Astronomy 1021 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Interstellar Cloud, Kelvin, Oort Cloud

• School: Western University
• Department: Astronomy
• Course: Astronomy 1021
• Professor: Reynold Silber

Document Summary

All 3 techniques used in study of solar system o. With the aid of telescopes, we can measure the angular diameter of planets. Since we also know the distance, we can calculate the diameter in kilometers. Observe moons going around planet > measure angular distances & orbits and periods > tells you mass of planet. From mass & size: we get density, tells us material and distribution. Infer rotation by watching planet"s appearance change over time. Nearly identical in size to earth but has surface hidden clouds. Rotates clockwise very slowly, one venus day = 243 earth days. Hellish conditions deu to extreme greenhouse effect. Only surface liquid water in solar system. Most known extrasolar planets are more massive than earth. Giant volcanoes, huge canyon, polar caps, etc. More massive than all other planets combined, 300x earth"s mass. Mostly hydrogen and helium, no solid surface.