102 ASTR- Introduction to the Solar System

This course is one of the undergraduate program courses offered at Level 3, providing students with an introductory yet structured overview of fundamental concepts in astronomy. The course is designed to build a solid foundation in basic astronomical principles while developing students’ understanding of the universe and its main constituents.

The course introduces students to the basic and modern concepts in astronomy, including an overview of astronomical thinking and the scientific methods used to study celestial objects. It also covers units of measurement and cosmic distances, enabling students to understand the vast scales involved in astronomical phenomena.

In addition, the course addresses the historical development of astronomy, with particular emphasis on the contributions of astronomy in Islamic civilization and its role in advancing observational techniques and scientific knowledge.

A significant part of the course focuses on astronomical instruments, especially telescopes, explaining their basic principles, types, and importance in modern astronomical observations. The course also introduces Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, highlighting their physical meaning and significance in describing the motion of celestial bodies.

The course explores the Solar System, including the Earth–Moon system, terrestrial planets, and gas giant planets, with comparisons of their physical and orbital properties. It also examines small Solar System bodies, such as asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, and their role in the evolution of the Solar System.