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):
➤ 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 developmentsThis 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 |