ASTR430
The Solar System

Fall 2005
For basic course information, surf here.

NOTICE TO VISITORS:
Material on this website is Copyright © 2005 by Derek C. Richardson and must not be reproduced without my express permission.

What's New?

12/07: REMINDER: Homework 6 due Mon Dec 12 by 5 pm.
11/23: Homework 6 posted.
11/18: Another link added (eolian processesther World 2010).
11/17: Course evaluation open Nov 28-Dec 13.
11/16: New links added (eolian processes and the carbon cycle).
11/09: REMINDER: Term project due Nov 23.
11/09: Homework 5 posted.

Syllabus

The complete syllabus is available in HTML, PDF, or Postscript format.
Some useful excerpts:

Lectures:Wednesday, Friday 12h30-13h45, CSS 2428
Required Text:Hartmann, Moon & Planets (5th ed)
Recommended Text:Beatty, et al., The New Solar System (4th ed)
Professor:Dr. Derek C. Richardson
Office:CSS 1249
Phone:301-405-8786
E-mail:astr430@astro.umd.edu
Office Hours:Mondays 11h-12h

The syllabus documents are unchanged from the start of classes.
Check this page for any syllabus updates.

NOTE: Midterm rescheduled to Fri Oct 21.

Course Outline

DateLectureReading

#1Aug 31Introduction to the course---
#2Sep 02Planetary science as a disciplineCh. 1
#3Sep 07Overview: the inner solar systemCh. 2; Quiz #1
#4Sep 09Overview: the outer solar systemCh. 2
#5Sep 14Problem solving and central force motion---
#6Sep 16Celestial mechanics: gravity and orbitsCh. 3
#7Sep 21Celestial mechanics: resonances and orbital evolutionCh. 3; Quiz #2
#8Sep 23Celestial mechanics: tides and non-gravitational forcesCh. 3
#9Sep 28Star formationCh. 4
#10Sep 30Extrasolar planetsCh. 4
#11Oct 05Planet formationCh. 5; Quiz #3
#12Oct 07Origin of rings and satellitesCh. 5
#13Oct 12MeteoritesCh. 6
#14Oct 14Asteroids and comets: inventory and originsCh. 7
#15Oct 19Asteroids and comets: properties and hazardsCh. 7
#16Oct 21MIDTERM---
#17Oct 26SPECIAL TOPIC: Binary minor planets---
#18Oct 28Planetary interiors: physical modelsCh. 8; Quiz #4
#19Nov 02Planetary interiors: selected examplesCh. 8
#20Nov 04Planetary surfaces: petrologyCh. 9
#21Nov 09Planetary surfaces: crateringCh. 9
#22Nov 11Planetary surfaces: volcanism and tectonicsCh. 10; Quiz #5
#23Nov 16Planetary surfaces: selected examplesCh. 10
#24Nov 18Planetary atmospheres: origin and structureCh. 11
#25Nov 23Planetary atmospheres: dynamics and examplesCh. 11
---Nov 25Happy Thanksgiving!---
#26Nov 30Planets and lifeCh. 12; Quiz #6
#27Dec 02Review and discussionCh. 13 (optional)
#28Dec 07Project presentations---
#29Dec 09Project presentations---

FINAL EXAM: Tue Dec 20, 08h00-10h00, CSS 2428

Homework

No.DateProblem Set
AssignedDue
#1Sep 14Sep 28HTML/PDF/PS
#2Sep 28Oct 12HTML/PDF/PS
#3Oct 12Oct 26HTML/PDF/PS
#4Oct 26Nov 09HTML/PDF/PS
#5Nov 09Nov 23HTML/PDF/PS
#5Nov 23Dec 12, 5 pmHTML/PDF/PS

See below for the term project!

Miscellaneous

Term Project

Assigned Sep. 28, due Nov. 23 (presentations Dec. 7 & 9): HTML/PDF/PS

Handouts

Useful Links


Last modified: Dec 7, 2005 DCR