Wikipedia:Wiki Ed/University of Arkansas/SPAC 5313 - Planetary Atmospheres (Spring 2026)
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- Course name
- SPAC 5313 - Planetary Atmospheres
- Institution
- University of Arkansas
- Instructor
- Vchevrie
- Wikipedia Expert
- Brianda (Wiki Ed)
- Subject
- Environmental Sciences
- Course dates
- 2026-01-12 00:00:00 UTC – 2026-05-08 23:59:59 UTC
- Approximate number of student editors
- 15
What drives the skies of planets, and how do atmospheres shape the destiny of worlds? This course explores the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of planetary atmospheres, from circulation patterns that sculpt climate to the extremes of alien weather.
We begin by building the foundations: how circulation works, and why it matters for understanding both weather and long-term climate stability. Then we move across the Solar System — from the powerful jet streams and storms of Jupiter and Saturn, to the dense and runaway greenhouse of Venus, to the thin but endlessly studied air of Mars. Titan enters the story as a surprising Earth-like experiment in organic-rich chemistry and methane weather.
Mars will receive special attention, given its unique role as a natural laboratory where decades of spacecraft data and advanced models converge. We finish with a look outward, exploring the emerging science of exoplanetary atmospheres, where detection and interpretation push the limits of technology and imagination.
This is a journey across skies: from familiar winds to alien climates, students will learn to connect Earth’s environmental dynamics to a broader planetary context.
The end of semester project will see the students write a short article for Wikipedia devoted to an aspect or object related to Planetary Atmospheres.