ASTR 120 - Exploration of the Solar System

    Recent Professors
    D. Coleman
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Spring 2026
    Class Size
    36–50 students
    Credits
    3
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of ASTR 120
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5A · CSU GE Area B1
    Description
    This course investigates the origin of our Solar System and how its contents change with time. The course surveys and analyzes the physical properties of solar system contents, including the Sun, planets, moons, rings, comets and asteroids. Methods of space exploration will be discussed as related to past, current, and future efforts. Topics include: origins of the chemical elements in our solar system, formation and evolution of the solar system; comparative planetology (geology and atmosphere), gravitational and thermal effects on solar system objects, space exploration, and recent developments in the search for extrasolar planets. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-5, CSU-B1, IGETC-5A, Cal-GETC-5A)
    Usually Held
    Mon Wed 12:30pm–1:50pm