Interesting Stuff - Geo-Astronomy Lectures from UMich

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion highlights a series of geo-astronomy lectures from the University of Michigan, specifically focusing on topics such as Earth structure, the Moon, thermodynamics, and the formation of the solar nebula. Key lectures include Lecture 16 on Earth Structure, Lecture 17 on the Moon, and Lecture 20 on Thermodynamics and Chemical Equilibrium. The user expresses dissatisfaction with the current scholarly views on Venus, particularly regarding water and Urey reactions, suggesting a divergence from the lessons presented in Lecture 26.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic astronomy concepts
  • Familiarity with thermodynamics principles
  • Knowledge of planetary geology
  • Awareness of cosmochemical classifications
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of Urey reactions on planetary atmospheres
  • Research the geological characteristics of Venus
  • Study the formation processes of solar nebulae
  • Investigate the historical perspectives on Earth-Moon relationships
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, educators in planetary science, and researchers interested in the geological and chemical processes of celestial bodies.

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Don't know how long these will be active, but they are interesting:

Lecture 16 - Down To Earth III: Earth Structure
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture16/

Lecture 17 - Earth and Its Nearest Cosmic Neighbor, The Moon
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture17/

Lecture 19 - The Earth and the Moon II: Histories
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture19/

Lecture 20 - Thermodynamics and Chemical Equilibrium
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture20/

Formation of the Solar Nebula from an Interstellar Cloud
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture22/

A Cosmochemical Classification of the Elements
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture23/

Early Speculations
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture24/

Lecture 25 - Mercury: A Moon-like Planet?
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture25/

Like the Earth, But Not on the Surface
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture26/

Cowley's website - http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley
 
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I just checked lecture 26 Venus, http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/lecture26/
which is my pet planet. But I think the current scholar view is somewhat different from the lesson, especially pertaining the water and the Urey reactions.

I'm not impressed, I'm afraid.
 
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