Physics and Astronomy

Planetary Astronomy

Links for PlanetQuest Students

This page is intended as reference material for students in Dr. Crosby's Planetary Astronomy course. Visit the the JPL Planet Quest site.

Course Description

This course explores the structures and histories of both solar and extra-solar planets. Using data returned from recent spacecraft and orbiting observatories, we will explore current and historical models of planetary formation and evolution in our own solar system, paying particular attention to recent developments in the study of the Martian and Jovian systems. Building on our understanding of solar planets, the emerging science of extra-solar planet detection and characterization will be developed in the second half of the course. Prospects for the detection and characterization of life processes on extra-solar planets will also be explored.

Students will be expected to complete daily homework assignments involving the analysis and interpretation of raw data to construct and critically examine models of planetary history and structure. Class time will be devoted to team activities and discussions. Each student will complete a capstone project on a recent planetary astronomy discovery.

Course Documents

Syllabus
Schedule
Text Site (You will need to purchase the ebook version by credit card at this site)
Readings and Web Tutorials (Blackboard)
University of Washington Astronomy Labs

Solar Planet Links

Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Rovers Home
Malin Space Science Systems Mars Images
Mars Images (HST)
Mars: Top Ten Images
JPL Planet Data/Images
Solarviews Planet Data
SEDS Planet Site (Excellent Resource)
ESA Cassini-Huygens Mission
JPL Cassini-Huygens Mission

Extrasolar Planet Links

PlanetQuest New World Atlas
California and Carnegie Planet search
Extrasolar Planet Encyclopedia
ESO Review (Arizona)
Known Planetary Systems (Princeton University)
NASA Origins Program
Astrobiology @ NASA
Astrobiology Magazine
Origins Roadmap
Terrestrial Planet Finder Mission
Darwin Mission