1. ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 The Solar System in Perspective Comparative Planetology (“Lessons”)‏ Origin of the Solar System Exoplanets – Detection – Properties See Exoplanet Resources posted at http://www.mikebrotherton.com/?p=2168

2. ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Comparative Planetology Lesson 1: Surfaces of planets are shaped by competing internal and external mechanisms (e.g. volcanism vs. cratering). Lesson 2: More massive, colder planets are better able to retain atmospheres (e.g., Pluto, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Earth, Jovian planets, in increasing mass).

3. ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Comparative Planetology Lesson 3: Giant satellites of Jovian planets show patterns consistent with our ideas about formation of the planets (e.g. they're mini-solar systems). Lesson 4: Many unusual features of the solar system can be attributed to giant impacts (Earth's moon, Triton, Uranus, Venus).

4. ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Origin of the Solar System Emerging picture of a rotating protoplanetary disk explains – Planets nearly in same plane – Sun's equator is close to this plane. – Planetary orbits are nearly circular. – Planets orbit in same direction. – Most planets and sun rotate in same direction as the orbital motion.

5. ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Origin of the Solar System Other issues also addressed – Nature of small bodies – left overs, with many moons formed around Jovian planets, smallest stuff replenished from collisions – Differences in chemical composition (metal, stone, ices, volatiles)‏ – Rings around Jovian planets (failed moons or destroyed moons)‏ – Chemical differentiation of terrestrial planets (radioactivity)‏

6. ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Exoplanets Detection – Difficulties – Center of Mass Wobbles – Transit Method (eclipses)‏ Properties – Not quite like solar system planets In part because different things can happen In part because of selection effects