Planets and Planetary System Formation

Catalog description

Solar system properties, star formation, protoplanetary disks and planet formation, solar system model, extrasolar planets, and astrobiology. ASTRO 420W Planets and Planetary System Formation (3) The course explores the wide variety of physical and chemical processes that govern the motions and properties of planets. Observations of the planets, moons, asteroids, comets and planetary rings in our Solar System are described. The properties of extrasolar planets are also emphasized. The process of planetary formation is discussed in the context of the solar system and in the context of extrasolar planets. The prospects of life and the effect of life on such planets will also be discussed.It will be taken by roughly half of the juniors and seniors majoring in Astronomy and Astrophysics (about 10 people). The course will include writing papers on current issues of debate in the areas of solar system and extrasolar planets and will satisfy the "Writing Across the Curriculum" requirement.