.
• This also provides a good overview of the high
  and low points of the Scientific Method as
  practiced throughout history

4
Module 2

• Look at the overall properties of the Solar
  System
• Use the bulk properties of the planets to
  constraint theories on how the solar system
  formed
• Study in detail the properties of the moon and
  why they suggest an usual formation scenario for
  the moon.

5
Module 3 Detailed Study of the Inner Planets

• Surface geology and active processes on the Earth
• Long dead Mercury
• Our improved understanding of Venus
• Why all the attention on Mars ? did early life
  really form there?
• What does the asteroid belt tell us about
  planetary formation?

6
Module 4 The Outer Plants

• Focus on the Galilean Satellite System 4 unique
  worlds
• Properties of Jupiter and Saturn how do they
  differ?
• The Enigmatic Titan ? surface pools of liquid
  hydrocarbons?
• Strange active surface properties of Uranus and
  Neptune

7
Module 5 Extrasolar Planetary Systems and Life

• Detection Methods for planets around nearby stars
• Formation of Planetary Atmospheres
• Biochemical Evolution in Planetary Oceans
• How life arose on the Earth