VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Planet Formation
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:16
Abstract
This course reviews the formation processes of terrestrial- and gaseous planets, and their moons. It provides a basic understanding on how our Solar System came to be, and how other planetary systems form, as well as how/when planets & moons can be habitable places for life.
Objective
Overview the state of the art planet- and moon formation models and identify open questions in the field. Understanding the formation process of planetary systems, and the formation of habitable worlds.
Content
1) Planet types 2) The Solar System planets 3) Extrasolar Planets 4) The protoplanetary disk where planets are forming. The initial conditions for planet formation. 5) The formation of the building blocks of planets (so-called “planetesimals”) 6) Terrestrial Planet formation 7) Formation models of giant planets 8) Formation of moons 9) Evolution of planetary systems, orbital evolution of planets, resonances, planet-disk interactions 10) Origin of life, habitability, astrobiology
Resources
Literature
Astrophysics of Planet Formation Armitage, Philip J. ; Second edition – 2020 Link
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 20
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Planet Formation
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Planet Formation
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 1 h weekly |