Description (podcaster-provided):
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 exploration • Historical astronomy • Celestial motions • Planetary properties • Telescopes and observations • Gravitational theory • Light and spectroscopy • Earth's structure and atmosphere • Exoplanet discoveryThis podcast, titled "Astronomy 161 - Introduction to Solar System Astronomy," presents a comprehensive overview of solar system astronomy, aimed primarily at non-science majors. Hosted by Professor Richard Pogge at The Ohio State University, the series covers a range of topics fundamental to understanding our solar system and its various components. The lectures span from basic astronomical concepts to detailed explorations of celestial bodies and phenomena.
The podcast begins with introductory material, providing essential background on astronomical numbers, units of measurement, and the history of early astronomical observations. Subsequent episodes delve into the structure and motions of the Earth and celestial objects, explaining concepts such as daily and annual motions, the causes of seasons, and the phases of the Moon.
In addition to exploring Earth's relationship with the Moon, the series also covers the phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses and the intricacies of timekeeping and calendar systems. The lectures introduce prominent historical figures and their contributions to astronomy, such as Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton, examining their roles in shaping modern understandings of planetary motion and gravitational forces.
The podcast further explores the physical properties and atmospheres of planets within our solar system. It includes detailed discussions of terrestrial planets—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—and compares their geological and atmospheric features. Likewise, it turns attention to the gas giants—Jupiter and Saturn—as well as the ice giants Uranus and Neptune, investigating their composition, internal structures, and unique characteristics of their moons and ring systems.
Asteroids, meteoroids, and comets are also featured, including their origins, orbital dynamics, and physical properties. The series concludes with a look beyond our solar system, discussing the search for and discovery of exoplanets and the methodologies used to detect them.
Listeners of this podcast can expect a thorough educational experience regarding both historical and contemporary aspects of solar system astronomy, providing a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and observational insights.
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 |