Harvard University Department of Astronomy

Astronomy 135: Planetary System Astronomy Uses our solar system as an example to understand the origin and evolution of planetary systems in general. Emphasis on how physical patterns inherent in our solar system provide clues to the conditions and mechanisms that give rise to the formation of planets orbiting the Sun or similar stars, and govern their evolution. Topics include the formation and evolution of the Sun, origin, structure, and evolution of solar system planets, planetary satellites, small bodies of the solar system (comets, asteroids, and meteorites), and solar magnetic activity and its influence on the Earth and planets. Also included will be discussion of planets orbiting other stars, what they tell us about how planetary systems (including our own) form and evolve, and the possibilities of habitable environments in other planetary systems. Prerequisite: Physics 15abc; or Physics 11ab and permission of the instructor.

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Last modified on Friday, 23-Feb-2007 16:56:01 EST
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