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

Astronomy 121 is an introduction to the Solar System for non-science majors. 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 other planets and planetary systems has provided tremendous insight into our understanding of how our own planet, the Earth, operates and changes under mankind's influence. The overarching purpose of the course is the education of students on the notions of science (science literacy) and the motivations and methods underlying our exploration of the Solar System also spending some time on issues concerning our environment and our place in the Galaxy. 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: by appointment

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

Grading:
2 equally weighted exams, 60 points per exam + 4 homework/in-class exercises, 10 points per exercise + final exam, xx points ===> total points

Test Schedule:

Test 1: Thursday, 6/28/2018, Guide
Test 2: Thursday, 7/5/2018, Guide
Test 3: Thursday, 7/12/2018, Guide
Test 4: Thursday, 7/19/2018, Guide

Homeworks

Homework 1: Monday, July 2, 2018, Moon
Homework 2: Monday, July 9, 2018, Local Noon
Homework 3: Monday, July 9, 2018, Extra-Solar Planets
Homework 4: Monday, July 16, 2018, Meteorite Impact Rate on Earth

Date
Material
Reading

Notes

6/25
Introduction
Chapter 1
Topic 1

6/25-6/27
Naked Eye Astronomy
Chapter 2
Topic 2

6/28
The Development of Modern Astronomy
Chapter 3, Chapter 4.2-4.4
Topic 3

7/2
The Solar System
Chapter 6
Topic 4

7/2-7/3
Formation of the Solar System
Chapter 6
Topic 4a

7/3,7/5
Is the Solar System Unique?
Chapter 10
Topic 4b

7/9
The Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 7
Topic 5

7/10
The Interiors and Surfaces of the Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 7
Topic 5a, Topic 5b

7/11
Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets
Chapter 7
Topic 5c

7/12
The Jovian Planets
Chapter 8
Topic 6

7/16-7/17
Jupiter and Saturn
Chapter 8
Topic 6a

...
Uranus and Neptune
Chapter 8
Topic 6b

7/18
Dwarf Planets, Asteroids, and Comets

Chapter 9
Topic 7

...
Search for Life in the Solar System
Chapter 19
Topic 8