Astro 342: Introduction to Solar System Astronomy.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Phys 222.
Analytical and comparative studies of
solar system objects-planets, satellites, rings, asteroids, comets,
meteoroids, and interplanetary dust-with emphasis on the physical
processes affecting them, their interactions, and their evolution.
Orbital mechanics, including perturbations, stability, and resonances.
Tidal forces and effects. Radiation laws and thermal physics with
applications. Brief study of the sun as a star, and of stellar
evolution. Origin and evolution of the solar system. The possible
formation of other planetary systems; detection methods.
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