CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE SYLLABUS FOR PHYS 1404

SOLAR SYSTEM

Semester Hours Credit: 4

INSTRUCTOR: OFFICE HOURS:

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Solar System is one of the two introductory Astronomy classes we teach here at Central Texas College. The other class is what we call Stars and Galaxies. Astronomy was the first of the sciences, and when colleges and universities were established in the Middle Ages, it was one of the seven subjects taught to all students. It has always had important applications, including calendar making, time keeping, and navigation. Nowadays, astronomy is adding other practical applications, such as addressing vital questions about climate change on Earth. It is further expanding our knowledge of the solar system and the universe, where there are potentially unlimited supplies of energy and materials. Over the coming decades and centuries, new resources can begin to free mankind forever from material want.

B. But the main job of astronomy is simply the advancement of knowledge. As with

our ancestors back beyond recorded time, we can’t help but wonder what kind of universe this is. What are its fundamental laws? How old is it; how big? What does it contain? How has it changed with time, and what may be its future? We now know a great many answers, but behind every curtain of the unknown lies another question, or several.

C. Ever part of astronomy, from planets to black holes, has its mysteries.

Astronomers are working on these things. Such pure research is one of the most important human activities. This is only partly because unexpected discoveries and new insights often lead to the biggest payoffs. More importantly, if we ever lose our sense of wonder, and stop trying to understand, the lights will be going out for the human race.

D. This course may be used as an elective in many programs, and may also fulfill the

science requirement for a degree plan in many programs. It is the duty of the student to ascertain whether this course will properly transfer to that student’s target university or college.

01/10/11

E. Themes of the Course

1. The Solar System is dynamic and continually evolving. 2. The universality of physical laws discovered on Earth allows us to analyze

and draw conclusions about celestial phenomena that can be studied only at great distances.

3. Scientific conclusions must be based on an exacting comparison of hypotheses to evidence obtained from observations and experimental data.

4. The Universe, because it has objects and environments that cannot be duplicated on Earth, is a unique laboratory for testing scientific hypotheses.

5. Because astronomy is a human endeavor, it is subject to both the limitations and the enhancements of personal relationships, biases, inspiration, and creativity.

6. Most astronomical knowledge accumulates incrementally, with each new piece of knowledge providing a potential foundation for further understanding.

7. Observational and computational technologies play critical roles in shaping our understanding of the Universe.

8. In addition to scientific value, astronomy has practical and philosophical value because humans are participants in, as well as observers, of the universe.

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, The Solar System, the student will be able to:

A. Trace the development of astronomy as a science from its earliest beginnings to the present day.

B. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and explain the purposes of the different

types of observing techniques and instruments used in astronomy.

C. Explain the significance of the appearance of astronomical objects seen in the sky, describe celestial positions, and explain the working of time zones and calendars.

D. Recognize major constellations, stars, star groups, and features on the moon and

planets when seen in the sky.

E. Describe the arrangement, structure, and compositions of the solar system, including the sun, planets, and non-planetary bodies.

F. Discuss the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the solar system.

PHYS 1404 2

G. III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

A. The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through www.ctcd.edu/books

B. REQUIRED LABORATORY BOOK: Twenty-one Activities concerning “Where We Are in Space and Time”, Project STAR, The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 1990. If you have already taken PHYS – 1403, (Stars and Galaxies) then your lab will consist of computer activities from “Starry Night Pro Activities & Observation and Research Projects”. This is in the text book bundle. Also there will be a number of labs involving hands-on activities. Your instructor will provide the hand-outs on how to do those activities.

C. A scientific calculator. D. Experimental Research Notebook (Optional).

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. Your primary responsibility is to function as a college student, interested in putting forth the effort required to obtain a passing grade in The Solar System. You are to put into use all of your learning skills, acquired from past and present educational experiences, in order to carry out this requirement.

B. Attached to each syllabus is the course outline and tentative class schedule, which

breaks down each unit into video programs and reading assignments for that video program. You may well find it useful and advantageous to answer the end-of-chapter questions which you will find useful in guiding your review of the reading and video program. Your answers to these discussion questions probably will not be collected (depending on the requirements of your instructor/mentor/proctor), but will form part of your study guide.

C. Each part of the course is not self-contained. You may expect that basic concepts

presented at the beginning of the course will be built upon day by day, added to, expanded upon, etc., so that with time you will have both specific and overall understandings. It is important to link together each piece in an attempt to achieve the comprehensive realization.

D. You are expected to maintain good class notes, since any material given in the text,

video program, and student study guide may be included on exams. Pay particular attention to those items that are stressed or emphasized. The text and study guide should be available for use and reference during group recitations if such recitations are part of your course.

PHYS 1404 3

E. Regular class attendance is essential for passing the course. Excessive unexcused absences will result in you being dropped from the course with a grade of “F”. See Section VII below for further information.

V. EXAMINATIONS

There will be four unit exams given at the times announced. Lowest exam score will be dropped. Missed exams will not be made up under any circumstance. There will also be a comprehensive final exam. The final exam cannot be missed.

VI. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATION

Hour exams 40% 90% - 100% = A Final exam 10% 80% - 89% = B Quizzes 10% 70% - 79% = C Home works 10% 60% - 69% = D Planetarium & Observations 10% 0% - 59% = F Laboratory 20% Total 100%

VII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM COURSE INSTRUCTOR

A. Withdrawal from the course: It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a

class if circumstances prevent attendance. Any student who desires to, or must, officially withdraw from a course after the first scheduled class meeting must file an Applications for Withdrawal or an Application for Refund. The withdrawal form must be signed by the student. Application for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time prior to Friday of the 12th week of classes during the 16 week fall and spring semesters. The deadline for sessions of other lengths is as follows:

11 week session Friday of the 8th week 8 week session Friday of the 6th week 5-1/2 week session Friday of the 4th week The equivalent date (75% of the semester) will be used for sessions of other lengths. The specific last day to withdraw is published each semester in the Schedule Bulletin.

