ASTRO 6570

Physics of the Planets

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2024-2025 Catalog. Courses of Study 2024-2025 is scheduled to publish mid-June.

A graduate-level introduction to Planetary Science with an emphasis on the application of basic physical principles. Topics to be covered include: planetary dynamics, including satellite orbits, tidal interactions, resonances and ring dynamics; an introduction to the theory of planetary interiors, gravitational fields, heat sources and rotational mechanics; reflected and thermal radiation; radiative transfer and equilibrium structure dynamics of planetary atmospheres.

Permission Note Primarily for: graduate students and seniors in astronomy, physics, engineering and related fields.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP, 2023FA, 2022SP, 2020SP

When Offered Spring.

Comments Numerous difficult problem sets, some involving numerical computation.

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