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The Solar System >> Content Detail

Readings

Reading assignments are given in the two required textbooks and are to be completed prior to class in the indicated sessions.

H = Hartmann, W. K. Moons and Planets. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2004. ISBN: 9780534493936.

B = Beatty, J. K., et al. The New Solar System. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1998. ISBN: 9780521645874.

Course readings.
Ses #	Topics	readings
1	Organization/Introduction
2	Overview of the Solar System	H, chapters 1 and 2. B, chapter 1.
3	Overview of the Solar System (cont.)
4	The Sun	B, chapter 3.
5	Celestial Mechanics	H, chapter 3.
6	Celestial Mechanics (cont.) Rings	B, chapter 16.
7	Exam 1
8	Planetary Formation	H, chapters 4 and 5. B, chapter 2.
9	Other Planetary Systems	B, chapter 28, pp. 136-140.
10	Meteorites	H, chapter 6. B, chapter 26.
11	Asteroids	H, chapter 7. B, chapters 23 and 25.
12	Comets	B, chapters 5 and 24.
13	Exam 2
14	Planetary Interiors	H, chapter 8. B, chapters 9 and 14.
15	Planetary Interiors (cont.)	B, chapter 4.
16	Planetary Surfaces	H, chapter 9. B, chapter 6.
17	Planetary Surfaces (cont.)	H, chapter 10. B, chapter 12.
18	Planetary Surfaces (cont.)	B, chapters 7, 8, 10, 11, and 17.
19	Satellites/Icy Bodies	B, chapters 18, 19, 21, and 22.
20	Exam 3
21	Planetary Atmospheres	H, chapter 11.
22	Planetary Atmospheres (cont.)	B, chapters 13, 15, and 20.
23	Planetary Atmospheres (cont.)
24	Life in the Solar System	H, chapter 12. B, chapter 27.
25	Mars Exploration	H, chapter 13. B, chapter 11.
26	Review Session