Students who officially withdraw will be awarded the grade of W provided the student’s attendance and academic performance are satisfactory at the time of official withdrawal. Students must file a withdrawal application with the college before they may be considered for withdrawal.

A student may not withdraw from a class for which the instructor has previously

PHYS 1404 4

issued the student a grade of “F” or “FN” for nonattendance.

B. An Administrative Withdrawal: An administrative withdrawal may be initiated when the student fails to meet College attendance requirements. The instructor will assign the appropriate grade on the Administrative Withdrawal Form for submission to the registrar.

The following specific rules apply to absences: Each instructor shall keep a record of class attendance. An administrative withdrawal will be submitted when student’s absences exceed four (4) class meetings, and in the opinion of the instructor, the student cannot satisfactorily complete the course. The final decision rests solely with the instructor. The instructor will note administrative withdrawals as the grade of “F Non-Attendance” on the roll and record book. As a matter of policy, administrative excuses from classes are not provided for any reason. Regardless of the nature of the absence, students are responsible for completing all course work covered during any absence.

C. An Incomplete Grade: The College catalog states, “An incomplete grade may be

given in those cases where the student has completed the majority of the course work, but because of personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders, the student is unable to complete the requirements for a course...” Prior approval from the instructor is required before the grade of “I” is recorded. A student who merely fails to show for the final examination will receive a zero for the final and an “F” for the course.

D. Disability Support Services provides services to students who have appropriate documentation of a disability. Students requiring accommodations for class are responsible for contacting the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) located on the central campus. This service is available to all students, regardless of location. Review the website at www.ctcd.edu/disability-support for further information. Reasonable accommodations will be given in accordance with the federal and state laws through the DSS office.

E. Students are required to be on class on time.

F. For complete information consult the College Catalog!

VIII. COURSE OUTLINE

1. Unit One: Unit One: Charting the Heavens: The Foundations of

Astronomy, The Copernican Revolution: The Birth of Modern Science, Radiation: Information from the Cosmos, Spectroscopy: The Inner Working of Atoms.

PHYS 1404 5

1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will

be able to: a. Describe how scientists combine observation, theory, and testing in

their study of the universe. b. Percieve the size of the universe. c. Explain the concept of the celestial sphere and how we use angular

measurement to locate objects in the sky. d. Describe how and why the sun and the stars appear to change their

positions from night to night and from month to month. e. Explain why Earth’s rotation axis shifts slowly with time, and say

how this affects Earth’s seasons. f. Tell how our clocks and calendars are linked to earth’s rotation and

orbit around the Sun. g. Show how the relative motions of Earth, the Sun, and the Moon

lead to eclipses. h. Explain the simple geometric reasoning that allows astronomers to

measure the distances and sizes of otherwise inaccessible objects. i. Describe how some ancient civilizations attempted to explain the

heavens in terms of Earth-Centered models of the universe. j. Explain how the observed motions of the planets led to our modern

view of a Sun-Centered solar system. k. Describe the major contributions of Galileo and Kepler to our

understanding of the solar system. l. State Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. m. Explain how astronomers have measured the true size of the solar

system. n. State Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation and

explain how they account for Kepler’s laws. o. See the connection between physics and astronomy; specially, the

Newton’s laws of gravity & motion, Kepler’s laws of orbital motion and Einstein’s laws of relativity.

p. Explain how the law of gravitation enables us to measure the masses of astronomical bodies.

q. Describe the basic properties of wave motion. r. Tell how electromagnetic radiation transfers energy and

information through interstellar space. s. Describe the major regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and

explain how earth’s atmosphere affects our ability to make astronomical observations at different wavelengths.

t. Explain what is meant by the term “blackbody radiation” and describe the basic properties of such radiation.

u. Tell how we can determine the temperature of an object by observing the radiation it emits.

PHYS 1404 6

v. Show how the relative motion between a source of radiation and its observer can change the perceived wavelength of the radiation, and explain the importance of this phenomenon to astronomy.

w. Describe the characteristics of continuous, emission, and absorption spectra and the conditions under which each is produced.

x. Explain the relation between emission and absorption lines and what we can learn from those lines.

y. Specify the basic components of the atom and describe our modern conception of its structure.

z. Discuss the observations that led scientists to conclude that light has particle as well as wave properties.

aa. Explain how electron transitions within atoms produce unique emission and absorption features in the spectra of those atoms.

bb. Describe the general features of spectra produced by molecules. cc. List and explain the kinds of information that can be obtained by

analyzing the spectra of astronomical objects. dd. Explain the significance of the various forms of light and how they

are used in astronomy.

2. Learning Activities:

a. Read the related text material prior to the lecture. b. Attend class lectures and take notes. c. Learn about prisms and gratings by hands-on activities. d. Watch demonstrations on how telescopes function and are used. e. Observe planetarium demonstrations. f. Enjoy selected audio-visual material as appropriate.

3. Unit Outline:

a. Chapter 1: Charting the Heavens: The Foundations of Astronomy 1-1. Our Place in Space

i. Scale ii. SI and USCS system & Distances iii. Evolving Planets iv. Earth’s Structure v. Scientific Notation vi. Astronomical Unit (AU) vii. Light Travel & Distance viii. Emptiness of Space ix. Light Year (LY) x. Star Clusters and Gas Clouds xi. Our Galaxy

PHYS 1404 7

xii. Cluster of Galaxies xiii. Superclusters, Filaments, & Voids xiv. Angular measures xv. Degree, minutes, seconds.

1-2. Scientific Theory and the Scientific Method i. Hypothesis, theory ii. Theoretical model iii. Scientific method:

iv. Theory, prediction, observation. v. Testing a theory, experiment and proof.

