The Science of the Solar System

Mike Brown organizes planetary science around water on Mars, the interiors of giant planets, small bodies and possible life in the solar system. Physics, chemistry, geology and biology contribute to the explanations. This is a more demanding choice than a casual space overview, especially if you intend to complete the quizzes rather than only watch lectures.

What you will learn

• Examine evidence about water on Mars.
• Explore giant-planet interiors and small bodies.
• Consider conditions associated with habitability.

Who this suits

Science-interested learners prepared for challenging quizzes and review; the provider labels the course intermediate.

Before you enroll

Compare an explanation with the observations supporting it and keep established findings separate from hypotheses. Research develops after a course is recorded, so check dates when following links to missions or discoveries. Workload is a provider estimate; calculations and software setup may require additional time.

The provider states that lecture materials are available free through course previews or linked YouTube lectures. Coursera assessment and certificate enrollment can be paid. Check the enrollment screen to distinguish free study materials from graded or certificate access.

Put it into practice

Compare two planetary environments using temperature, available materials and observational evidence. Explain why a potentially habitable environment is not evidence that life has been found.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

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