Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to compare and contrast current theories of the origin and evolution of the solar system.
• Students will be able to describe the various processes responsible for creating and altering the surfaces of planets, moons, asteroids, and meteorites.
• Students will be able to apply basic principles of remote sensing.
• Students will be able to describe the nature of electromagnetic radiation, and demonstrate basic principles of optics.
• Students will be able to describe the geometry and mechanisms of lunar and solar eclipses and lunar phases.
• Students will be able to describe the major processes operating to shape the surface of the earth.
• Students will be able to explain the basic motion of planets, with emphasis on the three basic motions of Earth (rotation, revolution, and precession), what causes them and how they can be measured.
• Students will be able to evaluate the limitations and types of instruments that characterize space missions.