Overview of Astronomy 121 The Solar System: A study of Planetary Surfaces and Properties

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 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 earth’s out there?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 earth’s out there?

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. 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 This also provides a good overview of the high and low points of the Scientific Method as practiced throughout history

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.

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?

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

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