1-3. The “Obvious” View i. Constellations in the sky ii. Grouping of stars iii. Astrology iv. The Celestial Sphere v. The celestial poles vi. The celestial equator vii. The celestial coordinates viii. Declination and right ascension. 1-4. Earth’s Orbital Motion i. Day-to-Day Changes ii. Solar day iii. Diurnal motion iv. Sidereal day v. Seasonal Changes vi. The Zodiac vii. The summer solstice viii. The winter solstice ix. The seasons x. equinoxes xi. Autumnal equinox xii. Vernal equinox xiii. Tropical year xiv. Long-Term Changes xv. Precession xvi. Sidereal year. 1-5. Astronomical Timekeeping i. Meridian ii. Variations in the solar day iii. Mean solar day

PHYS 1404 8

iv. Time zones v. Standard time vi. Greenwich mean time vii. Universal time viii. Tropical year ix. Leap year x. Julian calendar xi. Gregorian calendar

1-6. The Motion of the Moon

i. Lunar Phases ii. Sidereal month iii. Synodic month iv. Eclipses v. Partial lunar eclipse vi. Total lunar eclipses vii. Partial solar eclipses viii. Total solar eclipses ix. Umbra x. Penumbra xi. Annular eclipses xii. Eclipse seasons xiii. Eclipse geometry xiv. Eclipse seasons xv. Eclipse tracks.

1-7. The Measurement of Distance

i. Triangulation and Parallax ii. Baseline iii. Trigonometry iv. Geometric scaling v. Cosmic distance scale vi. Sizing Up Planet Earth vii. Parallax Geometry viii. Measurement of Earth’s radius.

b. Chapter 2: The Copernican Revolution: The Birth of Modern Science

2-1. The Ancient Astronomy

i. Stonehenge ii. The Big Horn Medicine Wheel iii. The Caracol Temple iv. The Sun Dagger

PHYS 1404 9

2-2. The Geocentric Universe i. Observations of the Planets ii. Prograde Motion iii. Retrograde Motion iv. Planetary motion v. Inferior planets vi. Superior Planets vii. Inferior conjunction viii. Superior conjunction ix. A Theoretical Model x. Geocentric Universe xi. Epicycle xii. Deferent xiii. Ptolemaic model xiv. Evaluating the Geocentric Model.

2-3. The Heliocentric Model of the Solar System

i. Nicolaus Copernicus ii. The Copernican revolution iii. The Foundations of the Copernican Revolution.

2-4. The Birth of Modern Astronomy

i. Galileo’s Historic Observation ii. Galilean Moons iii. I0, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto iv. Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems v. The Ascendancy of the Copernican System.

2-5. The Laws of Planetary Motion

i. Brahe’s Complex Data ii. Brahe’s observatory, Uraniborg iii. Kepler’s laws of planetary motion iv. Shapes of planetary orbits v. Ellipse vi. Focus (plural: foci) vii. Semimajor axis viii. Eccentricity

2-6. The Dimensions of the Solar System i. Solar Transit ii. Astronomical unit 2-7. Newton’s Laws i. Newtonian Mechanics

PHYS 1404 10

ii. Newton’s First law of motion iii. Newton’s 2nd law of motion iv. Newton’s 3rd law of motion v. Newton’s law of Universal Gravitation. 2-8. Newtonian Mechanics i. Planetary Motion ii. Solar Gravity iii. Kepler’s Laws Reconsidered iv. Center of Mass v. Weighing the Sun vi. Orbits of two bodies vii. Escape Speed viii. The Circle of Scientific Progress.

c. Chapter 3: Radiation: Information from the Cosmos

3-1. Information from the Skies i. Electromagnetic radiation ii. Light and Radiation iii. Visible (spectrum) light iv. Radio, infrared, ultraviolet rays v. X-rays and Gamma Rays vi. Wave motion (velocity) vii. Wavelength, period, frequency and amplitude viii. Amplitude ix. The components of visible light x. Visible spectrum

xi. Nanometer(nm), Angstrom (0A )

3-2. Waves in What?

i. Matter waves ii. Sound wave iii. Light wave iv. Interaction between charged particles v. Electric Field vi. Magnetic field vii. Electromagnetic waves viii. The wave theory of radiation ix. What is light? Wave or Matter?

3-3. The Electromagnetic Spectrum

i. The spectrum of radiation ii. AM, FM radio wave

PHYS 1404 11

ii. Infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays iii. Atmospheric Opacity iv. The Wave nature of radiation v. Diffraction vi. Interference vii. Polarization

3-4. Thermal Radiation i. Temperature and motion ii. Kelvin scale iii. Blackbody Spectrum iv. Blackbody Curves, Ideal versus Reality v. The Radiation Laws vi. The Wien’s Law vii. Stefan’s Law viii. Astronomical Applications ix. Astronomical Thermometer x. The Sun at many wavelengths 3-5. The Doppler Effect i. Redshift ii. Blueshift iii. Radial velocities iv. Measuring velocities with the Doppler Effect

d. Chapter 4: Spectroscopy: The Inner Workings of Atoms

4-1. Spectral Lines

i. Spectroscope ii. Emission Lines iii. Absorption lines iv. Solar spectrum v. Kirchhoff’s Laws vi. Identifying starlight

4-2. Atoms and Radiation i. Atomic Structure

ii. A Model of Atom iii. Different Kinds of Atoms iv. Electron Shells v. Ground State vi. Classical Atom vii. Quantum Atom viii. Radiation as particles

PHYS 1404 12

ix. Photon x. The Photoelectric Effect

4-3. The Formation of Spectral Lines

i. The Excitation of Atoms ii. The Formation of a Spectrum iii. The Hydrogen Spectrum iv. The Fluorescence v. Kirchhoff’s Laws Explained vi. More Complex Spectra vii. Emission Nebula

4-4. Molecules

i. Chemical Bonds ii. Rotation and Vibration of molecules iii. Electron Transitions iv. Hydrogen spectra v. The Shapes of Spectral Lines

4-5. Spectral-Line Analysis i. A spectroscopic Thermometer ii. Measurement of Radial Velocity iii. Line Broadening iv. Line profile v. Doppler shift vi. Thermal Broadening vii. Rotational Broadening viii. Information from Spectral Lines

ix. The Message of Starlight.

