ASTR 117 - Meteorite Impacts in Space and Time

1 NS
Second Semester. Second Module. This course examines where and why impacts take place and what happens when they do. Enormous amounts of energy are released when meteorites, asteroids, comets, and planets collide at “cosmic velocities.” Serious collisions create impact craters, which occur in abundance throughout the solar system. Topics will include: Did an asteroid kill all the dinosaurs? Do meteorites from Mars contain evidence of extraterrestrial life? Could a large impact end human civilization? This course is cross-referenced with GEOL 117.

Prerequisites & Notes
[Next Offered 2007-2008]

Credits: 1 hour