Download PHYSICS 1302 ASTRONOMY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

PHYSICS 1302
ASTRONOMY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Course Information
Instructor
Dr. Mark S. Sonntag
Office: VIN 119
Phone: 325-942-2136
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Office Hours: M-F 9 to 11 AM (out of office July 6-8 & 27 -31)
Course Description
Physics 1302, Astronomy of the Solar System, is an introduction to planetary astronomy
covering the birth of modern planetary astronomy and planetary geology. Topics covered
will include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The philosophy of science and the scientific method
Patterns in the sky and motions of the Earth
Motion of astronomical bodies
Gravity and orbits
The birth and evolution of planetary systems
The terrestrial planets geology
The Earth’s Moon
Atmospheres of the terrestrial planets
The gas and ice giant planets
The large moons of the Solar System
Planetary rings
Dwarf planets
Small bodies of the Solar System
The search for extraterrestrial life
This course is a three credit hour introduction to solar system astronomy and planetary
geology. A separate laboratory class (Physics 1102, Solar Systems Astronomy Laboratory)
is optional and can be taken independent of the lecture class. The sequence of astronomy
courses (Physics 1301 and 1302) satisfies the 6-hour physical science requirement. If the
labs are also taken (Physics 1101 and 1102) the 8-hour physical science with lab
requirement is satisfied. This course can also be used for elective credit in most degree
programs.
Required Materials (2 items)
1. Text: 21st Century Astronomy (4th edition)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
21st Century Astronomy (4th edition) by Palen, Kay, Smith, & Blumenthal
The ASU Bookstore had the loose-leaf paper version with SmartWork homework
system and e-book, $109,
http://www.bkstr.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CourseMaterialsResultsView?
catalogId=10001&categoryId=9604&storeId=19904&langId=1&programId=1902&termId=100033362&divisionDisplayName=%20&department
DisplayName=PHYS&courseDisplayName=1302&sectionDisplayName=010&demoK
ey=d&purpose=browse
A digital version is also available from the ASU Bookstore for $94.16
This digital version is Flash based and may not work on the iPad, iPhone, iPod
Touch, and some Android devices.
SmartWork homework system comes bundled with 21st Century Astronomy
(above). http://books.wwnorton.com/books/smartwork.aspx
SmartWork Enrollment Key: ASTRO4E8348 (case-sensitive)
Study Space study guide (free). StudySpace for 21st Century Astronomy is designed
to help you succeed in this course, offering AstroTour animations, Nebraska
interactive simulations, diagnostic quizzes with feedback, and vocabulary
flashcards, plus links to the 21st Century Astronomy digital book and the
SmartWork online homework system. StudySpace tells you what you know, shows
you what you still need to review, and gives you an organized study plan to master
the material. http://wwnorton.com/college/astronomy/astro4/
2. The Layered Earth College software
•
•
•
•
The Layered Earth is a comprehensive earth science application and geo-science
simulator, giving you interactive control of a rich 3D world. Visualize plate tectonics,
earthquakes, volcanoes, Earth's interior structure, tsunamis, magnetism, rock ages,
and much more.
Available from the ASU Bookstore for $29.95.
Windows System Requirements: Requires Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 or 8, 1
GHz or higher processor, 1 GB RAM and 5 GB of hard disk space. 128 MB OpenGL
capable graphics card. Minimum recommended monitor resolution of 1024 x 768
pixels.
Macintosh System Requirements: Requires OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or higher,
Intel based processor, 1 GB RAM and 5 GB of hard disk space. Will not run on OS
10.5 or earlier. 128 MB OpenGL capable graphics card. Minimum recommended
monitor resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.
Blackboard
•
•
•
•
This course will presented using Blackboard instructional software.
https://blackboard.angelo.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
Class instruction, communication, and tests will all be done through Blackboard.
If you are officially enrolled in this course you should see a link to this course at you
Blackboard homepage.
Optional Software
•
•
•
Starry Night College planetarium software is suggested for your personal use only.
There will be no required assignments using this software for Physics 1301.
You will purchase this software as a requirement, if you are also taking Physics
1101, Stellar Astronomy Laboratory.
You can download Starry Night College with a 1-year license ($25) or a perpetual
license ($50) at the following website:
http://www.starrynighteducation.com/product_12.html
•
When ordering your student version of Starry Night College, use the referral code
1863.
Prerequisites
•
•
•
There are no prerequisites for this course.
This is a freshman level course in descriptive astronomy.
Some high school algebra will be used during the course.
Technical Skills Required for the Course
•
•
•
•
•
As with any online course students must be able to operate a computer and have the
necessary technical skills to navigate around a web page.
You must be able to navigate through Windows based software
You must be able to use Blackboard to take tests.
