Physics Solar System Astronomy

Transcription

1 Course Information Meeting Place & Time Physics Solar System Astronomy FALL, 2015 MCS 100 (first day only) & ASU Planetarium (VIN P-02) TR 9:30 to 10:45 A.M. Instructor Dr. Mark S. Sonntag Office: VIN 119 Phone: Office Hours: MWF, 10:00-11:00 A.M. and TR, 2-3 P.M. Course Description Physics 1302, Astronomy of the Solar System, is an introduction to astronomy covering the birth of modern planetary astronomy and planetary geology. Topics covered will be: The philosophy of science and the scientific method Motions of the Earth Motions of the Moon, including phases and eclipses Motions and visibility cycles of the planets The Earth geologic system: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, magnetosphere, and biosphere Earth geologic processes: tectonics, volcanism, impact cratering, and erosion Birth and evolution of planetary systems The geology of the Moon The geology of the terrestrial planets: Mars, Mercury, and Venus The atmospheres of the terrestrial planets: Mars, Mercury, and Venus

2 The giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune Planetary moons and rings Dwarf planets Small solar system bodies: asteroids and comets The search for extraterrestrial life in the Solar System 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: 21 st Century Astronomy (4 th edition) 21 st Century Astronomy (4 th edition) by Palen, Kay, Smith, & Blumenthal The ASU Bookstore had the loose-leaf paper version with SmartWork homework system and e-book, $111.75, catalogid=10001&categoryid=9604&storeid=19904&langid=- 1&programId=1902&termId= &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 is not required to complete this course, but it comes bundled with 21st Century Astronomy (above).

3 SmartWork Enrollment Key: ASTRO4E8893 (case-sensitive) Study Space study guide is 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 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 $ 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.

4 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 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: When ordering your student version of Starry Night College, use the referral code 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 but there will be no math problems on the tests. Technical Skills Required for the Course You 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 class application. I will use at times to conduct some class business. Time Spent on this Course You can expect to spend a minimum of 9 hours per week to attend class and complete all the reading assignments and exercises. Additional time will be needed to complete the Blackboard tests and extra credit quizzes during the semester. Planetarium Class Etiquette No food, drinks, or tobacco products are allowed in the planetarium theater or the outer lobby area. Please do not drop litter in the planetarium or lobby.

5 Please do not disturb fellow students during class time. Please do not put your feet up on the chair in front of you. Silence cell phones and beepers. Turn off i-pods and other electronic listening devices. No texting please. Let me know if you will be using any electronic device during class. Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes General Course Goals There are two general goals for Physics After completing the Solar System Astronomy course, you should comprehend, be able to apply, and analyze 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, be able to apply, and analyze the practices and methodologies used by modern astronomers in constructing planetary models. 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 use these intellectual skills with the topics covered in this course. General 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.

6 4. Further develop critical/logical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving skills in the area of planetary astronomy. Detailed and specific course objectives are given in Appendix A. Learning Outcomes When you complete this course, you should be able to apply the following intellectual skills to astrophysical 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 Class Attendance Class attendance is both an ASU and course requirement. I expect that you will be attending class. You are responsible for all course material and information that is presented in class. Attendance will be taken for to each class meeting. Students will initial the sign-in sheet for each class attended. If you miss class, get the class notes and information from a fellow student. Attendance (or lack of attendance) often makes a difference in your success in this class, but attendance by itself is not graded. Communication You are expected to communicate as needed with the instructor through the use of office visit during office hours, phone, or . You may receive occasional 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 poor performance by you in this class. 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.

7 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 September 9, Students may drop this class or withdraw from the university until November 20, 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 Disability 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) or (325) (TDD/FAX) or by at Student.Life@angelo.edu to begin the process. The Student Life Office will establish the particular documentation requirements necessary for the various types of disabilities. Student absence for 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 worth15 points due September 3. Two Blackboard unit tests worth 40 points each due September 24 & November 11. Two Blackboard conceptual activity tests worth 20 points each due September 10 & December 3. An in-class (planetarium) midterm exam (50 points) on October 11.

8 An in-class (planetarium) final exam (100 points) on December 10. Extra credit will be added into the points earned. 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) + midterm exam (50 points) + a comprehensive final exam (100 points) = 285 total possible points. Extra credit points add to your total points earned. Assignment Location Points Percentage Due Date Logical Fallacies Test Blackboard 15 5% September 3 Unit Tests (2) Blackboard 80 28% Sep 24 & Nov 11 Conceptual Activity Tests (2) Blackboard 40 14% Sep 10 & Dec 3 Midterm Exam in planetarium 50 18% October 22 at 9:30 A.M. Final Exam in planetarium % December 10 at 8:00 A.M. Extra Credit Planetarium 20 possible Nov 19 & Dec 10 TOTAL % Angelo State University employs a letter grade system. Grades in this course are determined on a percentage scale: A = % B = % C = % D = % F = 59 % and below Logical Fallacies Blackboard Test Worth 15 points 30 minute time limit Due date is September 3 by the end of the day (11:59 P.M.). Conceptual Activity Blackboard Tests Two conceptual activity Blackboard tests worth 20 points each. Conceptual Activity Test #1: Exploration: The Phases of the Moon (p. 61), due September 10 by the end of the day (11:59 P.M.). Conceptual Activity Test #2: Exploration: Measuring Features on Io (p. 357), due December 3 by the end of the day (11:59 P.M.). Unit Blackboard Tests All tests will have a strict deadline imposed. No late work will be accepted.

