AST 301 - Planetary Exploration in the Space Age

Institution:

Bentley University

Subject:

Description:

Prerequisite(s): Any 200-level AST or PHY This course examines our successful interplanetary space missions to measure the astronomical characteristics, establish the history and evolution, and unravel the mysteries of the planets in our solar system. A key theme in these investigations is a detailed study of the Earth, in order to perform "comparative planetology" with the characteristics of other planets. Various themes in this comparison include temperature and environment, atmosphere and greenhouse effects, Terrestrial evolution and sustainability, magnetic fields, and planetary mass consequences. The most recent NASA missions to Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, will be covered in great detail, as we will focus on their technologies, flight paths, scientific goals and results, and key business aspects relating to their funding, construction, and operation. We will also discuss the theories of formation of Terrestrial and Jovian planetary systems from the solar nebula.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.bentley.edu

Phone Number:

(800) 523-2354

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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