Astronomy 121: The Solar System
TuTh 14-15:50
182 Lillis Hall

Physlink News
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 20 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 to 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: 444 Willamette Hall
E-mail: imamura@uoregon.edu
Phone: 541-346-5212
Office Hours: MW 9:00-10:30, Tu 10:30-noon, Th 11-1pm, or by appointment

Course: ASTR 121: The Solar System; ASTR 121 is a science group satisfying course (<3)
Course CRN:
Text: Astronomy Today, 7th edition, Chaisson & McMillan
Grading:
Test Schedule:

Homework Assignments:

From hereon (after today, 10/24/2011, that is, starting with HW # 4), homework assignments handed in which are not stapled will lose half-credit.

Extra Credit Homework, due:On or before 6 December 2011 in class

Date

Material

Reading

Notes

09/27/2011

Introduction

Chapters 1 & 2

Topic 1

9/27/2011,9/29/2011,10/4/2011,10/6/2011,10/11/2011

Naked Eye Astronomy

Chapter 1

Topic 2

10/13/2011,10/18/2011

The Development of Modern Astronomy

Chapter 2

Topic 3

10/18/2011

The Solar System

Chapter 6

Topic 4

10/25/2011

Formation of the Solar System

Chapter 6 & 15

Topic 4a

10/27/2011,11/1/2011

Are We Unique?

Chapter 15

Topic 4b

11/1/2011,11/3/2011

The Terrestrial Planets

Chapter 7,8,9,10

Topic 5

11/03/2011,11/8/2011

Evol of the Int of the Terr Planets

Chapter 7,8,9,10

Topic 5a

11/8/2011,11/10/2011,11/15/2011

Evol of the Surfaces of the Terr Planets

Chapter 7,8,9,10

Topic 5b

11/15/2011

Atmospheres of the Terr Planets

Chapter 7,8,9,10

Topic 5c

11/15/2011,11/22/2011

Evol of the Atm of the Terr Planets

Chapter 7,8,9,10

Topic 5d

11/29/2011

The Jovian Planets

Chapter 11,12,13

Topic 6

11/29/2011,12/01/2011

Jupiter and Saturn

Chapter 11,12

Topic 6a

....

Uranus and Neptune

Chapter 13

Topic 6b