Solar System Astronomy Lectures

Catalog description

An introduction to astronomy as a science, emphasizing patterns in the night sky, our own solar system, and the possibility of life on other worlds. Throughout the course, comparison of observations with theoretical models are stressed. Topics include the size and scale of the solar system relative to the universe; the scientific method; astronomical observations; motions of the earth, moon, sun, and planets; creating a model of the solar system; what we learn about planets from light and gravity; the structure and formation of the solar system; the planets and their moons; comets, asteroids, and meteoroids; and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. There is no lab component for this course, but PHY 155 has a lab component and covers similar material. Prerequisite: Students cannot earn credit for both PHY 155 and PHY 156 . Offered Fall.