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The Science of the Solar System

Learn about the science behind the current exploration of the solar system in this free class. Use principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to understand the latest from Mars, comprehend the outer solar system, ponder planets outside our solar system, and search for habitability in our neighborhood and beyond. This course is generally taught at an advanced level assuming a prior knowledge of undergraduate math and physics, but the majority of the concepts and lectures can be understood without these prerequisites. The quizzes and final exam are designed to make you think critically about the material you have learned rather than to simply make you memorize facts. The class is expected to be challenging but rewarding.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Unit 1: Water on Mars (week 1)

Unit 1: Water on Mars (week 2)

Unit 1: Water on Mars (week 3)

Unit 2: The insides of giant planets (week 1)

Unit 2: The insides of giant planets (week 2)

Unit 3: Big questions from small bodies (week 1)

Unit 3: Big questions from small bodies (week 2)

Unit 4: Life in the solar system (week 1)

Unit 4: Life in the solar system and beyond (week 2)

Final exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Concepts and lectures can be understood without undergraduate math and physics

Practice critical thinking rather than memorization

Assumes prior knowledge of undergraduate math and physics

Designed for an advanced level

Expected to be challenging

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Reviews summary

Solar system science

According to students, engaging assignments and fantastic science are prevalent throughout Science of the Solar System. Led by Professor Mike Brown, learners say the course is largely positive with helpful readings. Students indicate that the homework is difficult yet worthwhile. Overall, learners report that this course is challenging but rewarding.

Difficult but worthwhile homework assignments that require critical thinking.

"The homework (quizzes) are challenging, not just asking you to provide an answer but to think about the question, often requiring you to think about the question and identify which one among several answers is not correct."

"The quizzes full of twisted questions ."

"This is the best course I've completed so far . The sub-section on small bodies is a 1st quality jewel"

Optional readings provide additional depth of knowledge.

"Very well presented course. Plenty of optional material for those who want even more depth of knowledge."

"The lectures were accompanied but non required readings which went into lots more detail."

"Dr. Brown presents planetary science using the most recent data and shows how to apply from basic physics and chemistry to geology, climatology, and mechanics to construct beautiful models and interpretations of all."

Engaging professor who cares deeply about his subject.

"Mike Brown (aka Plutokiller) almost killed me with the tricky quizzes full of twisted questions ."

"I have no scientific background, but yet managed to stick with it to the end."

"His passion for planetary science is evident, and he has excellent pedagogic skills to transmit both his knowledge and his passion for the subject."

Well-made lectures that are detailed and easy to follow.

"The course was somewhat challenging (it should be... the topics are intrinsically hard), but a lot of fun."

"The instructor is one of the best I've ever come across in my life."

"Mike made accessible to all a quite difficult subject."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Science of the Solar System with these activities:

Form a study group with classmates

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Enhance your understanding through collaborative learning by forming a study group with classmates to discuss course concepts and work together on assignments.

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Identify classmates who share similar learning goals and interests.
Schedule regular study sessions to meet in person or virtually.
Review course materials together, share notes, and discuss key concepts.
Work on assignments and projects collaboratively, providing feedback and support to each other.

Tutor classmates on challenging concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of the course concepts by explaining them to others and assisting classmates with their learning.

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Identify classmates who may benefit from additional support in understanding a particular concept.
Schedule a time to meet with your classmate and review the concept together.
Explain the concept in a clear and engaging manner, using examples and analogies.

Brush up on Physics 1 and 2

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Review fundamental concepts in physics, such as classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves, to provide a strong foundation for understanding the exploration of the solar system.

Browse courses on Classical Mechanics

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Review your notes and textbooks from Physics 1 and 2.
Do practice problems to reinforce your understanding of key concepts.
Consider watching online videos or tutorials to supplement your review.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Read 'The Martian' by Andy Weir

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Gain insights into the challenges and scientific principles involved in space exploration by reading a popular science fiction book based on real-world science.

View Andy Weir 3 Books Collection Set(Project Hail... on Amazon

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Read the book at your own pace, taking time to reflect on the scientific concepts presented.
Take notes on the key scientific principles and how they relate to the exploration of Mars.
Discuss the book with friends, family, or classmates to deepen your understanding.

Solve practice problems on celestial mechanics

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Strengthen your understanding of the physical principles governing the motion of celestial bodies, such as planets and spacecraft.

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Find practice problems on celestial mechanics from online resources, textbooks, or instructors.
Work through the problems, showing your calculations and reasoning.
Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with an instructor or classmate for guidance.

Create a presentation on a topic related to the solar system

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Develop your research, presentation, and communication skills by creating a presentation on a topic of your choice related to the solar system's exploration.

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Research your topic thoroughly, gathering information from reputable sources.
Organize your presentation in a logical flow, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Create visuals, such as graphs, charts, or images, to illustrate your points.
Practice delivering your presentation to an audience of peers or family members.

Build a model of a planet or moon

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Develop your understanding of planetary processes and geology by building a physical or digital model of a planet or moon of your choice.

Browse courses on Planetary Science

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Research the planet or moon you want to model, including its size, shape, and surface features.
Choose appropriate materials and techniques to create your model, considering factors such as scale and accuracy.
Build your model, paying attention to detail and presenting the planet's or moon's key features.

