Astronomy 121: The Solar System
MTuWTh 16-18:30
110 Willamette Hall

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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: TuTh 10:30-noon, or by appointment

Course: ASTR 121: The Solar System; ASTR 121 is a science group satisfying course (<3)
Course CRN: 40229
Text: Astronomy Today, 7th edition, Chaisson & McMillan

Grading:
3 equally weighted exams, 50 points per exam ===> 150 points
4 equally weighted homeworks, 15 points per homework ===> 60 points

===> 210 total points

The final grading scale will be determined by the class performance on the exams.

Test Schedule:
Test 1: July 2, 2012
Test 2: July 11, 2012
Test 3: July 19, 2012

Homeworks:

Extra Credit, due: before July 19, 2012
Homework 1, due: on or before June 28, 2012
Homework 2, due: on or before July 5, 2012
Homework 3, due: on or before July 12, 2012
Homework 4, due: on or before July 19, 2012

Date
Material
Reading

Notes

June 25, 2012
Introduction
Chapters 1 & 2
Topic 1

June 25,26,27, 2012
Naked Eye Astronomy
Chapter 1
Topic 2

June 27,28, 2012
The Development of Modern Astronomy
Chapter 2
Topic 3

July 3, 2012
The Solar System
Chapter 6
Topic 4

July 5, 2012
Formation of the Solar System
Chapter 6 & 15
Topic 4a

July 5, 9, 2012
Are We Unique?
Chapter 15
Topic 4b

July 12, 2012
The Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 7,8,9,10
Topic 5

July 16, 2012
Evol of the Int of the Terr Planets
Chapter 7,8,9,10
Topic 5a

July 17, 2012
Evol of the Surfaces of the Terr Planets
Chapter 7,8,9,10
Topic 5b

July 9, 2012
Atmospheres of the Terr Planets
Chapter 7,8,9,10
Topic 5c

July 18, 2012
Search for Life in the Solar System
Chapter 28
Topic 10

July 9, 2012
Atmospheres of the Terr Planets
Chapter 7,8,9,10
Topic 5c

July 10, 2012
Evol of the Atm of the Terr Planets
Chapter 7,8,9,10
Topic 5d

July xx, 2012
The Jovian Planets
Chapter 11,12,13
Topic 6

July xx, 2012
Jupiter and Saturn
Chapter 11,12
Topic 6a

July xx, 2012
Uranus and Neptune
Chapter 13
Topic 6b