Origin and Evolution of Planetary Systems

Catalog description

The goal of this course is to introduce students to our current understanding of how planetary systems form and evolve. We will focus on the physical theories describing how the structures of planetary systems develop and how planets, moons, and other heavenly bodies form. We will also consider the relationship between these theories and observations (astronomical, geophysical, cosmochemical) of the Solar System and extrasolar planetary systems. This will include some discussion how the Solar System fits into our understanding of the veritable menagerie of planetary systems.