ASTR 2310 Chapter 12.ppt

ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 The Solar System in Perspective Comparative Planetology (“Lessons”)? Origin of the Solar System Exoplanets Detection Properties See Exoplanet Resources posted at /?p=2168 ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Comparative Planetology Lesson 1: Surfaces of planets are shaped by competing internal and external mechanisms (e.g. volcanism vs. cratering). Lesson 2: More massive, colder planets are better able to retain atmospheres (e.g., Pluto, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Earth, Jovian planets, in increasing mass). ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Comparative Planetology Lesson 3: Giant satellites of Jovian planets show patterns consistent with our ideas about formation of the planets (e.g. theyre mini-solar systems). Lesson 4: Many unusual features of the solar system can be attributed to giant impacts (Earths moon, Triton, Uranus, Venus). ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Origin of the Solar System Emerging picture of a rotating protoplanetary disk explains Planets nearly in same plane Suns equator is close to this plane. Planetary orbits are nearly circular. Planets orbit in same direction. Most planets and sun rotate in same direction as the orbital motion. ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Origin of the Solar System Other issues also addressed Nature of small bodies – left overs, with many moons formed around Jovian planets, smallest stuff replenished from collisions Differences in chemical composition (metal, stone, ices, volatiles)? Rings around Jovian planets (failed moons or destroyed moons)? Chemical differentiation of terrestrial planets (radioactivity)? ASTR 2310: Chapter 12 Exoplanets Detection Difficulties Center of Mass Wobbles Transit Method (eclipses)? Properties Not quite like solar system planets In part because different things can happen In part because of selection effects * * *