Astronomy 202: Exploration of the solar system

Course outline

Overview: Celestial sphere, phases of the moon, seasons, eclipses,

timekeeping, calendar, celestial coordinates, constellations, GPS, navigation

The science of astronomy: Copernicus principle, Kepler’s laws, matter and energy,

Newton’s laws of motion, gravity, orbital motion, tides

Physics of light: atoms and radiation, spectral lines, Doppler effect, relativity, optics and telescopes, invisible light

Planetary system: planets, asteroids, comets, formation

Planetary geology: geologic processes, surfaces and interiors, moon, Mars, Earth

Planetary atmospheres: structure, magnetosphere, weather and climate, history of mercury, moon, mars, venus

Specifics: Earth, Mars, Jovian planets, Pluto, asteroids and comets

The Sun

Life on Earth

Organization

Lectures M W F 10:00 - 10:50 AM

Homework (40%) ten assignments

Term exams (50%) three exams

Project (10%)

Text: Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit, The cosmic perspective

Other resources: www.masteringastronomy.com

Recent Instructors

Uwe Oberlack, Spring 2008, www.owlnet.rice.edu/~astr202/

Giovanni Fossati, Fall 2007

David Alexander, Spring 2007

All information is representative only, and is likely to change from year to year.