General Information

Second course in the introductory astro sequence intended for astronomy majors, minors, or a concentration.

Prerequisites

Calculus II credit (AP Calculus BC, MATH 1910, MATH 1120, or equivalent).

Topics Covered

  • Introduction to the solar system
  • Planetary orbital and spin dynamics
  • Tidal evolution
  • The interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres of the planets including the effects of greenhouse gases on climate
  • Smaller bodies such as satellites, asteroids and comets
  • Results from past and current spacecraft missions

Workload

  • The final grades in the course will depend on homework sets and on a final team project and in-class presentation, supported by a joint term paper. It is more in-depth and quantitative than ASTRO 1102/ASTRO 1104.

  • 1 Pset a week, takes about 3 hours

General Advice

  • Make sure that you take notes during class and reach out for help when you need it. [SP25] [5/5]

Testimonials

Past Offerings

Semester Professor Median Grade Syllabus
SP25 Nikole Lewis A- ASTRO2212_SP25.pdf