B. Unit 2: Telescope, The Solar System, Earth, and The Moon & Mercury.

1. Unit Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to: a. Sketch and describe the kinds of telescopes, explain their use, and

learn how to use them. b. Explain the particular advantages of reflecting telescopes for

astronomical use, and specify why very large telescopes are needed for most astronomical studies.

c. Explain the purposes of some of the detectors used in astronomical telescopes.

d. Describe how Earth’s atmosphere affects astronomical observations, and discuss some of the current efforts to improve ground-based astronomy.

e. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of radio astronomy

PHYS 1404 13

compared with optical observations. f. Explain how interferometry can enhance the usefulness of

astronomical observations. g. Explain why some astronomical observations are best done from

space, and discuss the advantages and limitations of space-based astronomy.

h. Say why it is important to make astronomical observations in different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

i. Discuss the importance of comparative planetology to solar system studies.

j. Describe the overall scale and structure of the solar system. k. Summarize the basic differences between the terrestrial and the

Jovian planets. k. Identify and describe the major non-planetary components of the

solar system. l. Describe some of the spacecraft missions that have contributed

significantly to our knowledge of the solar system. m. Outline the theory of solar system formation that accounts for the

overall properties of our planetary system. n. Summarize the physical properties of planet Earth. o. Explain how Earth’s atmosphere helps to heat us, as well as protect us. p. Outline our current model of Earth’s interior and describe some of

the experimental techniques to establish the model. q. Summarize the evidence for the phenomenon of “continental drift”

and discuss the physical processes that drive it. r. Discuss the nature and origin of Earth’s magnetosphere. s. Describe how both the Moon and the Sun influence Earth’s surface

and affect our planet’s spin. t. Specify the general characteristics of the Moon and Mercury, and

compare them with those of Earth. u. Describe the surface features of the Moon and Mercury, and

recount how those two bodies were formed by events early in their history.

v. Explain how the Moon’s rotation is influenced by its orbit around Earth and Mercury’s by its orbit around the Sun.

w. Explain how observations of cratering can be used to estimate the age of a body’s surface.

x. Describe the evidence for ancient volcanism on the Moon and Mercury.

y. Compare the Moon’s interior structure with that of Mercury. z. Summarize the leading theory of the formation of the Moon. aa. Discuss how astronomers have pieced together the story of the

Moon’s evolution, and compare its evolutionary history with that of Mercury.

PHYS 1404 14

2. Learning Activities:

a. Read the related text material prior to the Lecture. b. Attend class lectures and take notes. c. Complete study guide review activities. d. Participate in selected additional activities as appropriate and

assigned by your instructor. e. Watch selected additional audio-visual materials as appropriate.

3. Unit Outline:

a. Chapter: 5: Telescopes: The Tools of Astronomy 5-1. Optical Telescopes

i. Refracting and Reflecting Telescopes ii. Refracting Lens iii. Reflecting Mirrors iv. Comparing Refractors and Reflectors v. Image Formation vi. Spherical Aberration vii. Chromatic Aberration viii. Types of Reflecting Telescopes ix. Newtonian Telescopes x. Cassegrain Telescopes xi. HST Detectors

5-2. Telescope Size

i. Light Gathering Power ii. Resolving Power iii. Collecting Area iv. The Resolving Powers of a Telescope v. Angular resolution vi. Sensitivity

5-3. Images and Detectors

i. Image Acquisition ii. Charged-Coupled Devices (CCDs) iii. Image Processing iv. Background noises v. Wide-Angled Views vi. Photometry vii. Photometer viii. Spectroscopy

PHYS 1404 15

5-4. High-Resolution Astronomy

i. Atmospheric Blurring ii. Atmospheric Turbulence iii. Seeing iv. Seeing disk v. Light Pollution vi. Active Optics vii. Real-Time Control viii. Adaptive Optics

5-5. Radio Astronomy

i. Radio Telescopes ii. Early Observations iii. Essentials of Radio Telescopes iv. Arecibo Observatory v. The value of Radio Astronomy vi. Haystack Observatory

5-6. Interferometry

i. Interferometer ii. A Radio Interferometer iii. VLA Interferometer iv. Interferometry at other Wavelengths v. Optical Interferometry

5-7. Space-Based Astronomy

i. Infrared Astronomy ii. Infrared Telescopes iii. Ultrviolet Astronomy iv. Ultraviolet telescopes v. High-Energy Astronomy vi. Einstein Observatory vii. Chandra Observatory viii. X-Ray Observatory ix. Gamma-Ray Astronomy

5-8. Full-Spectrum Coverage

i. Objects studied in Radio frequency ii. Objects studied in Infrared frequency iii. Objects studied in Visible frequency iv. Objects studied in Ultraviolet frequency v. Objects studied in X-Ray frequency vi. Objects studied in Gamma ray frequency

PHYS 1404 16

b. Chapter 6: The Solar System: An Introduction to Comparative Planetology

6-1. An inventory of the solar System i. Discovering our Planetary System

ii. Asteroids iii. Kuiper belt objects iv. Meteoroids v. Comparative planetologt

6-2. Measuring the Planets

i. Orbital Semimajor Axis (in AU) ii. Orbital Period iii. Mass iv. Radius v. Number of Known Satellites vi. Rotation Period vii. Average density

6-3. The Overall Layout of the Solar System

i. Major Bodies of the Solar System ii. Major Properties

6-4. Terrestrial and Jovian Planets

i. Planetary Properties ii. Differences among the Terrestrial Planets iii. Terrestrial-Jovian Comparison

