Lecture 2 - Planetary Orbits

Exoplanets are introduced and students learn how astronomers detect their presence as well as the challenges associated with it. Physics equations are explained as well as their importance in the context of the course. A number of problems are worked out to get students used to dealing with large numbers in calculating planetary masses, interplanetary distances, etc. **Resources** ;[[http://oyc.yale.edu/sites/default/files/astr160_lec2.pdf|Class Notes - Lecture 2 [PDF] ]] ;[[http://www.astro.yale.edu/bailyn/astro160/planets.html|Professor Bailyn's guide to Extrasolar Planet Websites]]