Postgraduate SWI-AST80005-2023
Exploring the Solar System
Revolve around the solar system. Survey the stellar suburbs of stars, terrestrial and giant planets and the Moon and Sun. Understand Earth’s position. Study celestial activities of the night sky. Probe the solid surfaces of Mercury, Venus and Mars.
$2,980 $3,230
Your upfront cost: $0
Duration
13 weeks
Study method
100% Online
Available loans
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
100% online
Prior study
Not required
Start dates
- 28 Aug 2023
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QS Ranking 2022
19
Times Higher Education Ranking 2022
23
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Subject details
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
- Explain the basic principles of both celestial motion and planetary astronomy, and summarise these concepts in a non-technical manner understandable to the general public
- Describe night sky observing and compare and contrast celestial phenomena
- Distinguish our place in the solar neighbourhood, and differentiate between our present environment on Earth and that of our companions in the Solar System
- Recognise and discuss the social implications of planetary research
- Use problem solving skills to explain and synthesise solutions to problems in solar system astronomy
- Design and create an essay on an astronomy topic, assessing and critiquing current knowledge, using credible sources of astronomical information and research articles
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- Observing the night sky, star trails, the planets as wanderers
- Lunar orbit and phases, tidal forces, synchronous rotation
- Modelling the formation of the Solar System
- The Earth: structure, surface geology, atmosphere and magnetic field
- The Moon: interior, lunar surface characteristics and theory of formation
- The terrestrials: Mercury, Venus and Mars; comparative planetary geology
- Planets as habitats and signs of life
- The asteroid belt: properties and evolution
- The giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune
- Satellites and planetary rings
- Dwarf planets, Pluto and the Kuiper Belt
- Comets and the dirty snowball model
- The Sun: structure, nuclear power, solar activity and its effects on Earth
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
- SWI-HET602 (Not currently available)
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
This subject aims to provide an introduction to our solar neighbourhood, including terrestrial planets, giant planets, minor bodies and the Sun. The emphasis is on conceptual astronomy rather than mathematical techniques.
- Computer Test (20%)
- Newsgroups (30%)
- Essay (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).