Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Example Sheets. Deadlines are detailed in the Year 2 Example Sheet Schedule distributed by the Department Course Work: Example Sheets | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours End of semester examinations | 70% |
Learning Outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the basic features of observational astronomy.
- explain the physical processes whereby a section of the ISM collapses to a star.
- demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the final states of stars.
- explain the importance in stellar evolution of the size and rate of a mass loss of stars.
- demonstrate an understanding of the simple physics of galactic systems.
Brief description
This module considers the physics of stars and galaxies. Starting with a review of laws and the various star classification schemes used in astronomy, the module describes the methods used to determine the distance of stars and hence their luminosity, radii and mass. A description of the Herzspring-Russell diagram illustrates an account of the physical processes involved in stellar formation and evolution, leading to the end-states of white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. The physical properties, structure and morphology of the galaxies are studied. The subject of galactic dynamics is introduced.
Content
Coordinate systems. Magnitudes and Brightness. Absolute and Apparent, Visual and Photometric, Bolometric Magnitudes. Stellar distances. Mass-luminosity relation. Introduction to the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
STAR FORMATION AND MAIN SEQUENCE
Interstellar medium. Conditions for gravitational collapse of a molecular cloud. Free fall time, hydrostatic equilibrium. The virial theorem, protostar temperatures, complications beyond the simple theory. Observations of star formation, T-Tauri stars. Entry to the Main Sequence. Energy sources in stars. The nature of matter under stellar core conditions. Hydrogen Burning in MS stars. The CN cycle and p-p chain. Energy transport.
STELLAR EVOLUTION
Post-main sequence evolution for low and high mass stars. The end states of stars: Black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs. Supernovae, planetary nebulae.
GALACTIC ASTROPHYSICS
Structure of the Galaxy: core, spiral arms, halo, clusters.
Galactic dynamics:
The virial equation, hidden mass. Types of galaxies: spiral, elliptical, irregular.
Active galaxies: Seyfert, quasars.
Transferable skills
Introductory skills for using the Internet and other electronic sources of information.
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5