PHYS 1201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Runaway Greenhouse Effect, Mars 2, Solar Wind
Document Summary
Inner and outer planets are separated by asteroid belt. Largest & brightest object in solar system. Sun is a nuclear fusion power plant. Source of virtually all visible light in out solar system. It"s gravity governs the orbits of other planets. B/c of orbit & rotation days & nights last about 3 earth months each. Drastic changes in temperature (hot in day freezing at night) **strange rotation on its axis: very slow, opposite direction of earth"s rotation, days & nights are very long, sun rises in west & sets in east. Extreme runaway greenhouse effect causes scalding temperatures (740c) Signs of past or present volcanic activity. Only planet with oxygen, o-zone, & surface water. Moderate greenhouse effect suitable for life (just enough carbon dioxide and water vapor) Moon is surprisingly large compared to earth. 2 very small moons: phobos & deimos (probably once asteroids) About half of earth"s size in diameter.
