ERS 131 - Planetary Geology

3 Semester Hours
An in-depth study of the origin, composition and structure of the Solar System and the motion of the Sun, the nine planets and their moons, the asteroids and the comets. A comparative planetology format will be utilized comparing and contrasting the other planets to the Earth. The moons of the planets will be compared to the Earth’s Moon and the asteroid and comet belts will also be examined. The Solar System’s place in the Milky Way Galaxy, the Local Group and the Universe will be covered, as well as extra-solar planetary systems and the origin of the elements and life.