Astronomy from early ideas of the cosmos to modern observational techniques. The solar system planets, satellites, and minor bodies. The origin and evolution of the solar system.
Athena Title
Astronomy of the Solar System
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ASTR 1110, ASTR 1110H
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to summarize the history of astronomical observation and models, particularly including the Copernican revolution.
Students will be able to describe in detail the components of the solar system, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other small bodies.
Students will be able to explain the processes that led to the formation of the solar system.
Students will be able to explain the fundamental principles of orbital mechanics, including Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and Newton’s law of gravitation, and perform basic calculations using these physical laws.
Students will be able to compare and contrast the physical characteristics of each planet in the solar system, including their atmospheres and geology.
Topical Outline
History of astronomy
Apparent motion of the sky
Origin and evolution of the solar system
Terrestrial and Jovian planets, and their satellites
Asteroids and comets
General Education Core
CORE II: Physical Sciences
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
