3 credits
Spring 2025 Lecture Upper DivisionDepartmental Credit
This course is intended to serve as an introduction to the diversity of planetary atmospheres in our solar system and beyond for those without an atmospheric science background. Topics to be covered in this class include: The basic structure and properties of an atmosphere, how planetary atmospheres form / are eroded, the balance of radiation and its effect on atmospheric motions, the presence and formation of hazes, clouds, and aerosols, fundamental atmospheric compositions and chemistry, the connections between planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres, and how we measure and interpret observations of exoplanet atmospheres. To achieve this, we will learn about Earth's atmosphere and us our terrestrial template to compare, contrast, and explore the atmospheres of other astronomical bodies.
Learning Outcomes1Gain familiarity with the different types of planetary bodies and the atmospheres that are present on them.
2Recall the main properties of planetary atmospheres in our solar system.
3Identify and apply the general properties of the atmospheres.
4Understand the effect of radiation and distribution of energy in an atmosphere.
5Recognize the importance of chemical reactions and pathways.
6Identify the ways in which atmospheres are formed, lost, and evolved.
7Make simple predictions about the atmospheres of exoplanets based on an assessment of our understanding of the solar system.
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