Chapter 1 Introduction (2 hours)
History of astronomy, with special discussion on ancient Chinese astronomical achivements.
Chapter 2 The Earth-Moon system (4 hours)
Constraints on the origin of the Moon, and advances in the study of the formation of the Earth-Moon system.
Chapter 3 Solar system: its composition, formation and evolution (5 hours)
With special treatment on the geochemical information in meteorites and its bearing on the study of the early history of
the Solar system.
Chapter 4 Dynamical evolution of celestial bodies (6 hours)
Dynamical phenomena in the Solar system, such as mean motion resonances, spin-orbit coupling, and the Cassini
states.
Exercise Lesson (1 hour)
Chapter 5 Gas giants and the Kuiper belt (4 hours)
Formation, composition and structure of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, and discovery and dynamical distribution of
the Kuiper belt.
Chapter 6 Exoplanets (4 hours)
Detection and characters of exoplanets.
Chapter 7 Measurement of distances (4 hours)
Distance measurements using methods such as trigonometry and variable stars.
Chapter 8 Ages of celestial bodies (4 hours)
Measurement of ages of bodies using methods such as radiochronology and reading the Hertzprung diagram.
Chapter 9 Evolution of stars (4 hours)
The states and energy budgets of stars in different phases.
Chapter 10 Distribution and motion of matter in the universe (5 hours)
Olbers’ paradox, Hubble’s constant and the dynamical features of the universe.
Chapter 11 Relativity and motion of celestial bodies (4 hours)
The space-time relation in special relativity, the concept of gravitation in general relativity, and the corresponding
dynamical solutions of celestial bodies.
Exercise Lesson (1 hour)