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ASTR 0002 - Introduction to Planetary Systems

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/astr-0002/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Completion of ENGL N with grade of "C" or better Hours: 54 lecture Description: General principles and fundamental facts of astronomy associated with planetary systems. Includes historical developments of planetary astronomy, basic principles of planetary system observations and analysis, and general concepts for interpreting the night sky with charts and almanacs. Particular detail given to the formation, evolution, and current condition of the Sun and Solar System, as well as current knowledge of other planetary systems. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Demonstrate knowledge and skill in Observational Astronomy, showing correlation between the observable sky to events in the cosmos. Analyze basic science and core physics, to discover how they apply to astronomy. Apply concepts from planetary astronomy to investigate the types of different planetary classes and other objects in the solar system. Explain the basic concepts of solar physics - the sun's method of energy production, its anatomy, solar phenomena, and life history. Course Content Outline Through tests, assigned tasks, classroom discussions, etc., students will: 1. Discuss a variety of historical developments that have led to important discoveries in the science of planetary systems 2. Identify 20-30 celestial objects and/or groupings associated with planetary systems and found in the night sky, and provide descriptive information about each 3. Apply physical principles (mechanics, gravitation, electromagnetism, atomic structure) to the natural behavior of planetary systems 4. Identify the cause and scientific methods used to determine a variety of observations peculiar to the Earth (e.g., the length and variation of the seasons and the day, eclipses, tides, and precession of the poles) 5. State the ambiguity associated with defining what constitutes a planetary system and give the most currently accepted definition 6. Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties of the planets and minor bodies in the Solar System 7. Discuss the physical principles behind the overall structure and appearance of the Sun 8. Provide information on the methods of detection and derived structure of planetary systems beyond the Solar System 9. Describe formation and evolution models of the Solar System and contrast to the structure and composition of other planetary systems 10. Discuss the potential for life forms in planetary environments beyond Earth 11. Use a star chart, a planisphere, and/or a "Stargazer's Almanac" to determine the time and date of a variety of celestial events associated with planetary systems 12. Solve problems involving spatial relationships with regard to the planets found on the celestial sphere 13. Use computer software to retrieve and evaluate information and data of significance to planetary systems 14. Compute various performance measures of telescopes and other astronomical instrumentation Course Objectives Course Objectives I. Overview of Astronomy; Scales of the Universe II. Terminology, Seasons and the Motions of the Moon III. Historical Developments in Planetary Astronomy IV. Physical Principles Relevant to the Science of Planetary Systems V. Telescopes, Observatories, and Spacecraft VI. Overview of the Solar System and its Formation VII. The Geology and Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets VIII. The Jovian Giants and Their Satellites IX. Meteors, Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets X. Planets around other stars XI. The Sun XII. Life on other Planetary Objects Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Reading Assignments 1. Reading from assigned text on a weekly basis. Example: Read chapter on the geology of the inner planets. This will prepare them for the week's lecture and online homework assignment. 2. Reading from supplemental handouts (included in required student handbook) on a regular basis. Example: Read "Using the Skygazer's Almanac" handout. This prepares them for the Third Hours which use the supplementary handouts. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Weekly online homework exercises in a multiple-choice, matching, ranking and short-answer format and directed at problem solving skills. Example question: An exoplanet is found to have an orbital period of 1 year around a 2-solar mass star. What is the planet's average distance from the star? 2. Two midterm-level exams, a sky quiz, and a final exam to demonstrate acquisition of critical thinking skills and astronomical knowledge. Example demonstration: A student uses a planisphere and the Skygazer's Almanac to determine what constellation Jupiter occupies when it rises at midnight in 2018. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. In-class peer-led assignments on a weekly basis. Example group task: Students gather and plot distance/period data of the Solar System planets and verify Kepler's 3rd Law. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course. 1. "Sierra College Astronomy 002 Student Handbook", updated each semester with supplemental reading materials and course assignments 2. Star Maps SC-001 (Equatorial Region) and SC-002 (North Circumpolar Region), both epoch 2000 3. "Skygazer's Almanac" for the most current year 4. A planisphere