In order to be successful in this course, you must be self-motivated.
I will use E-mail at times to conduct some class business; therefore you must check
your E-mail on a regular daily basis.
Time Spent on this Course
•
•
Students can expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week to complete all the
readings and learning exercises.
Additional time will be needed to complete objective and conceptual tests each
week.
Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes
Course Goals
There are two general goals for Physics 1302. 1. After completing the Solar System Astronomy
course, you should comprehend the most important scientific models governing modern solar
system astronomy and planetary geology and be familiar with the properties of the planets and
smaller members of the solar system studied by planetary astronomers. 2. After completing
this course, you should comprehend the practices and methodologies used by modern
astronomers in constructing planetary models. The term comprehend means the intellectual
ability to translate, interpret, and extrapolate the concepts of modern astrophysics. These three
skills transcend the mere ability to recall facts and figures. Many of the questions on the
objective and conceptual tests and final exam will evaluate your ability to comprehend the
topics covered in this course.
Course Objectives
General course objectives are listed below. More specific educational objectives for each
chapter and/or unit in Solar System Astronomy are given for each chapter assignment.
Upon completion of the Solar System Astronomy course, should be able to:
1. Recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these
approaches and other methods of inquiry used in modern solar system astronomy and
planetary geology and to communicate the findings, analyses, and interpretations in
writing.
2. Identify and recognize the differences among competing modern planetary science
theories.
3. Demonstrate the ability to translate, interpret, and extrapolate the most important
scientific models governing modern planetary science, the practices and
methodologies used by modern planetary astronomers in constructing planetary
models, and to be familiar with the solar system objects studied by astronomers.
4. Further develop critical/logical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving
skills in the area of planetary astronomy.
Learning Outcomes
When you complete this course, you should be able to apply the following intellectual
skills to planetary science concepts:
• Knowledge: define, recite, describe, label, list
• Comprehension: explain, predict, summarize, translate
• Application: change, compute, construct, predict
• Analysis: compare, contrast, diagram, infer
• Synthesis: combine, compose, create, revise, summarize
• Evaluation: appraise, compare, critique, contrast
Course Administration
Communication
•
•
•
You are expected to communicate as needed with the instructor through the use of
office visit during office hours, phone, or E-mail.
You may receive occasional E-mail inquiries from the course instructor and are
expected to respond promptly.
Failures to keep informed about class business and communicate any issues or
concerns in a timely manner on your part can result in an appropriate reduction of
your grade and possibly in your failure of this course.
Late Work
•
•
•
Unexcused late work or missed tests will not be accepted.
If your assignments are not submitted by the posted deadline or if you miss an inclass test, you will receive a zero for that assignment.
You must contact your professor before the assignment is due if you believe it will
be late or as soon as possible after the due date in the case of an unexpected
emergency.
Policy on Incompletes
The University policy on grades of "Incomplete" is that the deficiency in
performance must be addressed satisfactorily by the end of the next long (16 week)
semester or the grade automatically becomes an "F". Grades of "Incomplete" will only be
awarded to students who have demonstrated sufficient progress to earn the opportunity to
complete the course outside of the normal course duration. The award of an "Incomplete"
will only be made in rare circumstances, with the concurrence of the student and the
professor on what specific tasks remain and when they are due for the grade to be changed
to a higher grade. The determination of the need to award an "Incomplete" is entirely up to
the professor's personal judgment.
Add/Drop Dates
Students may add this course up to July 7, 2015. Students may drop this class or
withdraw from the university until July 24, 2015.
Academic Integrity
Angelo State University expects its students to maintain complete honesty and
integrity in their academic pursuits. Students are responsible for understanding and
complying with the university Academic Honor Code and the ASU Student Handbook.
Accommodations for Disabilities
The Student Life Office is the designated campus department charged with the
responsibility of reviewing and authorizing requests for reasonable accommodations based
on a disability, and it is the student's responsibility to initiate such a request by contacting
the Student Life Office at (325) 942-2191 or (325) 942-2126 (TDD/FAX) or by E-mail at
[email protected] to begin the process. The Student Life Office will establish the
particular documentation requirements necessary for the various types of disabilities.
Religious Holidays
A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention
known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is fail to do class
work for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or
complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence.
Method of Assessing Outcomes
Student learning outcomes will be assessed with:
• Logical Fallacies Blackboard test worth 15 points due July 6 by the end of the day.
• Two (2) Blackboard tests worth 40 points each due on Friday, July 10 and Monday,
July 27 by the end of the day.
• Two Exploration activity Blackboard tests work 20 points each due on July 8 & July
31 by the end of the day.
