The urge to know what’s on the other side of an ocean, a hill, a mountain defines us as human. Our Solar System contains a myriad of oceans, hills, and mountains. So, let's explore. The first five lectures range from the tools of the trade (telescopes, manned and unmanned spacecraft), through an appreciation of our Earth and life, to the Sun and comparisons among the eight planets (Poor Pluto? No. He got promoted, not demoted.) and planetary systems around other stars. With those facts, I follow the lead of Sherlock Holmes, "It is a capital offense to theorize in advance of the facts" and end up finally able to theorize and provide an answer to our mystery story: our solar system; how? when? why? rare or ubiquitous? 

Sprinkled throughout: art and music inspired by humans thinking about our Solar System. Limit 50. 6 Classes.

G. Fritz Benedict
10:00—Noon Thursday, Starts Feb. 20
The Village at the Triangle
4517 Triangle Avenue (78751)