An introduction to the astronomy and planetary science of the solar system, with emphasis on the formation, structure and composition of the planets circling the sun. Other topics studied include the examination of comets and the asteroid belt, Kuiper belt planetismals such as the former planet Pluto, formation and composition of the moons circling the planets, the search for planets outside the solar system and the possibility of extraterrestrial life in and outside the solar system. Students who have previously taken ASTR 152 cannot take ASTR 154. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in the Natural Sciences with Laboratory. Lecture and lab.