[Baps] Icy Satellites class

[Jack Wisdom]

12.650 Special Topics in Planetary Science --- Icy Satellites

This class is a reading/discussion class on a special topic that
varies from year to year.  Prior topics have included: Mercury before
Messenger, Jupiter before Juno, Pluto after New Horizons, Kuiper Belt,
Evolution of the Earth-Moon System, Exoplanet Dynamics, and so on.

The suggested topic for this term is Icy Satellites.  If you are
interested in the class, but would prefer a different topic we can
discuss this at the first class.

The format of the class is to read and discuss important/significant
papers.  Typically we will read 1 or 2 papers per class.  Some papers
may require more time.

The discussion is led by one of the participants (both registered and
listeners, no passive attendance).

The presentation should focus on the principal points, rather than all
the details.  Often the presenter prepares an electronic presentation.
But all of the class are expected to participate in the discussion.

I will ask for volunteers to present each paper.  But we will cycle
through the participants.  Depending on the number of participants,
you can expect to be a presenter roughly 2-3 times.

Occasionally, there may be background lectures.

Choice of papers: Usually the discussion/reading naturally leads to
the next paper.

Grades: Grades will be determined by class participation and keeping
up with the readings.  Registered students will write a 6-8 page term
paper on any relevant topic that interests them.  Each class I ask
that everyone turn in a paragraph about something they found
interesting or confusing about the reading.

Environment: Friendly!  We are here to help each other.  There are no
stupid questions.

Meeting time: Tentatively, we will meet each Tuesday and Thursday from
9-10:30.  If we fit, we will meet in 54-419.

Others: It you know of others who might be interested, ask them to
send me an email.