PX1225: Planets and Exoplanets
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX1225 |
| External Subject Code | 100425 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Annabel Cartwright |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
- To introduce the basic constituents of the solar system, their orbits and physical properties.
- To describe the physical properties of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.
- To interpret these properties in terms of physical theory.
- To introduce the various observational methods of proto-planet and exoplanet detection.
- To introduce the basic ideas behind the current theories of planet formation and how they are related to observed properties of the Solar System and extra-solar planets.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Use the principle of hydrostatic equilibrium to model the internal structures and shapes of planets.
- Describe the properties of planetary systems in terms of basic physical concepts, such as tidal forces.
- Demonstrate their understanding of planetary systems by answering both essay-style questions and solving unseen numerical problems under examination conditions.
- Discuss the relation between the physical processes involved in the formation of the Earth and the evolution of complex life, and the threats to its continued existence.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 22 x 1 hr, marked exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Investigative skills. Mathematics. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination 80%. Coursework 20%. [Examination duration: 2 hours]
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 80 | Planets And Exoplanets | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 20 | Planets And Exoplanets | N/A |
Syllabus content
The Solar System: Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion. Elliptical orbits. Applications to planets, moons and comets. Structure, age and composition of objects in the Solar System. A basic model for the formation of the Solar System. Existence of Lagrange points. Space travel; transfer orbits.
Planetary Structure and Surfaces: Atmospheres. Hydrostatic equilibrium. Plane-parallel atmosphere. Tides and tidal forces. Roche limit. Ring systems. Comparative planetology. Terrestrial planets and Gas Giants. The structures of planets from satellite orbits and precession, seismic waves and plate tectonics.
Comets and Asteroids: The properties of comets. The Oort cloud. The Kuiper Belt. Plutinos. Evidence for impacts and the extinction of the dinosaurs. Near Earth Objects.
Extra-solar Planets: Detection methods. Properties of exoplanets. The Habitable Zone. Protoplanetary systems and theories of planet formation. The Drake equation.
Global warming and geo-engineering. Current theories of global warming, physical evidence, long and short wave geo-engineering options and their potential impact.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Origins: How the Planets, Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe Began, S A Eales (Springer)
Background Reading and Resource List
Earth: Evolution of a Habitable World, J I Lunine (CUP)
Planets and Planetary Systems, S A Eales (Wiley-Blackwell)
An Introduction to our Dynamic Planet, N Rogers (ed.) (CUP)