Content
Geodetic Methods in Planetary Research
IV 3633 L 218
Content
This course will begin to give a thorough overview of the architecture of the Solar System and to will continue to discuss the various methods that are being used to determine orbit, size, shape, and rotation of planetary bodies and to map their surface topography and gravity fields. We shall discuss in some depth the basic tools used in planetary geodesy such as cameras, laser altimeters, and radar. One focus is on photogrammetric procedures for construction of local or global topographic models from stereo data. We shall discuss methods for analysis of data obtained from orbit or from the ground using cameras on landed spacecraft or on rovers roaming the surface. We shall also deal with
the development and use of planetary information systems and visualisation techniques.
Selected Topics in Planetary Science
IV 3633 L 230
Content
This course will deal with the developing knowledge of origin, evolution, and current state of Solar System planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. We shall closely follow any progress that is being made in ongoing planetary missions (e.g. Mars Express, Cassini, MESSENGER, Rosetta, DAWN), and we will discuss science goals and design issues of future planetary missions (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Marco Polo, ExoMars, BepiColombo). While we shall focus on results in the context of planetary geodesy, the course work may include other selected topics from planetary geophysics and geology. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of current publications in planetary science and in the development of (English) reading, presentation, and writing skills.
