In this course, I pick up various astronomical objects in the universe: stars and galaxies, and lecture their birth and evolution together with physical processes governing the phenomena and their emission mechanisms. Thanks to the recent developments in observing the universe, our understanding of astrophysical phenomena has advanced in leaps and bounds.
The goal of this course is to utilize knowledge in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal and statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, etc. learned so far to explain the astrophysical phenomena obtained with the latest observations from a physics viewpoint.
At the end of this course, students will be able to
1) Explain underlying physics of astrophysical phenomena in the universe.
2) Explain the phenomena revealed by the latest space observations.
3) Explain characteristics of black-body radiation, spectral lines from atoms and ions, which are important to understand the universe.
Universe, astrophysics, stars
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Lectures will be held by explaining the latest observational results using slides, and explaining phenomena on the blackboard. The slides are basically written in English with partial Japanese translation. This course will be given in Japanese, but English is also used when foreign students attend.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Basic of the observational astrophysics | Explain the astronomical coordinate system, and basic terms used in astronomy |
Class 2 | Stars and Galaxies | Explain classification of stars and galaxies, their fundamental physical quantities |
Class 3 | Interstellar Matter (Gas) | Explain the classification and characteristics of various interstellar gas and measurement probes |
Class 4 | Interstellar Matter (Dust) | Explain the classification and characteristics of various interstellar dust and measurement probes |
Class 5 | Radiative Transfer | Explain the basic framework of radiative transfer |
Class 6 | Black-body radiation | Derive formula of black-body radiation, explain its basic characteristics |
Class 7 | Bremsstrahlung (free-free emission) | Explain the basic characteristics of the bremsstrahlung |
Class 8 | Expanding Universe and galaxy evolution | Explain history of the Universe from observations |
none required
・M. Harwit ``Astrophysical Concepts (4thed.)" (Springer)
・S. Okamura et al. "Series modern astronomy (vol.4, 8)"、 Nihon Hyouronsha (Japanese)
・G.B. Rybicki & A.P. Lightman "Radiative Process in Astrophysics" (John Wiley & Sons, NY)
Submit report on the theme presented in the last lecture (tbc: to be confirmed).
Evaluation is based on the standard one (tbc).
No prerequisites are necessary, but enrollment of related courses are desirable.