Exploration of the Solar System. Over the last 30 years we have learned most of what we know about the planets, and the space environment on the Earth. Topics will include the constraints that the environment of space places on the designs of space probes, the history of space science in studying the Earth's environment, and the deep-space missions of the other planets. The course is intended for science and non-science concentrators, and all exams will consist of conceptual, not mathematical questions. The course will be an extension of the Intro.
Astronomy courses with a focus on the methods of space exploration and the solar system.
Assigned reading from a textbook, tentatively The Planetary System by Morrison and Owen, weekly homework sets with mainly conceptual questions, two hourly exams, and one final exam with conceptual questions. Introduction to Astrophysics. 115, and prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys. Some of the most exciting phenomena and concepts in astronomy and astrophysics are explored in this survey course. One major theme is the structure and evolution of stars from their birth in giant molecular clouds through their death as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.