Astronomy Continued: Planetary Science

In this ten week course, learners will dive into the topic of planetary science, one of the major fields of space science. We will explore advanced topics such as comparative planetology, how magnetic fields form, climates, and orbital dynamics. We will also take an in depth look at the major planets and planet types within our own solar system and exosystems beyond our own. 

We will investigate questions such as:

How are planets formed?
How does the interior structure of a planet influence its surface features?
What are the different classes of planets?   
How do we use remote sensing technologies to investigate distant worlds?
Why does Earth’s climate differ from Venus’?
How do the orbits of planets influence each other?


This is a highly interactive course. Students will learn through an image and video filled presentation and discussion. Students’ participation and questions are regularly encouraged. Classes are designed to encourage student engagement and follow their curiosity.

Week 1 - Foundations 
Week 2 - Terrestrial Planets
Week 3 - Jovian Planets
Week 4 - Dwarf Planets
Week 5 - Satellite Planets
Week 6 - Planetary Dynamics 
Week 7 - Atmospheres and Energy Balance
Week 8 - Surfaces and Interiors 
Week 9 - Magnetic Fields 
Week 10 - Formation 

In this course we will focus heavily on the recent and cutting edge science within planetology as well as foundational geologic and physical processes. This course is well suited for both learners fascinated by space and those interested in better understanding our own planets and the forces that shape it. 

There is no textbook for this class. While we will discuss some of the mathematics used in planetary science, learners will not need to use math in this course, unless they would like to for “extra credit”.

Learners do not need to experts in astronomy, but it is assumed that they have some background knowledge in the areas of: stellar life cycles, light years and cosmic distances, galaxies, and optical telescopes.