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PHY 195: Introduction to Planetary Science and Astronomy

PHY 195: Introduction to Planetary Science and Astronomy (Spring 2013, csuDHTV). California State University Dominguez Hills. Instructor: Dr. Bruce Bett. This course will be an introductory astronomy survey course with a strong emphasis in planetary science. There will be overviews of all the major bodies in our solar system, as well as stars, galaxies, origins and evolution of the solar system and the universe, and the possibility of life in the universe. The course will cover significant solar system processes such as impact, tectonics, volcanism, atmospheric processes, effects of the solar wind, as well as the basics of orbital mechanics. Also covered will be the history of exploration of each of the bodies in our solar system. Planetary surfaces, atmospheres, interiors, magnetic fields, and ring systems and their associated origins and processes will be explored. Also, the sun and its effects on the planets will be addressed. Experts from around the country will join the lecturer via videoconference and phone to describe their research and to take questions. Though not an observational astronomy class per se, students will be taught how to and required to make basic observations of the night sky not requiring a telescope, of objects such as planets, the Moon, meteors, satellites, and stars.

Lecture 01 - Tour of the Solar System
Lecture 02 - How do We Explore Planets and Space?
Lecture 03 - Telescopes, The Moon
Lecture 04 - Mercury, Venus-Earth-Mars Atmospheres, Venus
Lecture 05 - Venus (cont.), Mars
Lecture 06 - Mars (cont.), Asteroids
Lecture 07 - Near Earth Asteroids, Jupiter System
Lecture 08 - Icy Galilean Satellites of Jupiter, Saturnian System
Lecture 09 - Uranian and Neptunian Systems
Lecture 10 - Trans Neptunian Objects: Pluto System, Kuiper Belt Objects, Comets
Lecture 11 - Exoplanets, The Origin and Formation of the Solar System
Lecture 12 - The Sun and Stars
Lecture 13 - Galaxies, Expansion of the Universe, Big Bang

Related Links
Bruce Bett's Online College Intro Astronomy Course 2013
The Planetary Society's Director of Projects, Dr. Bruce Betts, returned to the virtual classroom at California State University Dominguez Hills for the Spring 2013 semester teaching Physics 195: Introduction to Planetary Science and Astronomy.