6-5. Interplanetary Matter

i. Cosmic Debris ii. Asteroids iii. Kuiper Belt objects iv. Comets v. Meteoroids vi. Interplanetary dust

6-6. Spacecraft Exploration of the Solar System

i. The Mariner 10 Flybys of Mercury ii. Exploration of Venus iii. The Venera program iv. Venus Lander v. Magellan Orbiter vi. Exploration of Mars

PHYS 1404 17

vii. Mariner 4 viii. Viking Lander ix. Missions to the Outer Planets x. Gravitational Slingshots xi. Voyager Mission

6-7. How Did the Solar System Form? i. Nebular Contraction ii. Planetary Condensation iii. Angular Momentum iv. Nebular Contraction

c. Chapter 7: Earth: Our Home in Space

7-1. Overall Structure of Planet Earth i. Mantle ii. Core iii. Crust iv. Hydrosphere v. Atmosphere 7-2. Earth’s Atmosphere i. Atmospheric Structure ii. Convection iii. Atmospheric Ozone iv. Antarctic Ozone Hole v. Surface Heating vi. Why is the sky Blue? vii. Greenhouse Effect viii. Origin of Earth’s Atmosphere 7-3. Earth’s Interior i. Seismic Waves ii. Seismograph iii. P and S waves iv. Modeling Earth’s Interior v. Differtiation 7-4. Surface Activity i. Continental Drift ii. Plate Tectonics iii. Lithosphere iv. Asthenosphere

PHYS 1404 18

v. Geologic Activity vi. Global Plates vii. Radioactive Dating viii. Effects of Plate Motion ix. What Drives the Plates x. Seafloor Spreading xi. Magnetic Reversals xii. Plate Drift xiii. Past Continental Drift xiv. Pangea 7-5. Earth’s Magnetosphere i. Van Allen Belts ii. Aurora iii. Aurora Borealis 7-6. The Tides i. Formation of Hydrosphere ii. Gravitational Deformation iii. Lunar Tides iv. Earth’s slowing rotation

d. Chapter 8: The Moon and Mercury: Scorched and Battered Worlds

8-1. Orbital Properties i. The Moon ii. Moon Data iii. Mercury iv. Visibility of Mercury v. Phases of Mercury

8-2. Physical Properties

i. Angular Diameter from Earth ii. True size iii. Mercury’s angular Diameter

8-3. Surface Features on the Moon and Mercury

i. Lunar Terrain ii. Highlands iii. Craters iv. Moon, Close Up v. Moon from Apollo vi. The Surface of Mercury

PHYS 1404 19

8-4. Rotation Rates i. The Rotation of the Moon ii. Synchronous Orbit iii. Measurement of Mercury’s Spin iv. Planetary Radar v. Explanation Of Mercury’s Rotation

8-5. Lunar Cratering and Surface Composition

i. Meteoritic Impacts ii. Large Lunar Craters iii. Cratering History of The Moon iv. Microcraters v. Lunar Dust vi. Regolith vii. Lunar Ice? viii. Barringer Crater ix. Lunar Volcanism x. Rille xi. Crater Chain

8-6. The Surface of Mercury

i. Scarp on Mercury ii. Mercury’s Basin iii. Weird Terrain

8-7. Interiors

i. The Moon ii. Lunar Prospector iii. Lunar Interior iv. Mercury’s Magnetic Field v. The Terrestrial Interiors of Earth, Moon, and Mercury

8-8. The Origin of the Moon

i. Theories of Lunar Formation ii. Coformation theory iii. Capture theory iv. Daughter or fission theory v. The Impact Theory

8-9. Evolutionary History of the Moon and Mercury

i. Lunar Evolution ii. Mercury Evolution

PHYS 1404 20

C. Unit 3: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn

1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to: a. Summarize Venus’s general orbital and physical properties. b. Describe the characteristics of Venus’s atmosphere and contrast it

with that of Earth. c. Compare the large-scale surface features and geology of Venus

with those of Earth and the Moon. d. Discuss the evidence for ongoing volcanic activity on Venus. e. Explain why the greenhouse effect has produced conditions on

Venus very different from those on Earth. f. Describe Venus’s magnetic field and internal surfaces. g. Summarize the general orbital and physical properties of Mars. h. Describe the observational evidence for seasonal changes on Mars. i. Compare the surface features and geology of Mars with those of

the Moon and Earth, and account for these characteristics in terms of Martian history.

j. Discuss the evidence that Mars once had a much denser atmosphere and running water on its surface.

k. Explain where that ancient water on Mars may be found today. l. Compare the atmosphere of Mars with those of Earth and Venus,

and explain why the evolutionary histories of these three worlds diverged so sharply.

m. Discuss what is known of the internal structure of Mars. n. Describe the characteristics of the Martian moons, and explain

their probable origin. o. Specify the ways in which Jupiter differs from the terrestrial

planets in its physical and orbital properties. p. Discuss the processes responsible for the appearance of Jupiter’s

atmosphere. q. Describe Jupiter’s internal structure and composition, and explain

how their properties are inferred from external measurements. r. Summarize the characteristics of Jupiter’s magnetosphere. s. Discuss the orbital properties of the Galilean moons of Jupiter, and

describe the appearance and physical properties of each moon. t. Explain how tidal forces can produce enormous internal stresses in

a Jovian moon, and discuss some effects of those stresses. u. Summarize the orbital and physical properties of Saturn, and

compare them with those of Jupiter. v. Describe the composition and structure of Saturn’s atmosphere and

interior. w. Explain why Saturn’s internal heat source and magnetosphere

differ from those of Jupiter.

