ASTR 2310: Chapter 8

Overview of Solar System

– Two types of planets

– Physical properties of planets• Temperatures, densities, albedos, etc.

– Retention of atmosphere

– Solar System Formation• Protoplanetary disks, condensation, etc.

• Post formation processes (catering, volcanoes)

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8

What is wrong with this picture? It's from NASA...

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8

Characteristics of the Planet Types

Terrestrial Jovian– Mass Low (upto Earth) High (10x)

– Composition Rocky/Metal Gaseous High density Low density

– Rotation slow – day+ fast < 18hr

– Satellites Few Many

– Orbital radius < 2AU >5AU

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8

Planet Masses – How? Planet Sizes – How? Planet Densities – How?

Planet Temperature more involved...

– I'll do it on the board, also see text and wiki for blackbodies as advertised..

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8

Albedos and graph presentation lesson:– http://www.numberpix.com/2006/04/reflections_on_the_planets_1.h

tml

– Never too early to learn this stuff!

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8 Spectrum of Mars:

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8 Planetary escape velocity, gas temperature, and gasses

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8 Protoplanetary Disks:

ASTR 2310: Chapter 8

Cratering and Volcanic Flooding

– Mercury is very much like the moon

– Venus has active volcanoes, surface hidden by clouds but not radar

– Nice website from Guy Worthey* at WSU:– http://astro.wsu.edu/worthey/astro/html/lec-mercvenu

s.html

– *A Wyoming graduate