The universe is unimaginably vast and wonderful. In this course, we focus on the solar system: Earth and the other planets that orbit our sun. This course is the first part of a two-part sequence. However, the parts can be taken independently and in either order. In Part I, we start with a discussion of the nighttime sky. Next, we relate the motion of the Earth around the sun to the passage of seasons on earth. Next, we introduce the terrestrial planets, followed by the Jovian (gas giant) planets and their moons. Finally, we will discuss the origins of the solar system, ending the course by introducing the ongoing search for life in the universe.