Department of Physics, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
PH30094: Planetary physics |
 Credits:
| 3 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| EX100 |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Supplementary assessment information not currently available (this will be added shortly) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take PH10004 and take PH20014 and take PH20029 |
| Description:
| Aims: The aim of this unit is to give an overview of our current picture of planetary physics, both in our solar system and beyond. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * describe current knowledge of the constituents of our own Solar System; * describe the latest advances in our knowledge of exoplanetary physics; * explain the tools of current and future planetary exploration, quantifying their advantages, limits and accuracies; * explain the physical processes determining a planetary environment, from the magnetosphere to the core; * quantify the variations of planetary parameters and explain their significance. Skills: Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A. Content: Review of the planetary bodies in the Solar System and other systems. Telluric planets, gas giants, large asteroids and comets. The tools of planetary exploration and their underlying physics (satellites, landers, instruments). Examples of recent planetary missions. Electromagnetism and remote sensing. Moments of inertia, gravity and orbital mechanics. Magnetic fields and planetary physics. Neutron mapping (Mars/Moon/Earth). Helioseismology and links with acoustics. Convection in planetary interiors (telluric planets, icy bodies, gas giants). Applications presented will be taken from: Venus (from the magnetosphere to the core); Moon (formation and in-depth mapping); Mars (gravity studies, neutron mapping, presence of water and other useful elements); Europa and Io; Jupiter-sized planets in the solar system and elsewhere; comets. |