Planetary Explorations

3-0-9 units. REST · Undergraduate

A tour of the solar system, from the scorched surface of Mercury to the icy nuclei of the outermost comets. Students explore the geology, interiors, atmosphere, and long-term evolution of planets, moons, and small bodies across the solar system. Students work directly with cutting-edge planetary datasets and techniques, including spacecraft imagery, spectra, topographic data, crater counts, meteorite samples, and atmospheric experiments. Culminates in an individual hypothesis-driven mission proposal in which students design a scientific exploration strategy for a solar system target of their choosing.