D1. Knowledge and Understanding: At the end of the course, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of planetary physics and planetary systems, also providing a general overview of astrobiology. In particular, the student must understand the qualitative and quantitative aspects of planetary habitability and the search for atmospheric biomarkers. D2. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding: At the end of the course, the student must be able to apply the knowledge acquired in point D1 and must be able to explain how the properties of the Solar System are introduced as preparatory to the study of extrasolar planetary systems. Additionally, the student should know that the methods described in the course are mainly experimental, with particular emphasis on the observational methods of extrasolar planets. D3. Autonomy of Judgment: At the end of the course, the student will be able to judge the basic methodologies for the study of solar and extrasolar planets. The student must be capable of independently preparing and analyzing studies on planets and astrobiology. They must propose ideas and solutions to an astrobiological problem and choose the most appropriate scientific study to pursue a specific objective. D4. Communication Skills: At the end of the course, the student must be able to clearly present the concepts acquired in point D1, and discuss studies of planets and astrobiology in the scientific literature. The student must also be able to engage in a critical discussion on course topics, offering valid suggestions. D5. Learning Ability: At the end of the course, the student must be able to independently deepen the topics covered, and be able to transfer the knowledge learned to subsequent research, designing and proposing an analysis on planets and astrobiology.

Basic knowledge of fundamental physics.

Planets and Planetary Systems. Main physical properties of the Solar System. Rocky and giant planets: surface characteristics and internal structure. Natural satellites. Asteroids and comets. Meteorites and their classification. Methods of observing extrasolar planets; observable physical quantities; observational biases. Main results obtained from exoplanet studies. Observations of planetary atmospheres. Observational constraints on planetary formation: infrared excesses, circumstellar disks; constraints obtained from studies of extrasolar planets. Introduction to astrobiology. Main chemical properties of terrestrial life. Terrestrial life as a paradigm in exobiology. Habitable environments: the example of Earth. Extreme habitability conditions: extreme organisms. Planetary habitability: astronomical and geophysical factors. The origin of life in the context of astrobiology. Main phases of the evolution of terrestrial life. Searches for habitable environments and life in the Solar System. Habitability of extrasolar planets. Search for biomarkers in planetary atmospheres. Habitability of extrasolar planets. Search for biomarkers in planetary atmospheres.

https://wwwuser.oats.inaf.it/vladilo/PianetiAstrobiologia/aa2021/index.html

Planets and Planetary Systems: Main physical properties of the Solar System. Rocky and giant planets: surface characteristics and internal structure. The Earth: internal structure, tectonic and volcanic processes, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and magnetosphere. Physical properties of the Moon. Giant planets of the Solar System. Physical properties of the main natural satellites of the giant planets (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Titan). Natural satellites. Asteroids and comets. Meteorites and their classification. Exoplanets: Methods of observing extrasolar planets; observable physical quantities; observational biases. Distribution of orbital periods and eccentricities; distribution of planetary masses. Distribution of exoplanet radii. Observational constraints on the internal structure models of exoplanets. Radiation emissions from exoplanets. Main results obtained from exoplanet surveys. Observations of planetary atmospheres. Planetary Formation: Observational constraints on planetary formation: infrared excesses, circumstellar disks; constraints obtained from studies of extrasolar planets. Classification of protostellar objects. Origin of planetary systems. Formation scenario of the Solar System. Constraints on the origin of planetary systems obtained from the study of extrasolar planets. Formation models of terrestrial planets. Timescales of formation. Formation models of giant planets. Introduction to Astrochemistry. Astrobiology: Introduction to astrobiology. Main chemical properties of terrestrial life. Terrestrial life as a paradigm in exobiology. Habitable environments: the example of Earth. Extreme habitability conditions: extreme organisms. Extremophiles. Thermophiles and hyperthermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles, and organisms resistant to ionizing radiation. Planetary habitability: astronomical and geophysical factors. The origin of life in the context of astrobiology. Conditions of early Earth at the time of the origin of life; the faint young Sun paradox. Synthesis of biological precursors: evidence of possible contributions of prebiotic material of astronomical origin; in situ synthesis (Urey-Miller type experiments). Birth of metabolic and replicative functionalities; an overview of the "RNA world". Searches for minimal organisms and the last universal common ancestor. Considerations on the possibility of abiogenesis outside of Earth. Critical aspects of theories on the transport of life to Earth. Main phases of the evolution of terrestrial life. Climate and evolution. Mass extinctions. Evolution as a universal mechanism. Natural selection, genetic mutations, and evolutionary convergence as universal mechanisms. Searches for habitable environments and life in the Solar System. Examples of non-habitable planets. Searches for water and life on Mars. The satellite Europa. The satellite Titan. Searches for habitable environments and life in the Solar System. Habitability of extrasolar planets. Search for biomarkers in planetary atmospheres.

lectures

no

The exams may be held in Italian or English, at the student's choice. The student's evaluation includes an oral exam and a presentation on a topic chosen by the student, in which open questions are posed. The student must demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of planetary physics and planetary systems, and general concepts of astrobiology. In particular, the student must know the qualitative and quantitative aspects of planetary habitability and the search for atmospheric biomarkers. The exam score is given as a grade out of thirty, calculated based on the arithmetic average of the oral exam and the presentation. To pass the exam (18/30), the student must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the topics related to planets and the Solar System, exoplanets, planetary formation, and astrobiology, and correctly answer at least three questions. To achieve the maximum score (30/30 with honors), the student must demonstrate excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course and correctly answer all the questions.

This course studies problems that are deeply connected with the plan of Development and Sustainability of the United Nations.