2020-11-30

astr-1101

Chapter 12: Rings, Moons, and Pluto
- 12.1 Ring and Moon Systems Introduced
  - Learning Objectives
    - Name the major moons of each of the jovian planets
    - Describe the basic composition of each jovian planet's ring system
- 12.2 The Galilean Moons of Jupiter
  - Learning Objectives
    - Describe the major features we can observe about Callisto and what we can deduce from them
    - Explain the evidence for tectonic and volcanic activity on Ganymede
    - Explain what may be responsible for the unusual features on the icy surface of Europa
    - Describe the major distinguishing characteristics of Io
    - Explain how tidal forces generate the geological activity we see on Europa and Io
- 12.3 Titan and Triton
  - Learning Objectives
    - Explain how the thick atmosphere of Titan makes bodies of liquid on its surface possible
    - Describe what we learned from landing on Titan with the Huygens probe
    - Discuss the features we observed on the surface of Triton when Voyager 2 flew by
- 12.4 Pluto and Charon
  - Learning objectives
    - Compare the orbital characteristics of Pluto with those of the planets
    - Describe information about Pluto's surface deduced from New Horizon images
    - Note some distinguishing characteristics of Pluto's large moon Charon
- 12.5 Planetary Rings
  - Learning Objectives
    - Describe the two theories of planetary ring formation
    - Compare the major rings of Saturn and explain the role of the moon Enceladus in the formation of the E ring
    - Explain how the rings of Uranus and Neptune differ in composition and appearance from the rings of Saturn
    - Describe how ring structure is affected by the presence of moons
Chapter 13: Comets and Asteroids
- 13.1 Asteroids
  - Learning Objectives
    - Outline the story of the discovery of asteroids and describe their typical orbits
    - Describe the composition and classification of the various types of asteroids
    - Discuss what was learned from space missions to several asteroids
- 13.2 Asteroids and Planetary Defense
  - Learning Objectives
    - Recognize the threat that near-Earth objects represent for Earth
    - Discuss possible defensive strategies to protect our planet
- 13.3 The "Long-Haired" Comets
  - Learning Objectives
    - Characterize the general physical appearance of comets
    - Explain the range of cometary orbits
    - Describe the size and composition of a typical comet's nucleus
    - Discuss the atmospheres of comets
    - Summarize the discoveries of the Rosetta mission
- 13.4 The Origin and Fate of Comets and Related Objects
  - Learning Objectives
    - Describe the traits of centaur objects
    - Chronicle the discovery and describe the composition of the Oort cloud
    - Describe trans-Neptunian and Kuiper belt objects
    - Explain the proposed fate of comets that enter the inner solar system