AST 307 · Introductory Astronomy
Fall 2003


Chapter 6  Oct. 1

  1. How do astronomers measure the distance to a planet, the radius of a planet, the mass of a planet, and the density of a planet (in our solar system)?

  2. Describe ways in which the terrestrial planets are similar to each other, ways in which the Jovian planets are similar, and ways in which the Jovian planets differ from the terrestrial planets.

Two choices for the next week:

  1. How does the atmosphere of a planet affect its surface temperature? - the greenhouse effect
    Why do the different terrestrial planets have such different atmospheres? How do these differences affect their temperatures and habitabilities?

  2. How did the planets form?
    How can we observe planets around other stars?
    How can we study the process of formation of planets around other stars?

1 October 2003
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