Physics 426: Astrophysics IV
Prerequisites: Physics 325, 326, 333.
To be taught, spring 2008; offered every spring
Fluid and plasma physics govern most astrophysical systems. This
course will address the radiative processes by which we observe and
analyze astrophysical objects, the fluid/plasma dynamics of
astrophysical systems, and the astrophysics of compact objects.
Applications will be drawn from our own galaxy and from
external galaxies. They will include star formation, supernovae, pulsars
and cosmic rays, as well as massive black holes and clusters of galaxies.
The image at left shows the sky at 408 MHz. The image at right is
the Hercules cluster of galaxies.
Text:
notes related to class lectures will appear on this site
throughout the term.
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Contents (as of 20 April 08)
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- Section I: THERMAL RADIATION PHYSICS(Weeks 2-4)
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Overview; galaxies & their ISM
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Radiation in TE; transfer
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Bremsstrahlung
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Chapter 1: galaxies normal & otherwise
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Chapter 2: Interstellar matter
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Chapter 3: Radiation in TE
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Chapter4: Bremsstrahlung
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- Section II: SHOCKS AND ENERGETICS(Weeks 5-7)
- Thermal state of the ISM
- Shocks and explosions
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Chapter 5: Thermal state
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Chapter 6: Shocks
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Chapter 7: Shocks and explosions
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- Section III: NONTHERMAL RADIATION PHYSICS(Weeks 8-11)
- Cosmic Rays and particle acceleration
- Synchrotron radiation
- Other high-energy radiation
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Chapter 8: particle acceleration
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Chapter 9: Synchrotron radiation
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Chapter 10: Pair plasmas
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Chapter 11: Compton scattering
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Section IV: SOME INTERESTING OBJECTS(Weeks 12-15)
Pulsars
Jets and Radio Galaxies
Active Galactic Nuclei
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Chapter 12: Pulsars
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Chapter 13: Radio Jets
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Chapter 14: Quasars and AGN
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and ... that's all folks!
