Planetary Science

Planetary science is the interdisciplinary study of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and the systems they form, both within our Solar System and around other stars. It applies fundamental principles of physics and geology to investigate the formation, composition, surface processes, and atmospheres of these celestial bodies. By exploring these diverse worlds, planetary science seeks to unravel the origins of planetary systems, understand the evolution of planets like Earth, and search for the conditions that could support life elsewhere in the universe.

1. Introduction to Planetary Science
   1. Defining Planetary Science
      1. Scope and Interdisciplinary Nature
         1. Connections to Astronomy
         2. Connections to Geology
         3. Connections to Geophysics
         4. Connections to Atmospheric Science
         5. Connections to Physics
         6. Connections to Chemistry
         7. Connections to Biology
      2. Major Questions in Planetary Science
         1. Origin and Evolution of Planetary Systems
         2. Habitability and Life Beyond Earth
         3. Comparative Planetary Processes
         4. Solar System Formation and Dynamics
      3. Key Terminology
         1. Astronomical Units
         2. Orbital Parameters
         3. Planetary Classification
         4. Spectroscopic Terms
   2. Historical Perspectives
      1. Early Naked-Eye Astronomy
         1. Ancient Observations of Planets
         2. Cultural Significance of Planets
         3. Early Calendars and Timekeeping
      2. The Geocentric Model
         1. Ptolemaic System
         2. Epicycles and Deferent Circles
         3. Limitations of Geocentrism
      3. The Copernican Revolution
         1. Heliocentric Model
         2. Impact on Scientific Thought
         3. Religious and Philosophical Implications
      4. Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
         1. Law of Ellipses
         2. Law of Equal Areas
         3. Law of Harmonies
         4. Mathematical Formulation
      5. Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
         1. Mathematical Formulation
         2. Application to Planetary Orbits
         3. Perturbation Theory
      6. The Space Age and Modern Exploration
         1. Early Space Missions
         2. Robotic Exploration
         3. Human Spaceflight
         4. International Cooperation
   3. Fundamental Concepts
      1. Orbits and Celestial Mechanics
         1. Types of Orbits
            1. Circular Orbits
            2. Elliptical Orbits
            3. Parabolic Orbits
            4. Hyperbolic Orbits
         2. Gravity and Tidal Forces
            1. Newtonian Gravity
            2. Tidal Interactions and Effects
            3. Roche Limit
         3. Orbital Elements
            1. Semi-Major Axis
            2. Eccentricity
            3. Inclination
            4. Longitude of Ascending Node
            5. Argument of Periapsis
            6. True Anomaly
         4. Resonances
            1. Orbital Resonances
            2. Spin-Orbit Resonances
            3. Mean Motion Resonances
      2. Energy and Radiation in Planetary Systems
         1. Electromagnetic Spectrum
            1. Wavelengths and Frequencies
            2. Relevance to Planetary Observations
            3. Atmospheric Windows
         2. Blackbody Radiation
            1. Stefan-Boltzmann Law
            2. Wien's Law
            3. Planck Function
         3. Planetary Energy Balance
            1. Absorption and Reflection
            2. Albedo
            3. Greenhouse Effect
            4. Heat Sources
               1. Solar Heating
               2. Internal Heat