Major Theme: Diversity of Moons
Learning Objectives
- Compare and contrast the orbits and formation of regular and irregular moons.
- Describe the evidence for geological activity and liquid oceans on some of the moons.
- Describe the composition, origin, and general structure of the rings of the giant planets.
- Explain the role of gravity plays in the structure of the rings and the behavior of ring particles.
Outline
Many Solar System planets have moons.
- The distribution of the moons.
- The orbits of the moons.
Some moons have geological activity and water.
- Io, the most geologically active moon.
- Evidence of liquid oceans on Europa and Enceladus.
- Titan’s atmosphere and ocean.
- Cryovolcanism on Triton
- Formerly active moons.
- Geologically dead moons.
Rings surround the giant planets.
- The orbits of ring particles.
- Ring formation and evolution.
- The composition of ring material
Ring systems have a complex structure.
- Saturn’s magnificent rings
- Rings around the other outer planets.
- Moons and rings around extrasolar planets.
Activities:
- Read textbook, chapter 12
- Topic class notes
- ClassAction: Rings and Moons (questions 9-17)
- Class activity: Europa’s Wedges
Resources:
