Introduction to Astronomy September 2024

The Planets & Moons of the Solar System Through Modern Eyes

Tonight, we will review the Solar System’s eight planets, exploring their general and exciting features, including new ideas on how Mercury acquired a large iron core and the special features of many moons. We’ll then discuss why we see four minor rocky inner planets and four giant gas/ice outer planets, including recent supercomputer simulations showing new insights into how the migratory movements of the giant planets in the early Solar System shaped the dichotomy we see today.

If you’re interested in current ideas on the planets, moons and the Solar System, this talk is for you! We look forward to seeing you all there.

This meeting will also be live-streamed on the AAS YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety