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- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/09%3A_Minor_Bodies_of_the_Solar_System/9.12%3A_Comet_CharacteristicsThis page discusses the composition and behavior of comets, highlighting their role in meteor showers and their structures, including the nucleus, coma, and tail. It notes that comets are made of vari...This page discusses the composition and behavior of comets, highlighting their role in meteor showers and their structures, including the nucleus, coma, and tail. It notes that comets are made of various materials and can behave unpredictably due to solar interactions. Observations of comet nuclei, such as Halley and Tempel-1, are mentioned, along with the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission targeting Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko for landing.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/02%3A_Historical_Astronomy/2.10%3A_Observations_of_the_Heavens-_GalileoThis page discusses Galileo Galilei's groundbreaking use of the telescope in 1609, which led to significant astronomical discoveries, including sunspots, lunar features, and the phases of Mercury and ...This page discusses Galileo Galilei's groundbreaking use of the telescope in 1609, which led to significant astronomical discoveries, including sunspots, lunar features, and the phases of Mercury and Venus, as well as Jupiter’s moons. These findings fueled the Geocentrism versus Heliocentrism debate. However, Galileo's work brought him into conflict with the Church, resulting in house arrest and a forced recantation of his views.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/09%3A_Minor_Bodies_of_the_Solar_System/9.05%3A_AsteroidsThis page discusses asteroids, minor solar system bodies similar to rocky planets. Ceres, the first and largest discovered asteroid, was reclassified as a Dwarf Planet in 2006. Most asteroids are irre...This page discusses asteroids, minor solar system bodies similar to rocky planets. Ceres, the first and largest discovered asteroid, was reclassified as a Dwarf Planet in 2006. Most asteroids are irregularly shaped and orbit in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, acting as remnants from the solar system's formation. They contribute to meteorite impacts on Earth and some have satellites, with over 150 identified companions.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/07%3A_The_Rocky_Planets/7.09%3A_Planet_MarsThis page discusses Mars, highlighting its status as the fourth planet from the Sun, its polar caps, and water in solid form. It notes Mars' history of volcanic activity and extensive exploration by s...This page discusses Mars, highlighting its status as the fourth planet from the Sun, its polar caps, and water in solid form. It notes Mars' history of volcanic activity and extensive exploration by spacecraft. The North Polar Cap is primarily water ice and varies with seasons, while the South Polar Cap is made of carbon dioxide ice, remaining constant and smaller. These contrasting characteristics are attributed to differing polar climates, similar to those on Earth.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/08%3A_The_Gas_Giant_Planets/8.11%3A_Gas_Giant_Planets_and_Select_Satellites_OverviewsThis page offers an overview of the gas giants in our solar system—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—highlighting their atmospheres, rotation and revolution periods, rings, magnetic fields, and moo...This page offers an overview of the gas giants in our solar system—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—highlighting their atmospheres, rotation and revolution periods, rings, magnetic fields, and moons. Jupiter is the largest with a strong magnetic field, Saturn is famous for its rings, and Uranus and Neptune are ice giants with notable magnetic tilt. The text also draws comparisons to "hot Jupiters" found in other star systems, implying some may be failed stars.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/06%3A_Solar_System_Formation_and_Other_Stellar_Systems/6.06%3A_Systems_and_Extrasolar_PlanetsThis page explains extrasolar planets, or exoplanets, which are planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. The term "extrasolar" distinguishes them from planets in our solar system, which is nam...This page explains extrasolar planets, or exoplanets, which are planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. The term "extrasolar" distinguishes them from planets in our solar system, which is named after our sun. Additionally, it mentions that systems with other stars are called stellar systems.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/09%3A_Minor_Bodies_of_the_Solar_System/9.16%3A_Halleys_CometThis page discusses Halley's Comet, observed since at least 240 BC and identified by Edmund Halley in the 17th century. Its 1910 passage led to scientific discoveries and public panic over cyanogen ga...This page discusses Halley's Comet, observed since at least 240 BC and identified by Edmund Halley in the 17th century. Its 1910 passage led to scientific discoveries and public panic over cyanogen gas, resulting in comet-related products. The first spacecraft encounter occurred in 1986 during its least visible passage in 2,000 years. The next close approach is expected in July 2061.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/07%3A_The_Rocky_Planets/7.02%3A_Comparing_PlanetsThis page presents an overview of Comparative Planetology, contrasting Rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) with Gas Giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). It highlights key differences: Ro...This page presents an overview of Comparative Planetology, contrasting Rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) with Gas Giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). It highlights key differences: Rocky planets are smaller, solid, cratered, and closer to the Sun, while Gas Giants are larger, gaseous, with rings and moons, and located farther away with longer revolution periods and atmospheric water.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/11%3A_Stellar_Properties/11.09%3A_Distances_to_the_Stars_and_other_Celestial_ObjectsThis page discusses the challenges astronomers encounter in measuring the distance and brightness of distant stars. Traditional tools like radar are ineffective due to energy loss over vast distances....This page discusses the challenges astronomers encounter in measuring the distance and brightness of distant stars. Traditional tools like radar are ineffective due to energy loss over vast distances. Instead, they use stellar parallax, which involves measuring a star's apparent shift against distant stars as Earth orbits the Sun. This method helps in calculating distances to nearby stars, similar to perceiving the shift of a finger when viewed from different angles.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/07%3A_The_Rocky_PlanetsThis page provides an overview of a module on planetary science, discussing the characteristics and comparisons of rocky planets. It includes specific insights into Mercury, Venus, Earth, its Moon, an...This page provides an overview of a module on planetary science, discussing the characteristics and comparisons of rocky planets. It includes specific insights into Mercury, Venus, Earth, its Moon, and Mars, along with topics like Martian snow and moons, serving as an introductory guide to understanding these celestial bodies and their distinctive features.
- https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Astronomy__Cosmology/Introduction_to_Astronomy_(Lumen)/02%3A_Historical_Astronomy/2.05%3A_The_WanderersThis page explains that the term "planet" comes from the Greek word for "wanderer" and lists historically recognized planets, such as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Earth. It notes that Me...This page explains that the term "planet" comes from the Greek word for "wanderer" and lists historically recognized planets, such as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Earth. It notes that Mercury and Venus are seen near the Sun, while Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn exhibit retrograde motion, appearing to move backward in the sky.