PHYS 1404 21

x. Describe the structure and composition of Saturn’s rings. y. Define the Roche limit, and explain its relevance to the origin of

Saturn’s rings. z. Summarize the general characteristics of Titan, and discuss the

chemical processes in its atmosphere. aa. Discuss some of the orbital and geological properties of Saturn’s

smaller moons. 2. Learning Activities:

a. Read the related text material prior to the lecture. b. Attend class lectures and take notes. c. Complete study guide review activities. a. Participate in selected additional activities as appropriate and

assigned by your instructor. b. Enjoy selected additional audio-visual materials as appropriate.

3. Unit Outline:

a. Chapter 9: Venus: Earth’s Sister Planet

9-1. Orbital Properties i. Inferior Conjunction iii. Superior Conjunction iv. Venus at Sunset

9-2. Physical Properties i. Radius, Mass, and Density ii. Rotation Rate iii. Venus Data iv. Venus’s Solar Day v. Synodic Periods and Solar Days vi. Terrestrial Planets’ Spins

9-3. Long-Distance Observations of Venus

i. Pioneer Venus Spacecraft ii. Venus Express Orbiter iii. Venus, Up Close

9-4. The Surface Of Venus

i. Venus Mosaics ii. Detailed Radar Observations iii. Large-Scale Topography iv. Venus Maps v. Ishtar Terra vi. Aphrodite Terra

PHYS 1404 22

vii. Lava Flows viii. Volcanism and Cratering ix. Lava Dome x. Venus Corona xi. Impact Craters on Venus xii. Venus In Situ xiii. Data from the Soviet Landers

9-5. The Atmosphere of Venus

i. Atmospheric Structure ii. Atmospheric Circulation iii. Venus Express’s main mission iv. Polar Vortex v. Atmospheric Composition vi. The Greenhouse Effect on Venus vii. The Runaway Greenhouse Effect

9-6. Venus’s Magnetic Field and Internal Structure

i. Detectable Magnetic Field ii. Mariner 2 measurementPioneer Venus finding iii. Iron-rich core? iv. Slow rotation and magnetic field

b. Chapter 10: Mars: A Near Miss for Life? 10-1. Orbital Properties i. Conjunction ii. Mars Orbit iii. Mars Data 10-2. Physical Properties i. Two small moons ii. Density iii. Deep-Red Image 10-3. Long-Distance Observation of Mars i. Craters and Mountains ii. Appear as Reddish Disk iii. Images of Mars 10-4. The Martian Surface i. Large-Scale Topography ii. Tharsis

iv. Mars Globes v. Mars Map

PHYS 1404 23

vi. Mars Up Close vii. The Martian “Grand Canyon” viii. Valles Marineries ix. Volcanism on Mars x. Impact Cratering

10-5. Water on Mars

i. Evidence for Past Running Water ii. Runoff Channels iii. Outflow Channels iv. Subsurface Ice v. Martian River Delta vi. Permafrost vii. Ancient Ocean? viii. Crater Composition ix. The Martian Polar Caps x. Seasonal Cap xi. Residual Cap xii. Climate Change on Mars xiii. The View from The Martian Landers xiv. Life on Mars

10-6. The Martian Atmosphere

i. Atmospheric Structure and Weather ii. Atmospheric Evolution iii. Fog in the Canyons iv. Atmospheric Change v. Martian Evolution

10-7. Martian Internal Structure

i. Vikin Seismometer ii. Global Surveyor measurement iii. Mars tectonic

10-8. The Moons of Mars

i. Discovered by Hall in 1877 ii. Study by Mariner and Viking iii. Both irregular shape iv. Mars Express Photographs of the moons

c. Chapter 11: Jupiter: Giant of the Solar System 11-1. Orbital and Physical Properties

i. The View from Earth

PHYS 1404 24

iii. Mass and Radius iv. Rotation Rate v. Rotational Flattening vi. Jupiter Data

11-2. The Atmosphere of Jupiter

i. Great Red Spot ii. Atmospheric Composition iii. Atmospheric Bands iv. Atmospheric Structure and Color v. Weather on Jupiter

11-3. Internal Structure

i. Red spot Junior ii. An Internal Energy Source iii. Jupitor’s Deep Interior iv. Almost a Star?

11-4. Jupiter’s Magnetiosphere

i. The Galileo Probe ii. Magnetopause iii. Current Sheet iv. Aurorae on Jupiter

11-5. The Moons of Jupiter

i. Galilean Moons: a Model of the Inner Solar System ii. I0: The Most Active Moon iii. Europa: Liquid Water Locked in Ice iv. Ganymede and Callisto: Fraternal Twins

11-6. Jupiter’s Ring

i. 1979 Voyager Findings ii. Faint ring iii. Encircling Jupiter

d. Chapter 12: Saturn: Spectacular Rings and Mysterious Moons

12-1. Orbital and Physical Properties i. Overall Properties ii. Rotation Rate iii. Rings

12-2. Saturn’s Atmosphere

i. Composition and Coloration ii. Saturn Data

PHYS 1404 25

iii. Weather iv. Saturn’s Cloud Structure v. Saturn Storms vi. Saturn’s “Dragon Storm” vii. Saturn Polar Vortex

12-3. Saturn’s Interior and Magnetosphere

i. Internal Heating ii. Magnetospheric Activity iii. Aurora on Saturn

12-4. Saturn’s Spectacular Ring System

i. The View from Earth ii. Cassini Division iii. What Are Saturn’s Ring iv. A, B, and C Rings v. Encke Gap vi. D, E, F, and G Rings vii. The Roche Limit viii. The Rings in Detail ix. Ringlets x. Orbital Resonances and Shepherd Satellites xi. Back-Lit Rings xii. Spokes in the Rings xiii. Shephered Moon xiv. Moon-Ring Interaction xv. The Origin of the Rings

12-5. The Moons of Saturn

i. Titan: A Moon with an Atmosphere ii. Dancing Among Saturn’s Moons iii. Titan’s Surface and Interior Structure iv. Titan Revealed v. The View from Huygens vi. Titan’s Lake vii. Saturn’s Medium-Sized Moons viii. The Small Satellites ix. The Co-Orbital Satellites x. Synchronous Orbit xi. The moon, Hyperion

D. Unit Four: Uranus and Neptune, Solar System Debris, The Formation of

Planetary System, The Sun, and Life in the Universe.

