Physics 426: Astrophysics IV

Prerequisites: Physics 425; Mathematics 335; senior standing.
To be taught, spring 2001; offered every spring

The physics of interstellar matter in our galaxy. Applications include thermal and ionization states, fluid dynamics, magnetic fields, stellar birth and death, relativity and black holes, and cosmic ray acceleration.

The image shows the sky at 408 MHz.

Text: High Energy Astrophysics, Longair, 2nd edition
And: Notes related to class lectures will appear on this site.

Outline of course notes

Section I: THE DIFFUSE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM

Week 1

Overview of the ISM

Notes: chapter 1

Weeks 2, 3, 4

Thermal, ionization balance

Notes: chapter 2 part I

Notes: chapter 2 part II

Weeks 5, 6

Fluid Dynamics, Basics

Notes: chapter 3

Week 7

Fluid Dynamics, Applications

Notes: chapter 4 part I

Notes: chapter 4 part II

Week 8

Star formation

Notes: chapter 5 part I

Notes: chapter 5 part II

Section II: HIGH-ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS

Weeks 9, 10

Compact stars

Notes: chapter 6

Additional notes: black holes

Notes: chapter 7

Weeks 11, 12

Accretion physics

Notes: chapter 8 part I

Notes: chapter 8 part II

Weeks 13, 14

Cosmic rays, plasma interaction

Notes: chapter 9

Weeks 13, 14

Particle acceleration in astrophysics

Notes: chapter 10

Week 15

Student talks

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