Contribute to an open-source project related to space exploration

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Gain real-world experience and enhance your technical skills by collaborating on an open-source project aligned with your interests in space exploration.

Browse courses on Space Exploration

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Identify an open-source project related to your interests, such as data analysis, image processing, or spacecraft design.
Join the project community and introduce yourself.
Review the project's documentation and codebase to familiarize yourself with the project.
Identify an area where you can contribute, such as bug fixing, feature development, or documentation improvement.
Submit your contributions to the project and collaborate with other developers on code reviews and testing.

Career center

Learners who complete The Science of the Solar System will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

NASA Flight Director

NASA Flight Directors are responsible for the safe and successful operation of NASA missions. They use their knowledge of engineering and operations to make decisions that affect the lives of astronauts and the success of missions. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of NASA flight direction. Additionally, you may learn about the latest NASA missions and the challenges that flight directors face.

See salaries and explore the career path for NASA Flight Director

Space Telescope Scientist

Space Telescope Scientists design, build, and operate space telescopes. They use their knowledge of optics and astronomy to develop telescopes that can see faint objects in the universe. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of space telescope science. Additionally, you may learn about the latest developments in space telescope technology and the discoveries that are being made with these telescopes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Telescope Scientist

Exoplanet Astronomer

Exoplanet Astronomers search for and study planets outside our solar system. They use their knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics to understand the formation, evolution, and composition of these planets. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of exoplanet astronomy. Additionally, as an exoplanet astronomer, you may specialize in a field such as the search for habitable exoplanets or the study of exoplanet atmospheres.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exoplanet Astronomer

Astrobiologist

Astrobiologists study the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe. They use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and geology to search for evidence of life on other planets and moons. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of astrobiology. Additionally, Unit 4: Life in the solar system and beyond may introduce you to advanced concepts in astrobiology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astrobiologist

Spacecraft Mission Planner

Spacecraft Mission Planners plan and execute spacecraft missions. They use their knowledge of orbital mechanics and propulsion to design trajectories that will allow spacecraft to reach their destinations. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of spacecraft mission planning. Additionally, you may learn about real-world examples of the latest spacecraft missions to Mars, the outer solar system, and habitable exoplanets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Mission Planner

Mars Rover Driver

Mars Rover Drivers operate rovers on the surface of Mars. They use their knowledge of geology and engineering to drive rovers to interesting locations and collect data. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of Mars rover driving. Additionally, you may learn about the latest discoveries made by Mars rovers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mars Rover Driver

Spacecraft Designer

Spacecraft Designers design and develop spacecraft for space exploration missions. They use their knowledge of engineering and physics to create spacecraft that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of spacecraft design. Additionally, you may learn about real-world examples of the latest spacecraft designs that are being sent to Mars, the outer solar system, and habitable exoplanets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Designer

Planetary Scientist

Planetary Scientists study the physical properties of planets, moons, and other celestial objects in our solar system. They use their knowledge to understand the formation, evolution, and composition of these objects. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of planetary science. Additionally, you may specialize in a field such as Mars Exploration or Outer Solar System Exploration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Planetary Scientist

Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists study the physical properties of the universe, including stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects. They use their knowledge to understand the universe's origin, evolution, and fate. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of astrophysics. Additionally, as an astrophysicist, you may specialize in a field such as planetary astrophysics and study planets outside our solar system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astrophysicist

Science Educator

Science Educators develop and implement educational programs for students of all ages. They may work for schools, museums, science centers, or other organizations. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of science education. Additionally, as a science educator, you may incorporate information from this course, such as the latest discoveries from Mars, the outer solar system, or habitability in our neighborhood and beyond, into your curriculum.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Educator

Science Communicator

Science Communicators interpret scientific information and communicate it to the public in a clear and engaging way. They may work for museums, science centers, schools, or other organizations. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of science communication. Additionally, as a science communicator, you may research and report the latest discoveries from Mars, the outer solar system, or habitability in our neighborhood and beyond.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Science Writer

Science Writers research, write, and edit scientific information for various audiences, including the general public, students, and other scientists. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other organizations. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of science writing. Additionally, as a science writer, you may write about the latest discoveries from Mars, the outer solar system, or habitability in our neighborhood and beyond.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth. They use their knowledge to understand the Earth's structure, composition, and dynamics. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of geophysics. Additionally, Unit 1: Water on Mars, may introduce you to advanced concepts in geophysics outside of Earth that may pique your interest.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Hydrologist

Hydrologists are responsible for studying the distribution, movement, and quality of water on Earth. They use their knowledge to solve water problems, such as floods, droughts, and water pollution. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the principles and concepts of hydrology. Additionally, Unit 1: Water on Mars, may introduce you to advanced concepts in hydrology outside of Earth that may pique your interest.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric Scientists study the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with the rest of the Earth system. With the increase in climate change and global warming, there is a need for Atmospheric Scientists to research and collect data to find solutions to mitigate the negative effects of Earth's changing climate. This course may be useful for building a foundation for understanding the science behind global warming, the changing climate, and other atmospheric interactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Atmospheric Scientist

Reading list

We've selected 23 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Science of the Solar System.

Earth

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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of astrobiology, with a focus on the search for life beyond Earth. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the potential for life in the universe.

The Science of the Solar System

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Solar system science

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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