Solar System (SPA7022U/P)
- Semester 1
- Thursday 18:00-21:00 in 2020-21
- Module Organiser: Dr. Nick Copper
- Deputy Module Organiser: Dr. Edward Gillen
Also available for Undergraduate programmes as SPA7022U/P
Outline
As the planetary system most familiar to us, the Solar System presents the best opportunity to study questions about the origin of life and how enormous complexity arises from simple physical systems in general. This course surveys the physical and dynamical properties of the Solar System. It focuses on the formation, evolution, structure and interaction of the Sun, planets, satellites, rings, asteroids and comets. The course applies basic physical and dynamical principles (such as orbital dynamics and elementary differential equations) needed for the study of the Solar System. However, prior knowledge of these topics is not necessary as they will be introduced as required. As far as possible the course will also include discussions of recent discoveries in planetary science.
Syllabus
- General overview: terrestrial planets, gas giants, ice giants, small bodies
- The two-body problem; applications to exoplanets
- The three-body problem; applications to satellite systems
- Tidal theory and orbital evolution
- Resonances
- Planetary rings
- The solar nebula and planet formation.
- Asteroids, comets and impacts.
References
- C.D. Murray and S.F. Dermott, Solar System Dynamics, (Cambridge University Press).
- B. Bertotti, P. Farinella and D. Vokrouhlicky, Physics of the Solar System, (Kluwer Academic Publishers).
Other References
- J.K. Beatty, C.C. Petersen and A. Chaikin, The New Solar System (4th edition), (Cambridge University Press, Sky Publishing).
- J.S. Lewis, Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System (2nd edition), (Elsevier Academic Press).
- I. de Pater and J.J. Lissauer, Planetary Sciences, (Cambridge University Press).
Image credit: NASA, ESA, J. Clarke (Boston University), and Z. Levay (STScI)
