PA263/5  opt2607      Stellar Physics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Subject knowledge

Aims: To introduce students to the underlying physics governing the properties of stars and their evolution

Learning Outcomes: Students should be able to: understand the observational parameters of stars; state mathematically physical laws governing the properties of stars; understand how these determine stellar evolution.

Methods: Set Text, Lectures, Example problems,

Assessment: Term test comprising short  problems

 

 


Skills

Aims: problem solving

Learning outcomes: students should be able to obtain new information from text, discuss basic physics with peers and teachers, be able to set out solutions to stellar physics problems correctly

Methods: Examples in lectures, supplemented by mock paper

Assessment: Term test comprising short  problems

 

 


Staff: MAB

Syllabus

Unit 1 Observational Properties of Stars. The electromagnetic spectrum and radiation; flux;

intensity and luminosity; stellar magnitudes; colour photometry; temperatures; masses and radii.

Unit 2 Stellar Spectra. Review of atomic physics; absorption and emission processes; qualitative

treatment of spectral line formation; atmospheric opacity. Spectral classification of

stars;Hertsprung-Russell diagram; stellar clusters.

Unit 3 The Sun, our nearest star. Basic physical parameters; surface features; structure of the a

tmosphere and  interior; solar magnetic field; solar activity - flares and pulsations; relationship to

other stars.

Unit 4 Stellar Structure. Hydrostatic equilibrium; Equations of state; Energy transport (not

derived); Stellar models; energy sources; Mass-luminosity relationship; The Eddington

Luninosity limit. Order of magnitude estimates for the sun.

Unit 5 Stellar Evolution. Star Formation; Main Sequence; open and globular clusters; Population

I and II stars; Red Giants; Planetary nebulae; White dwarfs; Supernovae, Neutron stars.

Unit 6 Stars of particular interest. Binaries - visual, spectroscopic, eclipsing; Active/interacting

binaries - RS CVns; dwarf novae; X-ray binaries; pulsations in stars.

Reading:

A             Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics, 4th Ed. Zeilik & Gregory, 0030062284;

C             The Physics of Stars, 2nd Ed., A C Phillips, 0471987980, £22.50;

C             Astronomy Today, 3rd Ed. Chaisson & McMillan (includes useful CD ROM)

 

 


Module evaluation:

Course questionnaire, Course review, Peer review, Analysis of examination results

 

PA263/5  opt2607      Stellar Physics

 

 

Resources:

Practice test paper