Introduction to the geologic processes on Earth, exploration of our Solar System, and geologic discoveries on all major bodies in our Solar System. Using comparative planetology as a tool to learn about the geology of extraterrestrial worlds, including inner and outer Solar System bodies, asteroids, and objects from the outermost reaches of our Solar System.
Athena Title
Alien Worlds
Prerequisite
ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will be able to describe the general geology of all major solid-surface solar system bodies visited by spacecraft.
Students will be able to differentiate between different types of planetary exploration mission designs and instrument capabilities for the robotic study of planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres.
Students will be able to recognize ethical issues and apply different ethical perspectives to planetary exploration, covering concepts of human space exploration, planetary protection, planetary defense, and terraforming.
Students will be able to evaluate the credibility of popular science articles and news reports (and their sources) that report about breakthroughs in planetary science.
Topical Outline
1. Earth-The World We Live On (~4 weeks)
Formation of the Solar System/Formation of Earth
What is a Planet?
Our Hydrosphere
Our Atmosphere
Earth Through Time
Styles of Volcanism
Styles of Tectonics
Impact Cratering
2. How Do We Study Extraterrestrial Geology? (~2 weeks)
History of Space Exploration
Planetary Flybys/Orbiters/Landers/Rovers, Remote Sensing
Meteorites and Sample Return
Human Exploration
Common Methods in Planetary Remote Sensing
3. Exploration and Geology of Other Worlds in the Inner Solar System (~4 weeks)
Geology of Mercury
Geology of Venus
Geology of the Moon
Geology of Mars
Geology of Asteroid Belt Objects
4. Exploration and Geology of Worlds in the Outer Solar System (~3 weeks)
The Gas and Ice Giants
Geology of Jupiter’s Moons
Geology of Saturn’s Moons
Geology of Uranus’ and Neptune’s Moons
5. Exploration and Geology of Worlds in the Kuiper Belt (~1 week)
How are KBOs observed?
Geology of Pluto and Charon
Geology of Arrokoth
6. Exploration and Geology of Worlds Representing the Oort Cloud (~1 week)
How are comets observed?
Geology of Comets with Emphasis on 67P-Churyumov-Gerasimenko
7. A Look Outside our Solar System (~1 week)
Science of Exoplanets Through the Looking Glass of Earth Science
Types of Bodies not Found in our Planetary Neighborhood
Potential textbook:
Planetary Geoscience 1st Edition
by Harry Y. McSween Jr, Jeffrey E. Moersch, Devon M. Burr, William M. Dunne, Joshua P. Emery, Linda C. Kah, Molly C. McCanta
General Education Core
CORE II: Physical Sciences
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
