F3160 Introduction to the Solar System

Faculty of Science
Spring 2021
Extent and Intensity
2/1/0. 1 credit(s) (fasci plus compl plus > 4). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Pavel Gabzdyl (lecturer), prof. RNDr. Zdeněk Mikulášek, CSc. (deputy)
Mgr. Jan Píšala (lecturer)
Mgr. Pavel Gabzdyl (seminar tutor), prof. RNDr. Zdeněk Mikulášek, CSc. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Jana Musilová, CSc.
Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: prof. RNDr. Zdeněk Mikulášek, CSc.
Supplier department: Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Mon 1. 3. to Fri 14. 5. Tue 11:00–12:50 online_F2
  • Timetable of Seminar Groups:
F3160/01: Mon 1. 3. to Fri 14. 5. Tue 13:00–13:50 online_F2
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
At the end of this course students should be able to characterize planets, explain most important processes in the Solar system and understand basic methods of their exploration.
Syllabus
  • Introduction: structure of lectures, recommended literature, basic terms
  • Evolution of the Solar System: nucleogenesis, pre-solar nebula, protoplanetary disc, thermal gradient of protoplanetary disc, formation of planetesimals, gases capturing, important eras of the Solar system evolution
  • Meteors and Meteorites: basic terms, chemical composition, definition of orbits, meteorite classification, importance for study of Solar system, dating methods, zodiacal light
  • Small Solar Sytem Body: minor planets (origin, evolution, asteroid spectral types and asteroid families), Kirkwood gaps, asteroid groups (Near-Earth asteroids, main asteroid belt, Trojan asteroids, Centaurs, Kuiper Belt Objects etc.), comets (origin, orbits, composition)
  • Planets I: internal structure of planets, planetary differentiation (core, mantle and crust), planetary volcanism
  • Planets II: tectonics, plate tectonics, endogenous and exogenous processes
  • Impact Cratering: main stages of impact process, morphology of impact structures (oblique craters, crater rays), shock-metamorphic effects
  • Planetary Atmospheres: origin and evolution, composition of atmospheres, basic of meteorology, atmospheres of satellites, interiors of giant planets
  • Planetary Magnetospheres: basic terms, dynamo theory, origin of planetary magnetospheres, structure of magnetospheres, interaction between solar wind and planetary magnetospheres
  • The Moon in the Planetary Context: comparison with another Solar system bodies, orbit (synchronous rotation, librations, eclipses), origin, geochemical model of the Moon, research of the Moon
  • Satellites and Rings: classification of satellites, important specimens, orbital properties, planetary rings (origin, character, differences)
  • Future of the Solar System and Exoplanets: evolution of the Sun, exoplanets searching methods, comparsion between the Solar system and extrasolar planetary systems
  • Planetary Exploration: Earth based observation, photography, radar mapping, space probes, methods of exploration (optical spectometry, mass spectrometry, activation analysis)
Literature
  • Pokorný, Z. (2005): Planety. – Aventinum.
  • Imke, P. a Lissauer, J., J. (2007): Planetary Sciences. – Cambridge University Press.
Teaching methods
2h lectures, exercises, consultations, 3 tests, oral exam
Assessment methods
oral examination
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught once in two years.
General note: S.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2011 - only for the accreditation, Spring 2001, Spring 2003, Spring 2005, Spring 2007, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, spring 2012 - acreditation, Spring 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2017, Spring 2019, Spring 2023, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2021, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/spring2021/F3160