Introductory description

The study of the Solar System has been one of the most important in the history of physics. Newton developed his theory of gravitation to explain Kepler's observations of the Solar System planets and effectively established what we now call the scientific method. Arguments and claims about the Solar System have had ramifications beyond science - for example Galileo was convicted of heresy for arguing that the earth moved round the Sun.

In this module, we will introduce some of the intriguing phenomena observed in our Solar System. Questions we will touch on include: How does the Sun work? How do planets move and form? Do they have atmospheres? While the answers to some of these questions are complicated and still not completely known, we will construct convincing, qualitatively correct and appealing explanations of many of these phenomena using physics studied in the first year.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Kepler's laws, Newtonian mechanics and gravity in the Solar System.

The Earth-Moon-Sun system, i.e. eclipses, phases of the Moon, tides, the formation of the Moon.

The Sun as a star. Physical structure of the interior, the solar surface (photosphere) and other
atmospheres (chromosphere and corona). The solar cycle, sun spots, solar flares and the solar wind.

Solar-terrestrial effects. The magnetosphere and magneto-trail and Van Allen's belts. The effect of
solar storms on the Earth's atmosphere, aurorae etc. Astronomical cycles affecting climate.

The planets. Internal structures, atmospheres, evolution of the atmospheres. Energy balance, the
greenhouse effect, conditions for life. Earth, Venus and Mars’ atmospheres compared.

Planetary satellites, rings, minor bodies of the Solar System (asteroids and comets).

The formation and evolution of the Solar System. Comparison with exo-planetary systems.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Solve problems relating to the orbital motion of Solar System objects.
• Compare the physical and atmospheric structures of the different Solar System objects and how they were formed.
• Explain elementary solar physics

Indicative reading list

Jones, Discovering the Solar System, 2nd Edition

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Knowledge of mathematics and physics. Skills in modelling, reasoning, thinking.

Transferable skills

Analytical, communication, problem-solving, self-study