• Blackboard final exam (100 points) due by the end of the day on August 5.
Grade Determination
Grade System
Your final grade will be determined by your scores on the Logical Fallacies test (15
points) + the Blackboard tests (2 tests at 40 points each) + Blackboard conceptual activity
tests (2 tests at 20 points each) + a comprehensive final exam (100 points) = 285 total
possible points. Extra credit points add to your total points earned.
Assignment
Logical Fallacies Test
Chapter Tests
Conceptual Activity Tests
Final Exam
Extra Credit
TOTAL
Location
Blackboard
Blackboard
Blackboard
Blackboard
Blackboard
Points
Percentage
235
100%
15
80
40
100
20 possible
6%
34%
17%
43%
Due Date
July 6
July 10 & July 27
July 8 & July 31
August 5
August 5
Angelo State University employs a letter grade system. Grades in this course are
determined on a percentage scale:
A = 90 – 100 %
D = 60 -69%
B = 80 – 89 %
F = 59% and below
Logical Fallacies Blackboard Test
•
•
•
Worth 15 points
30 minute time limit
Due date is June 8 by the end of the day (11:59 P.M.).
Chapter Blackboard Tests
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tests will have a strict deadline imposed.
No late work will be accepted.
All tests will have a completion time limit of 1 hour.
Once the test is begun, you have one hour to complete it.
You cannot pause the test and come back to complete it later.
All tests must be submitted by July 10 and July 27 the end of the day (11:59 PM).
Conceptual Activity Blackboard Tests
•
•
•
Two conceptual activity Blackboard tests are worth 20 points each.
Conceptual Activity test #1: Exploration, The Phases of the Moon (p. 61), due July 8
Conceptual Activity test #2: Exploration, Measuring Features on Io (p. 357), due July
31.
Extra Credit Activities
•
•
•
Two extra credit activities will be available.
It can add as much as 20 points to your total points earned.
Extra credit can only help. It can never hurt your grade.
•
•
I highly recommend that you do the extra credit activity and complete the test.
Both extra credit tests are due by the end of the day on August 5.
Final Exam
•
•
•
•
Due to be submitted by the end of the day on August 5.
100 points
2 hour time limit
Covers the entire course
Study Plan
Follow this plan using StudySpace as you work your way through the online materials
for each chapter in the text.
1. Review the Study Outline for each chapter.
2. Read the text or digital book (see reading assignments below).
3. Watch the AstroTours (not available for all chapters).
4. Work with the Nebraska Interactive Simulations (not available for all chapters).
5. Take the Diagnostic Quiz.
6. Test your understanding of vocabulary with the Flashcards.
7. Use ASU tutoring resources.
Reading Assignments and Due Dates
Week 1
Jul 6 - Chapter 1, Our Place in the Universe
Jul 7 - Chapter 2, Patterns in the Sky, Sections 1 & 2
Jul 8 - Chapter 2, Patterns in the Sky, Sections 3, 4, & 5
Blackboard Logical Fallacies test is due by the end of the day today.
Jul 9 – Chapter 3, Motions of Astronomical Bodies
Jul 10 – Chapter 4, Gravity & Orbits and Chapter 5, Section 7 and Chapter 6, Section 5
Blackboard Test #1 covering Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 is due by end of day today.
Week 2
Jul 13 – The Layered Earth, Unit A: The Solid Earth
Jul 14 – The Layered Earth, Unit B: Plate Tectonics
Jul 15 – The Layered Earth, Unit C: Minerals and Rocks
Jul 16 – The Layered Earth, Unit D: Shaping the Earth
Jul 17 – The Layered Earth, Unit E: Earthquakes
Week 3
Jul 20 - Chapter 7, The Birth and Evolution of Planetary Systems
Jul 21 - Chapter 8, The Terrestrial Planets and Earth’s Moon, Sections 1-3
Jul 22 - Chapter 8, The Terrestrial Planets and Earth’s Moon, Sections 4-6
Jul 23 - Chapter 9, Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets, Sections 1-3
Jul 24 - Chapter 9, Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets, Sections 4-6
Week 4
Jul 27 – Chapter 10, Worlds of Gas and Liquid - The Giant Planets, Sections 1-3
Blackboard Test #2 covering The Layered Earth and Chapters 7, 8, and 9 is due by end
of day today.
Jul 28 – Chapter 10, Worlds of Gas and Liquid – The Giant Planets, Sections 4-7
Jul 29 – Chapter 11, Planetary Adornments – Moons and Rings
Jul 30 - Chapter 12, Dwarf Planets and Small Solar System Bodies, Sections 1-3
Jul 31 – Chapter 12, Dwarf Planets and Small Solar SystemBodies, Sections 4-6
Measuring Features on Io test is due by end of day today.
