| ASTRONOMY 320: PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN ASTRONOMY |
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Course Description: This course discusses physical processes relevant for astrophysics and consists of three parts. Part I covers vector calculus, including line and volume integrals, vector fields and their divergence and curl, curvi-linear coordinate systems and the integral theorems of Green, Stokes & Gauss. In Part II we discuss the dynamics of fluids, including collisionless ones. We will derive the continuity, momentum & energy equations, discuss hydrostatic equilibrium, viscous flows, fluid instabilities, and focus on various astrophysical applications such as stellar structure and accretion disks. In Part III we address radiation. We discuss both thermal and non-thermal emission mechanisms, study the interaction of radiation and matter, delve into radiative transfer, and address statistical equilibrium. We end with a discussion of how radiation interacts with space itself, focussing on cosmological redshift and gravitational lensing.
Syllabus: Click here for download Lecture Hours: Tuesday & Thursday: 4.00pm - 5.15pm in WTS A48 (Watson Building)
Students, in teams of two, will write a 12-15 page paper on some astrophysical topic (a list will be provided) that is relevant to the topics covered in class. During the last one or two lectures, the students will present their findings in class in the form of a 20min presentation.
Recommended Textbooks: This course will not follow any particular textbook. Summary sheets of the material covered will be made available to the students. However, the following textbooks are recommended: Theoretical Astrophysics by M. Bartelmann This excellent textbook covers radiation processes, hydrodynamics and plasma physics from first principles but at an advanced level. Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos by J. Irwin This book covers the basics of radiative processes in astrophysics at introductory level. Principles of Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics by C. Clarke & B.Carswell This book covers the basics of fluid dynamics at appropriate level, with astrophysical applications. Astrophysics Processes: The Physics of Astronomical Phenomena by H. Bradt This book addresses several of the topics covered in this course, and at the appropriate level. Foundations of Radiation Hydrodynamics by D. Mihalas & B. Weibel Mihalas This book covers both astrophysical hydrodynamics and radiative processes, but at level that is somewhat too advanced for this course.
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