Unit 5: The Earth & The Moon

Earth and Moon imaged by NEAR
NEAR/Shoemaker Image (JHU/NASA)

We will begin our study of the Solar System at home with a discussion of the Earth and its nearest neighbor the Moon. In these four lectures we will explore their surfaces, interiors, atmospheres, and histories. Of particular interest will be those properties that we will use as a basis of comparison with other planets and bodies in the Solar System we will turn to next. A central theme that I wish to develop is that the study of the other worlds of our Solar System is not only interesting in itself, it is also teaching us important lessons about the past, present, and future of our home planet.


Lectures

Deep Time: The Age of the Earth (Oct 29)

Inside the Earth (Oct 30)
Homework #3 Due In Class, Tuesday October 30

The Earth's Atmosphere (Oct 31)

The Moon (Nov 1)

Quiz 3: Friday Nov 2, in class [Study Guide]

Lecture Podcasts Lecture Audio Podcasts


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Updated: 2007 November 4
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