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Podcast Profile: Astronomy 161 - Introduction to Solar System Astronomy

Show Image SiteRSSApple Podcasts
47 episodes
2006 to 2009

Collection: Physics, Math, and Astronomy


Description (podcaster-provided):

Astronomy 161, Introduction to the Solar System, is the first quarter of
a 2-quarter introductory Astronomy for non-science majors taught at The
Ohio State University. This podcast presents audio recordings of
Professor Richard Pogge's lectures from his Autumn Quarter 2006 class.
All of the lectures were recorded live in 100 Stillman Hall on the OSU
Main Campus in Columbus, Ohio.


Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):

➤ Introduction to Solar System astronomy • Planetary motions and models • Newton's laws • Telescopes and spectroscopy • Planets and moons • Solar System formation • Exoplanet discoveries • Historical astronomy developments

This podcast, "Astronomy 161 - Introduction to Solar System Astronomy," presents a series of lectures originally given by Professor Richard Pogge at The Ohio State University, focused on introducing non-science majors to solar system astronomy. The content covers a broad array of topics related to astronomy and planetary science. It begins by establishing foundational knowledge, introducing astronomical terminology, units of measurement, and basic observational astronomy such as constellations and daily and annual celestial motions.

As the lectures progress, the podcast delves into the historical development of our understanding of the solar system, exploring classical and modern astronomical theories, including geocentric and heliocentric models, and the scientific revolution catalyzed by figures like Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo. Key concepts of physics and astronomy, such as Newtonian mechanics and gravity, are explained, establishing the basis for understanding planetary orbits and tides.

The podcast also provides an in-depth examination of terrestrial and celestial phenomena, like the phases of the Moon, eclipses, timekeeping, and the calendar. It transitions to exploratory discussions about the planets, covering their properties, atmospheres, geological features, and their comparison, emphasizing the differences and similarities among the terrestrial planets.

Later content focuses on the giant planets, their moons, and the unique characteristics of their ring systems. It explores the smaller bodies of the solar system, such as asteroids, comets, and trans-Neptunian objects, culminating in discussions about the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet. Finally, the podcast touches on the search for exoplanets, the methods used to discover them, and the implications of these discoveries for understanding planetary systems beyond our own. Throughout, the lectures combine historical perspectives with modern scientific insights, providing a comprehensive overview of solar system astronomy.


Episodes:
Welcome to Astronomy 161
2006-Sep-18

Lecture 2: Astronomical Numbers
2006-Sep-21

Lecture 3: The Starry Night
2006-Sep-22

Lecture 4: Measuring the Earth
2006-Sep-25

Lecture 5: Mapping Earth and Sky
2006-Sep-26

Lecture 6: Daily and Annual Motions
2006-Sep-27

Lecture 7: The Four Seasons
2006-Sep-28

Lecture 8: Phases of the Moon
2006-Sep-29

Lecture 9: Eclipses of the Sun and Moon
2006-Oct-02

Lecture 10: Telling Time
2006-Oct-03

Lecture 11: The Calendar
2006-Oct-04

Lecture 12: The Wanderers - Planetary Motions
2006-Oct-05

Lecture 13: Greek Astronomy
2006-Oct-09

Lecture 14: The Revolutions of Nicolaus Copernicus
2006-Oct-10

Lecture 15: The Watershed: Tycho and Kepler
2006-Oct-11

Lecture 16: Galileo and the Telescope
2006-Oct-12

Lecture 17: On the Shoulders of Giants: Isaac Newton and the Laws of Motion
2006-Oct-13

Lecture 18: The Apple and the Moon - Newtonian Gravity
2006-Oct-16

Lecture 19: Orbits
2006-Oct-17

Lecture 20: Tides
2006-Oct-18

Lecture 21: The Rotation and Revolution of the Earth
2006-Oct-19

Lecture 22: Light the Messenger
2006-Oct-23

Lecture 23: Worlds Within: Atoms
2006-Oct-24

Lecture 24: Matter and Light
2006-Oct-25

Lecture 25: Measuring Light - Spectroscopy
2006-Oct-26

Lecture 26: Telescopes
2006-Oct-27

Lecture 27: Deep Time - The Age of the Earth
2006-Oct-30

Lecture 28: Inside the Earth
2006-Oct-31

Lecture 29: The Earth's Atmosphere
2006-Nov-01

Lecture 30: The Moon
2006-Nov-02

Lecture 31: The Family of the Sun
2006-Nov-06

Lecture 32: The Origin of the Solar System
2006-Nov-07

Lecture 33: Battered Mercury
2006-Nov-08

Lecture 34: Venus Unveiled
2006-Nov-09

Lecture 35: The Deserts of Mars
2006-Nov-13

Lecture 36: Worlds in Comparison - The Terrestrial Planets
2006-Nov-14

Lecture 37: Jupiter and Saturn
2006-Nov-15

Lecture 38: Uranus and Neptune
2006-Nov-16

Lecture 39: The Moons of Jupiter
2006-Nov-20

Lecture 40: The Saturn System
2006-Nov-21

Lecture 41: Planetary Rings
2006-Nov-22

Lecture 42: Asteroids and Meteoroids
2006-Nov-27

Lecture 43: Icy Worlds of the Outer Solar System
2006-Nov-28

Lecture 44: Comets
2006-Nov-29

Lecture 45: Is Pluto a Planet?
2006-Nov-30

Lecture 46: ExoPlanets - Planets around Other Stars
2006-Dec-01

Astronomy 141 Podcast Teaser
2009-Dec-06