Course Description

This is a course in descriptive Astronomy, with emphasis on evolution, structure and behavior of the Solar System and its contents. The course commences with a study of the night sky including the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars. The motions of the celestial bodies are explained in the historical context of geocentric and heliocentric models. The origins of the solar system are explored followed by a study of the Terrestrial planets utilizing comparative planetary geology. The atmospheres of the Terrestrials and Jovians are investigated, followed by an exploration of moons, ring systems, asteroids and comets.