ASTRO 2202 - Our Home in the Solar System

(PBS)

Spring. 3 credits.

Prerequisite: freshman or sophomore standing; some background in science.

J. Veverka.

Writing course designed to develop an understanding of our home planet as a member of a diverse family of objects in our solar system. Discussion centers on how studies of other planets and satellites have broadened our knowledge and perspective of Earth, and vice versa. We study, debate, and learn to write critically about important issues in science and public policy that benefit from this perspective. Topics discussed include global warming, the impact threat, the searches for extrasolar planets and extraterrestrial intelligence, and the exploration of Mars.