Planetology

The Planetary Science course focuses on the Solar System and its planets. Its place in the universe is also discussed, providing an introduction to the concept of exoplanets (detection and habitability). The course consists of three parts: astrophysics, geophysics, and geochemistry. The astrophysics section begins by placing the Solar System in the context of the Universe and then addresses its formation, dynamics, and evolution. The geophysics section deals with planetary interiors and their evolution based on data from space missions. The geochemistry section focuses on nucleosynthesis, the abundance of chemical elements, and the composition of the early and present-day Earth as well as other planets, based on the study of meteorites. The course combines theoretical and practical approaches.

Hourly volumes:

• CM: 6:00 p.m.
• TD: 9 a.m.
• Practical Training: 9:00 a.m.

Recommended prerequisites:

Mathematics or physics; fundamentals of mineralogy and crystal chemistry: the content of the “Earth and Its Resources” course unit from the first-year Earth-Water-Environment program provides an ideal foundation for this course unit.

Continuous Assessment (CA)

Brief description of the concepts covered in fourth grade:

1) Geophysics/Astrophysics (12 CM)

• Background: Universe
• Formation of the Solar System (star, nebula, protoplanet)
• Dynamics and Evolution of the Solar System (revolution/orbits, rotation, interactions between bodies: precession, nutation, tidal effects)
• Planetary Interiors and Their Evolution (Geophysical Tools, Space Missions)
• Exoplanets

2) Geochemistry (6CM)

• Nucleosynthesis/Element Abundances
• Meteorites
• Composition of the early Earth, the present-day Earth, and other planets

Summary description of the tutorial sessions and the number of hours associated with each session

• Evolution of the Earth-Moon System (3 hours): Using angular momentum to calculate the Moon’s recession velocity – Simple calculations to estimate the system’s future.
• Exoplanet Detection (3 hours): Using Radial Velocity and Transit Methods
• Geochemistry (3 hours): Chemical composition of Mars (concept of mass balance, density).

Brief descriptions of the lab sessions and the number of hours associated with each session

• Martian Seismology (6 hours): Using Seismological Data from the InSight Mission
• Macroscopic observations of different groups of meteorites (3 hours).

• Be able to determine the major physical characteristics of a planet based on observations
•  Understanding the physical phenomena that govern the shape and motion of the planets
•  Understand the tools used to describe minerals and rocks
•  Knowing how to identify the different groups of meteorites
•  How to Perform a Mass Balance in Geochemistry