This course is a survey of the solar system: physical properties of the planets, comets, and asteroids; origin of the solar system; search for extrasolar planetary systems; search for life in the universe; current results of recent planetary space missions; night sky observation.
 

Teaching Assistants

Gavin Frueh
Philip Griffin
 

Lab Schedule - Fall 2025

Week ofLab
25-AugNo Lab – First Week
1-SepNo Lab – Labor Day Week
8-SepActive Learning
15-SepMeasuring & Exploring the Sky 
22-SepNo Lab – Exam Week
29-SepAngular Size
6-OctLunar Observations
13-OctSpectroscopy
20-OctNo Lab – Exam Week 
27-OctEarth’s Changing Climate
3-NovImage Analysis
10-NovObserving with the VAO
17-NovNo Lab – Exam Week
24-NovNo Lab – Fall Break   
1-DecHertzsprung-Russell Diagram and Star Clusters
8-DecMass of Jupiter
15-DecNo Lab – Final Exam Week