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The five planets known to the ancients have been expanded to include the earth itself, then expanded to include three more, More recently, the discovery of other small bodies in the outer solar system combined with the rather anomalous size and behavior of Pluto have suggested a reclassification of the Solar system. On this site, they will be treated in three groups: The inner planets, the gas giants, and the outer dwarfs. |
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The inner or rocky planets are the planets, with accompanying satellites, that are closest to the Sun. These are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
The gas giants are members of the extended solar system. Thse are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
The outer dwarfs include Pluto, formerly considered one of the planets, and a few others that have been named and identified.
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Studies of the planets depend heavily on physics. Mechanics including particle mechanics, rigid body mechanics, nonrigid mechanics, and gravitation will be useful in studies of the planets. Thermodynamics including statistical mechanics, classical thermodynamics, and nonequilbrium thermodynamics is also important. Electromagnetism including eletrostatics, electric current, magnetism, and optics must be considered. Other major areas of physics, including relativity, quantum theory, and structure of matter are also useful. Studies of planets also depend heavily on chemistry including substances, changes, and chemical systems. |
Links to other sites: Not yet available. |
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These studies depend on and are influenced by the sun. minor bodies, and the interplanetary medium. Solar system history will be useful in these studies. Study of the planets is also connected to stellar astronomy. Galactic astronomy and cosmology are not especially important. Study of the planets includes connections of earth science and biology. The personal studies and anthropological, cultural, and institutional aspects, and connection of sociology and history will be included as needed as the site develops |
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