ASTRONOMY 3: Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System

Winter 2012

Saturn and its rings

Characterization

Cassini's observation and space probe's images

bands and spots in the atmosphere

methane, ammonia and water ice in the upper atmosphere

spin and oblateness

precipitation of He and slow contraction

Moons:

satellites' orbits

properties of ice under high pressure

impact craters

Titan's atmosphere: Hydrostatic equilibrium

Cassini and Huygen's image of mathane lake

Analogy to the earth primative atmosphere and onset of life

rings:

inclination and oblateness

roche limit and tidal disruption

gross structure: A, B, C rings & divisions

density waves and satellite-ring interaction

wakes and shephards

co-orbital moons

fine structure: ringlets and clumpyness

spokes and magnetorsphere