Week 5
Aug 3 – Chapter 24, Life, Sections 1 & 2
Aug 4 - Chapter 24, Life, Sections 3-5
Aug 5 – Blackboard Comprehensive Final Exam must be submitted by end of day today.
Appendix A
Detailed Course Objectives
Chapter 1
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Identify our planet Earth’s place in the universe.
2. Explain the process of science.
3. Describe the scientific approach to understanding our world and the universe.
Chapter 2
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Explain how the stars appear to move through the sky, and how the motion of
2. Explain why there are different seasons throughout the year.
3. Summarize how the motion of the Moon in its orbit about Earth, together with the
motion of Earth and the Moon around the Sun, shapes the phases of the Moon and
the spectacle of eclipses.
4. Sketch the alignment of Earth, Moon, and Sun during different phases of the Moon.
Chapter 3
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Sketch and contrast the geocentric and heliocentric models of the Solar System.
2. Summarize the laws developed by Johannes Kepler that describe the motion of
objects in the Solar System.
3. Describe the evidence that Earth and the other planets orbit the Sun.
4. Explain the physical laws discover by Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei that govern
the motion of all objects.
Chapter 4
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Synthesize the concepts of motion and gravitation to explain planetary orbits.
2. Describe how and why objects must achieve a certain speed to go into orbit.
3. Explain how tidal forces are caused by gravity.
4. Illustrate how the relationship between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun causes tides
on Earth.
Chapter 5
After completing Section 7 in this chapter, the student will be able to analyze how
temperature measures the thermal energy of an object and determines the amount and
spectrum of light that an object emits.
Chapter 6
After completing Section 5 in this chapter, the student will be able to summarize how
and why spacecraft are sent to study planets and moons of our Solar System.
Chapter 7
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Summarize the role that gravity, energy, and angular momentum play in the
formation of stars and planets.
2. Describe the modern theory of planetary system formation.
3. Explain how temperature in the disk that surrounds a forming star affects the
composition and location of planets, moons, and other bodies.
4. Compare and contrast the processes that resulted in the inner and outer planets
that form the Solar System.
5. Describe how astronomers find planets around other stars and what those
discoveries tell us about our own and other solar systems.
Chapter 8
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the roles of the four processes that shape a terrestrial planet’s surface.
2. Explain how a planet’s size, mass, surface gravity, density, and distance from the
Sun contribute to its geological characteristics.
3. Identify the age of a planet’s surface from the concentration of craters.
4. Explain how radiometric dating is used to measure the ages of rocks.
5. Identify the geological evidence for water on the terrestrial planets.
Chapter 9
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Identify the processes that cause primary and secondary atmospheres to be
formed, retained, and lost.
2. Explain the similarities and differences in the atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and
Mars.
3. Compare the relative strength of the greenhouse effect on Earth, Venus, and Mars.
4. Discuss how Earth’s atmosphere has been reshaped by the presence of life.
5. Contrast weather and climate, and identify the physical principles that govern
each.
6. Describe how comparative planetology contributes to a better understanding of
the changes in Earth’s climate.
Chapter 10
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Distinguish the giant planets from one another and from the terrestrial planets.
2. Describe the atmosphere of each giant planet, and compare weather on giant
planets to weather on Earth.
3. Describe how gravitational energy turns into thermal energy and how that
process affects the temperatures of the giant planets.
4. Compare and contrast the interiors of the giant planets and explain why they
are different.
5. Describe the magnetospheres of each of the giant planets.
Chapter 11
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast the formation and orbits of regular and irregular moons.
2. Discuss the evidence that some moons might harbor deep liquid oceans beneath
their ice-covered surfaces and explain how these oceans have significance in the
search for life.
3. Describe the origin and general structure of the rings of the giant planets.
4. Explain the role gravity plays in the structure of the rings and the behavior of ring
particles.
Chapter 12
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. List the categories of small bodies and their locations in the Solar System.
2. Describe the defining characteristics and physical properties of the dwarf planets
in the Solar System.
3. Explain why some asteroids differentiated while others did not, and describe the
distribution of asteroids in the Solar System.
4. Explain the origin and behavior of comets.
5. Describe the origin of different types of meteorites.
6. Explain how asteroids, comets, and meteorites provide important clues about the
history and formation of the Solar System.
Chapter 24
After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Explain how life, like planets, stars, and galaxies, is a structure that has evolved
through the action of the physical processes that shape the universe.
2. Present the general time line of when scientists think life began on Earth.
3. Describe the concept and attributes of a habitable zone.
4. Describe some of the methods used to search for extraterrestrial life.
5. Explain why all life on Earth must eventually come to an end.