Yale Astronomy Lectures - 2. Planetary Orbits

Frontiers/Controversies in Astrophysics (ASTR 160) Exoplanets are introduced and students learn how astronomers detect their presence as well as the challenges associated with it. Physics equations are explained as well as their importance in the context of the course. A number of problems are worked out to get students used to dealing with large numbers in calculating planetary masses, interplanetary distances, etc. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Course Logistics 06:15 - Chapter 2. Exoplanets 12:56 - Chapter 3. Physical Units and Significant Digits 33:23 - Chapter 4. Calculating the Distance between Planets and Stars Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses This course was recorded in Spring 2007.