9 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. Due by the end of the day (11:59 PM) on September 24 & November 11. Midterm Exam In-class exam taken in planetarium October 22 at 9:30 A.M. 50 points Covers first half of the semester Final Exam In-class exam taken in planetarium December 10 at 8:00 10:00 A.M. 100 points Covers the entire semester Extra Credit Public Planetarium Shows You can get credit once for each of the different planetarium shows you attend. Extra credit will be 5 points each for each show attended. You can only get extra credit once for each show. There will be four shows available. Shows are Thursday nights at 7 & 8 P.M. Course Outline Study Plan Follow the study plan given in StudySpace for each chapter assignment. Click on the ASSIGNMENT button and then click on a chapter. For general studying tips, visit the ASU Tutor Center.

10 Reading Assignments (21 st Century Astronomy) and Other Important Class Assignments WEEK 1 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 1 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS, Chapter 1) Aug 25 Introduction to the course Physics 1302, Solar System Astronomy Aug 27 Read: Chapter 1, Why Learn Astronomy? Sections 1, 2, 3, & 4 WEEK 2 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 2 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS, Chapter 2) Sep 1 Read: Chapter 2, Patterns in the Sky; Sections 1 & 2 Sep 3 Read: Chapter 2, Patterns in the Sky; Section 3 Logical Fallacies Blackboard test is due by the end of the day today.* WEEK 3 Sep 8 Read: Chapter 2, Patterns in the Sky; Sections 4 & 5 Sep 10 Read: Chapter 2, Patterns in the Sky; Sections 6 & 7 Conceptual Activity Blackboard test #1 is due by the end of the day. WEEK 4 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 3 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS, Chapter 3) Sep 15 Read: Chapter 3, Motion of Astronomical Bodies; Sections 1, 2, & 3 Sep 17 Read: Chapter 3, Motion of Astronomical Bodies; Section 6

11 WEEK 5 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 4 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS, Chapter 4) Sep 22 Read: Chapter 4, Gravity and Orbits; Sections 2 & 3 Sep 24 Read: Chapter 4, Gravity and Orbits; Sections 4 & 5 and Chapter 5, Section 7 and Chapter 6, Section 5 Blackboard Unit Test #1 is due by the end of the day WEEK 6 Complete The Layered Earth Units A and B and other assignments found ASSIGNMENTS, The Layered Earth folders) Sep 29 Complete: The Layered Earth Unit A: The Solid Earth Oct 1 Complete: The Layered Earth Unit B: Plate Tectonics WEEK 7 Complete The Layered Earth Units C and D and other assignments found ASSIGNMENTS, The Layered Earth folders) Oct 6 Complete: The Layered Earth Unit C: Minerals and Rocks Oct 8 Complete: The Layered Earth Unit D: Shaping the Earth WEEK 8 Complete The Layered Earth Units E and F and other assignments found ASSIGNMENTS, The Layered Earth folders) Oct 13 Complete: The Layered Earth Unit E: Earthquakes Oct 15 Complete: The Layered Earth Units F: Volcanoes WEEK 9 Complete The Layered Earth Unit G and other assignments found ASSIGNMENTS, The Layered Earth folders) Oct 20 Complete: The Layered Earth Unit G: Geologic Time

12 Oct 22 Midterm Exam (in planetarium) WEEK 10 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 7 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS, Chapter 7) Oct 27 Read: Chapter 7, The Birth and Evolution of Planetary Systems; Sections 1, 2, & 3 Oct 29 Read: Chapter 7, The Birth and Evolution of Planetary Systems; Sections 4, 5, & 6 WEEK 11 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 8 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS, Chapter 8) Nov 3 Read: Chapter 8, The Terrestrial Planets and Earth s Moon; Sections 1 & 2 Nov 5 Chapter 8, The Terrestrial Planets and Earth s Moon; Sections 3, 4, 5, & 6 WEEK 12 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 9 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS Chapter 9) Nov 10 Read: Chapter 9, Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets; Sections 1, 2, & 3 Nov 11 Read: Chapter 9, Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets; Sections 4, 5, & 6 Blackboard Unit Test #2 is due by the end of the day. WEEK 13 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 10 (link found in ASSIGNMENS, Chapter 10) Nov 17 Read: Chapter 10, Worlds of Gas and Liquid The Giant Planets; Sections 1, 2, & 3 Nov 19 Read: Chapter 10, Worlds of Gas and Liquid The Giant Planets; Sections 4, 5, & 6 WEEK 14 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapter 11 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS, Chapter 11) Nov 24 Read: Chapter 11, Planetary Adornments Moons and Rings; Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Nov 26 Thanksgiving Holiday

13 WEEK 15 Follow study plan in StudySpace, Chapters 12 & 24 (link found in ASSIGNMENTS, Chapters 12 & 24) Dec 1 Read: Chapter 12, Dwarf Planets and Small Solar System Bodies; Sections 1 6 Dec 3 Read: Chapter 24, Life; Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Conceptual Activity Blackboard test #2 is due by the end of the day. WEEK 16 Dec 10 FINAL EXAM (in planetarium), 8-10 AM *End of the day = 11:59 P.M.

14 Appendix A Detailed Course Objectives Chapter 1 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 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 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 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 7 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.

15 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 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 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 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 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.

16 4. Explain the role gravity plays in the structure of the rings and the behavior of ring particles. Chapter 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 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.