Astronomy 121: The Solar System
TuTh 14:00-15:50
125 McKenzie Hall

JHU New Horizons (Pluto and MU 69)
Cassini (Saturn)
Juno (Jupiter)
Curiosity Rover (Mars)
Europa Clipper (Jupiter)
LIGO (gravitational waves)
star date, Astronomy, sky and telescope news, national geographic, apod

extended description:
astronomy 121 is an introduction to the science of astronomy for non-science majors with an emphasis on the exploration of the solar system. the past 25 years has seen an explosion in our understanding of the contents, formation and evolution of the solar system, mainly due to numerous nasa missions/probes to eight of the nine planets. the study of the characteristics of the other planets has provided tremendous insight into the understanding of how our own planet (earth) operates and changes under mankind's influence. the purpose of this course is to educate the student on the basic science behind our exploration of the solar system so you may make informed choices as future/current voters on issues of our environment and the future of science in this country. The specific goals of this class are 1) to gain an understanding of basic science that underlies astronomy (the forum is the exploration of our solar system), 2) to explore the properties of the objects that make up our solar system, and 3) to achieve an understanding of how the evolution of other planets has an impact on how we make choices to manage our own environment. in addition, this course traces the history of our developing knowledge of the solar system in order to explore how the scientific method works and how civilization has gained from the progress of science and technology. the interplay between technology (telescopes, robotic space probes) and knowledge gained about the solar system is a key theme to the course.
Instructor: James N. Imamura
Office: 457 Willamette Hall
e-mail: imamura@uoregon.edu
Phone: 541-346-5212
Office Hours: tuth 10:30-noon, or by appointment

Course: Astr 121: the solar system; Astr 121 is a science group satisfying course (<3)
Course CRN: 21641
Text: Essential Cosmic Perspective, 8th edition, Bennett, Donahue, Schneider & Voit

Grading:
3 equally weighted exams, 60 points per exam + 6 homework/in-class exercises, 10 points per exercise ===> 240 total points

Test Schedule:

Test 1: Tuesday, 1/29/2019
Test 2: Tuesday, 2/21/2019
Test 3: Monday, 3/18/2019 @ 12:30

Homeworks/In-class exercises

Date
Material
Reading

Notes

1/8
Introduction
Chapter 1: A Modern View of the Universe, Chapter 3.1: The Ancient Roots of Science
Topic 1

1/10
Naked Eye Astronomy
Chapter 2: Discovering the Universe for Yourself, Section S1: Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation
Topic 2

The Development of Modern Astronomy
Chapter 3: The Science of Astronomy, Chapter 4.2-4.5
Topic 3

The Solar System
Chapter 7: Our Planetary System
Topic 4

Formation of the Solar System
Chapter 8: Formation of the Solar System
Topic 4a

Is the Solar System Unique?
Chapter 13: Other Planetary Systems, The New Science of Distant Worlds
Topic 4b

The Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 7: Our Planetary System
Topic 5

The Interiors and Surfaces of the Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 9: Planetary Geology
Topic 5a, Topic 5b

Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 10: Planetary Atmospheres
Topic 5c

The Jovian Planets
Chapter 7: Our Planetary System, Chapter 11: Jovian Planet Systems
Topic 6

Jupiter and Saturn
Chapter 11: Jovian Planet Systems
Topic 6a

Uranus and Neptune
Chapter 11: Jovian Planet Systems
Topic 6b

Dwarf Planets, Asteroids, and Comets

Chapter 12: Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts
Topic 7

Search for Life in the Solar System
Chapter 24: Life in the Universe
Topic 8