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Astronomy 161, Introduction to the Solar System, is the first quarter ofThemes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Solar System formation and structure • planetary motions and celestial phenomena • historical astronomy • telescopes and observations • planetary geology and atmospheres • exoplanets and extraterrestrial lifeThis podcast, "Astronomy 161 - Introduction to Solar System Astronomy," offers an introductory exploration of our solar system, aimed at non-science majors. It covers a wide array of topics that provide a comprehensive overview of both foundational and advanced concepts in astronomy. The podcast begins with basic astronomical concepts, such as the metric system for measuring vast distances and the celestial coordinate system, and it progresses to explore significant historical and scientific milestones in the field. Listeners are introduced to classical and modern theories of celestial motion, including the geocentric and heliocentric models, and the contributions of historical figures like Copernicus, Kepler, and Newton.
The podcast also navigates through detailed discussions of planetary characteristics, comparing and contrasting the terrestrial planets with Jovian gas giants, and exploring their unique conditions, atmospheres, and compositions. It delves into the dynamics of the solar system, explaining phenomena such as tides, eclipses, and seasonal changes due to Earth's axial tilt. Important astronomical events and concepts, such as the phases of the Moon, planetary orbits, and light as a tool for measurement, are also covered.
The podcast addresses the modern search for exoplanets and the potential for discovering Earth-like planets and extraterrestrial life, highlighting breakthroughs in detection techniques such as Doppler wobble and transit methods. Throughout the series, the lectures blend historical context and modern scientific understanding, bridging the gap between ancient astronomical observations and contemporary space exploration. Overall, this podcast provides a thorough educational resource for those interested in the intricate workings and history of our solar system, from its formation to the current scientific endeavors in exploring outer space.
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Welcome to Astronomy 161 2006-Sep-18 |
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Lecture 2: Astronomical Numbers 2006-Sep-21 |
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Lecture 3: The Starry Night 2006-Sep-22 |
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Lecture 4: Measuring the Earth 2006-Sep-25 |
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Lecture 5: Mapping Earth and Sky 2006-Sep-26 |
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Lecture 6: Daily and Annual Motions 2006-Sep-27 |
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Lecture 7: The Four Seasons 2006-Sep-28 |
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Lecture 8: Phases of the Moon 2006-Sep-29 |
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Lecture 9: Eclipses of the Sun and Moon 2006-Oct-02 |
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Lecture 10: Telling Time 2006-Oct-03 |
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Lecture 11: The Calendar 2006-Oct-04 |
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Lecture 12: The Wanderers - Planetary Motions 2006-Oct-05 |
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Lecture 13: Greek Astronomy 2006-Oct-09 |
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Lecture 14: The Revolutions of Nicolaus Copernicus 2006-Oct-10 |
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Lecture 15: The Watershed: Tycho and Kepler 2006-Oct-11 |
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Lecture 16: Galileo and the Telescope 2006-Oct-12 |
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Lecture 17: On the Shoulders of Giants: Isaac Newton and the
Laws of Motion 2006-Oct-13 |
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Lecture 18: The Apple and the Moon - Newtonian Gravity 2006-Oct-16 |
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Lecture 19: Orbits 2006-Oct-17 |
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Lecture 20: Tides 2006-Oct-18 |
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Lecture 21: The Rotation and Revolution of the Earth 2006-Oct-19 |
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Lecture 22: Light the Messenger 2006-Oct-23 |
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Lecture 23: Worlds Within: Atoms 2006-Oct-24 |
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Lecture 24: Matter and Light 2006-Oct-25 |
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Lecture 25: Measuring Light - Spectroscopy 2006-Oct-26 |
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Lecture 26: Telescopes 2006-Oct-27 |
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Lecture 27: Deep Time - The Age of the Earth 2006-Oct-30 |
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Lecture 28: Inside the Earth 2006-Oct-31 |
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Lecture 29: The Earth's Atmosphere 2006-Nov-01 |
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Lecture 30: The Moon 2006-Nov-02 |
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Lecture 31: The Family of the Sun 2006-Nov-06 |
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Lecture 32: The Origin of the Solar System 2006-Nov-07 |
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Lecture 33: Battered Mercury 2006-Nov-08 |
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Lecture 34: Venus Unveiled 2006-Nov-09 |
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Lecture 35: The Deserts of Mars 2006-Nov-13 |
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Lecture 36: Worlds in Comparison - The Terrestrial Planets 2006-Nov-14 |
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Lecture 37: Jupiter and Saturn 2006-Nov-15 |
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Lecture 38: Uranus and Neptune 2006-Nov-16 |
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Lecture 39: The Moons of Jupiter 2006-Nov-20 |
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Lecture 40: The Saturn System 2006-Nov-21 |
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Lecture 41: Planetary Rings 2006-Nov-22 |
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Lecture 42: Asteroids and Meteoroids 2006-Nov-27 |
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Lecture 43: Icy Worlds of the Outer Solar System 2006-Nov-28 |
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Lecture 44: Comets 2006-Nov-29 |
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Lecture 45: Is Pluto a Planet? 2006-Nov-30 |
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Lecture 46: ExoPlanets - Planets around Other Stars 2006-Dec-01 |
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Astronomy 141 Podcast Teaser 2009-Dec-06 |