PHYS 1404 26

1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be

able to: a. Describe how both chance and calculation played major roles in

the discoveries of the outer planets. b. Summarize the similarities and differences between Uranus and

Neptune, and compare these planets with the other two Jovian worlds.

c. Describe what is known about the interiors of Uranus and Neptune. d. Explain what the moons of the outer planets tell us about their past. e. Contrast the rings of Uranus and Neptune with those of Jupiter and

Saturn. f. Describe the orbital properties of the major group of asteroids. g. Summarize the composition and physical properties of a typical

asteroid. h. Detail the composition and structure of a typical comet, and

explain the formation and appearance of its tail. i. Discuss the characteristics of cometary orbits and what they tell us

about the probable origin of comets. j. Describe the composition of the solar system beyond Neptune, and

explain why astronomers no longer regard Pluto as a plant. k. Distinguish among the terms meteor, meteoroid, and meteorite. l. Summarize the orbital and physical properties of meteoroids, and

explain what these properties suggest about the probable origin of meteoroids.

m. List the major facts that any theory of solar system formation must explain and indicate how the leading theory accounts for them.

n. Explain how the terrestrial planets formed. o. Say why planetary densities depend on distance from the Sun. p. Discuss the leading theories for the formation of the Jovian worlds. q. Describe how comets and asteroids formed, and explain their role

in determining planetary properties. r. Outline the properties of known extrasolar planets. s. Discuss how extrasolar planets fit in with current theories of solar

system formation. t. Summarize the overall properties and internal structure of the Sun. u. Describe the concept of luminosity, and explain how it is

measured. v. Explain how studies of the solar surface tell us about the Sun’s

interior. w. List and describe the outer layers of the Sun. x. Discuss the nature and variability of the Sun’s magnetic field. y. Describe the various types of solar activity and their relation to

solar magnetism.

PHYS 1404 27

z. Outline the process by which energy is produced in the Sun’s interior.

aa. Explain how observations of the Sun’s core changed our understanding of fundamental physics.

bb. Summarize the process of cosmic evolution as it is currently understood.

cc. Evaluate the chances of finding life elsewhere in the solar system. dd. Summarize the various probabilities used to estimate the number

of advanced civilizations that might exist in the Galaxy. ee. Discuss some of the techniques we might use to search for

extraterrestrials and to communicate with them. 2. Learning Activities:

a. Read the related text material prior to the lecture. b. Watch the video program. c. Complete study guide review activities. d. Do additional activities as appropriate and assigned by your

instructor. e. Enjoy selected additional audio-visual materials as appropriate.

3. Unit Outline:

a. Chapter 13: Uranus and Neptune: The Outer Worlds of the Solar

System 13-1. The Discoveries of Uranus and Neptun

i. Uranus ii. Uranus from Earth iii. Uranus, Close Up iv. Neptune v. Neptune from Earth vi. Neptune, Close Up

13-2. Orbital and Physical Properties

i. Relative sizes compare to Earth ii. Day and night iii. Voyager pictures

13-3. The Atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune

i. Composition ii. The most abundant elements

iv. Weather v. The Great Dark Spot vi. Hubble Telescope’s view

PHYS 1404 28

vii. Infrared Views. 13-4. Magnetospheres and Internal Structure

i. Voyager 2 findings ii. Comparison of Jovian planets Magnetic Fields iii. Comparison of interior structures of Jovian Planets iv. Current state of knowledge about these planets

13-5. The Moon Systems of Uranus and Neptune

i. Uranus,s Moons ii. William Herschel’s discoveries iii. Similarities of five largest Uranian moons iv. Radiation darkening v. Neptune’s Moons vi. Asteroid-sized moons vii. Viewe of Triton viii. Water ice on Triton

13-6. The Rings of the Outermost Jovian Planets

i. The Rings of Uranus ii. Observation of Uranus’s stellar Occultation iii. Voyager 1 and 2 detections iv. The physical data for Uranus’s rings v. Shepherd satellites vi. The Rings of Neptunes vii. Five dark rings of Neptunes

b. Chapter 14: Solar System Debris: Keys to our Origin

14-1. Asteroids i. Orbital Properties ii. A view of Inner Solar System iii. The Asteroid Belt iv. Non-Belt Asteroids v. The Properties of Asteroids vi. The Origin of Asteroids viii. The observation of Asteroids by Galileo’s Probe ix. Binary AsteroidsNear Earth Asteroids x. Gaspa and Ida xi. The Asteroid Mathilde xii. Detailed images of the Asteroid Eros xiii. Earth-Crossing Asteroids xiv. Apollo Asteroids xv. Aten Asteroids

PHYS 1404 29

xvi. Amor Asteroids xvii. Asteroud Icarus xviii. Orbital Resonance xix. Lagrangian Points xx. Kirkwood Gaps

14-2. Comets

i. Properties of Comets ii. Comet Tail iv. Comet nucleus v. Coma vi. Hydrogen envelope vii. Ion Tails viii. Dust TailsComet Trajectory ix. Halley’s Comet x. Physical Properties of Comet xi. Space missions to Comets xii. Vega 2 Soviet craft xiii. Giotto, European Craft xiv. NASA Stardust mission xv. Comet Orbits xvi. Kuiper belt xvii. Oort Cloud xviii. Comet Geology xix. The Origin of Comets

