Reading assignments are given in the two required textbooks and are to be completed prior to class in the indicated sessions.
H = Hartmann, W. K. Moons and Planets. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2005. ISBN: 0534493939.
B = Beatty, J. K., et al. The New Solar System. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1999. ISBN: 0521645875.
Course readings.
| Ses # |
Topics |
readings |
| 1 |
Organization/Introduction |
|
| 2 |
Overview of the Solar System |
H, chapters 1 and 2.
B, chapter 1. |
| 3 |
Overview of the Solar System (cont.) |
|
| 4 |
The Sun |
B, chapter 3. |
| 5 |
Celestial Mechanics |
H, chapter 3. |
| 6 |
Celestial Mechanics (cont.)
Rings |
B, chapter 16. |
| 7 |
Exam 1 |
|
| 8 |
Planetary Formation |
H, chapters 4 and 5.
B, chapter 2. |
| 9 |
Other Planetary Systems |
B, chapter 28, pp. 136-140. |
| 10 |
Meteorites |
H, chapter 6.
B, chapter 26. |
| 11 |
Asteroids |
H, chapter 7.
B, chapters 23 and 25. |
| 12 |
Comets |
B, chapters 5 and 24. |
| 13 |
Exam 2 |
|
| 14 |
Planetary Interiors |
H, chapter 8.
B, chapters 9 and 14. |
| 15 |
Planetary Interiors (cont.) |
B, chapter 4. |
| 16 |
Planetary Surfaces |
H, chapter 9.
B, chapter 6. |
| 17 |
Planetary Surfaces (cont.) |
H, chapter 10.
B, chapter 12. |
| 18 |
Planetary Surfaces (cont.) |
B, chapters 7, 8, 10, 11, and 17. |
| 19 |
Satellites/Icy Bodies |
B, chapters 18, 19, 21, and 22. |
| 20 |
Exam 3 |
|
| 21 |
Planetary Atmospheres |
H, chapter 11. |
| 22 |
Planetary Atmospheres (cont.) |
B, chapters 13, 15, and 20. |
| 23 |
Planetary Atmospheres (cont.) |
|
| 24 |
Life in the Solar System |
H, chapter 12.
B, chapter 27. |
| 25 |
Mars Exploration |
H, chapter 13.
B, chapter 11. |
| 26 |
Review Session |
|