PTYS206

028936

Our Solar System is filled with an incredible diversity of objects. These include the sun and planets, of course, but also many hundreds of moons -- some with exotic oceans, erupting volcanoes, or dynamic atmospheres. Billions of asteroids and comets inhabit the space between and beyond the planets. Each body is unique, and has followed its own evolutionary history. This class will explore our current understanding of the Solar System and emphasize similarities that unite the different bodies as well as the differences between them. We will develop an understanding of physical processes that occur on these bodies, including tectonics, impact cratering, volcanism, and processes operating in their interiors, oceans, and atmospheres. We will also discuss planets around nearby stars and the potential for life beyond Earth. Throughout the class, we will highlight the leading role that the University of Arizona has played in exploring our Solar System.

GRD - Regular Grades A, B, C, D, E

Undergraduate

CE - CL (Cross Listed), GE - T2-NATS (Tier 2 Natural Sciences), GEED - EPNAT (Gen Ed: EP Natural Scientist)

Two courses from Tier One, Natural Sciences (NATS 101, 102, 104).