14-3. Beyond Neptune

i. Kuiper belt objects ii. Trans-Neptunian objects iii. The Serendipitous Discovery of Pluto iv. Comet Reservoir v. Pluto’s Orbital and Physical Properties vi. Crossing of Neptune’s and Pluto’s orbits vii. Pluto and Charon viii. Pluto-Charon Eclipses ix. A three-dimensional surface map of Pluto x. Properties of Trans-Neptunian Objects xi. The King of the Kuiper Belt xii. Dwarf planets

14-4. Meteoroids

i. Meteor ii. Meteoroid iii. Meteorite

PHYS 1404 30

iv. Meteo Trails v. Meteor Showers vi. Cometary Fragments vii. Meteroid swarm viii. Micrometeoids ix. Cometary Fragments x. Stray Asteroids xi. Radiant xii. Manicouagan Reservoir xiii. Tunguska Debris xiv. Meteorite Properties xv. Large Meteorites xvi. Meteorite Samples

c. Chapter: 15: The Formation of Planetary Systems: The Solar System

and Beyond

15-1. Modeling Planet Formation i. Theory on Formation ii. Model Requirements iii. Each planet is relatively isolated in space iv. Orbit is nearly circular v. Orbits lie in nearly the same plane vi. Direction of orbital motion vii. Direction of rotation viii. Direction of Planet’s moons orbit ix. Our solar system highly differentiated x. The asteroids very old and have different properties xi. Kuiper belt properties xii. Oort cloud properties xiii. Planetary irregularities

15-2. Formation of the Solar System i. The Condensation Theory ii. The Condensation nuclei iii. Accretion process iv. Planetesimals v. Protoplanets vi. Differentiation of the Solar System vii. Dark Cloud viii. Newborn Solar System ix. Temperature in the Early Solar Nebula

15-3. Terrestrial and Jovian Planets

PHYS 1404 31

i. Making the Inner Planets ii. Planetesimals and Protoplanets iii. Making the Jovian Worlds iv. Core-accretion theory v. T Tauri Star vi. Jovian Condensation vii. Giant-Planet Migration viii. Formation Stops

15-4. Interplanetary Debris i. The Asteroids Belt ii. Comets and the Kuiper Belt iii. A time line of solar system formation iv. Planetesimal Ejection

15-5. Solar System Regularities and irregularities i. Recalling of Modern theory of solar system formation ii. 10 characteristics points iii. Recall Evolutionary theory iv. Contrast with Catastrophic theory v. Recall collision hypothesis

15-6. Planets beyond the Solar System

i. The Discovery of Extrasolar Planets ii. Detecting Extrasolar Planets iii. Planets Revealed iv. Planetary Transits v. Planetary Properties vi. An Extrasolar Transit vii. Extrasolar Orbital Parameters viii. Hot Jupiters ix. Are they really Planets x. Brown Dwarfs (failed Stars!)

15-7. Is Our Solar System Unusual?

i. Observational Limitations ii. Making Eccentric Jupiters iii. Jupiter-like Planet? iv. Sinking Planet v. Searching for Earth-Like Planets vi. The ERuropean CoRoT mission

d. Chapter 16: The Sun: Our Parent Star

PHYS 1404 32

16-1. Physical Properties of the Sun i. Overall Properties

ii. Differential Spin iii. Surface temperature

iv. Heat Flow in the Sun v. The Photosphere vi. The Chromosphere vii. The Solar Corona viii. Helioseismology ix. Luminosity

16-2. Solar interior i. Mathematical models ii. Hydrostatic Equilibrium iii. Solar Oscillation iv. Solar interior v. Energy Transport vi. Solar Granulation 16-3. The Sun’s Atmosphere i. Solar Spectrum ii. The spectral lines iii. The Transition Zone and the Corona iv. The Solar Wind 16-4. Solar Magnetism

i. Sunspots and Active Regions ii. The Sunspot Cycle iii. The Sun’s Magnetic Cycle iv. Magnetic Cycles on other Stars v. Prominences and Flares vi. Coronal Activity vii. The Solar Constant viii. Maunder minimum

16-5. The Active Sun i. Active regions ii. Prominences iii. Flares iv. Coronal mass rejection v. The Sun in X-Rays vi. Coronal Holes vii. Mass ejection viii. The changing Solar Corona

PHYS 1404 33

16-6. The Heart of the Sun

i. Solar Energy Production ii. Nuclear Binding Energy iii. Weak force, Strong force iv. Nuclear Fission v. Hydrogen Fusion vi. Charged Particle Interactions vii. Coulomb Barrier viii. Proton-Proton Chain ix. Deuterium, Positron viii. Energy transport ix. Radiative and Convective zone

16-7. Observations of Solar Neutrinos

i. The Solar Neutrino Problem ii. The Davis solar neutrino experiment iii. Neutrino Detectors iv. Neutrino Physics and Standard Model v. Neutrino Telescopes

e. Chapter 28: Life in the Universe: Are We Alone?

28-1 Cosmic Evolution i. Life in the Universe ii. Arrow of Time iii. Chemical Evolution iv. Amino acids and nucleotide v. Urey-Miller Experiment vi. An Interstellar Origin vii. Diversity and Culture

28-2 Life in the Solar System

i. Life as we Know it ii. Search for Martian Life iii. Extremophiles iv. Alternative Biochemistries

28-3 Intelligent Life in the Galaxy

i. The Drake Equation ii. Rate of Star Formation iii. Fraction of Stars Having Planetary System iv. Number of Habitable Planets per Planetary System v. Fraction of Habitable Planets on Which Life

PHYS 1404 34

Actually Arises vi. Fraction of Life-Bearing Planets on Which

Intelligence Arises vii. Fraction of Planets on Which Intelligent Life

Develops and Uses Technology viii. Average Lifetime of a Technological Civilization ix. Technological Civilizations in the Galaxy

28-4. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence vi. Meeting Our Neighbors

vii. Pioneer 10 Plaque viii. Radio Communication

ix. The Water Hole x. Leakage Project Phoenix

PHYS 1404 35