TuTh 14:00-15:50 125 McKenzie Hall |
JHU New Horizons (Pluto and MU 69)
extended description:
Instructor: James N. Imamura
Homeworks/In-class exercises
Cassini (Saturn)
Juno (Jupiter)
Curiosity Rover (Mars)
Europa Clipper (Jupiter)
LIGO (gravitational waves)
star date,
Astronomy,
sky and telescope news,
national geographic,
apod
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.
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:
Date |
|
|
|
1/8 | Introduction
Chapter 1: A Modern View of the Universe, Chapter 3.1: The Ancient Roots of ScienceTopic 1 | ||
1/10 | Naked Eye Astronomy
Chapter 2: Discovering the Universe for Yourself, Section S1: Celestial Timekeeping and NavigationTopic 2 | ||
The Development of Modern Astronomy
Chapter 3: The Science of Astronomy, Chapter 4.2-4.5Topic 3 | |||
The Solar System
Chapter 7: Our Planetary SystemTopic 4 | |||
Formation of the Solar System
Chapter 8: Formation of the Solar SystemTopic 4a | |||
Is the Solar
System Unique?
Chapter 13: Other Planetary Systems, The New Science of Distant WorldsTopic 4b | |||
The Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 7: Our Planetary SystemTopic 5 | |||
The Interiors and Surfaces of the Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 9: Planetary GeologyTopic 5a, Topic 5b | |||
Atmospheres of the Terrestrial
Planets
Chapter 10: Planetary AtmospheresTopic 5c | |||
The Jovian Planets
Chapter 7: Our Planetary System, Chapter 11: Jovian Planet SystemsTopic 6 | |||
Jupiter and Saturn
Chapter 11: Jovian Planet SystemsTopic 6a | |||
Uranus and Neptune
Chapter 11: Jovian Planet SystemsTopic 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 UniverseTopic 8 | |||