LEARNING OUTCOMES

Broad knowledge of the most important phenomena of astrophysics and cosmology

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student will have knowledge regarding: units of measurement and observables in use; mechanisms of production of electromagnetic waves of different energies in astrophysical phenomena; interaction and propagation of photons in the cosmos and their detection (with hints to other messengers); elements of observational astronomy; stellar physics (equilibrium and various phases of stellar evolution, multiple systems); planetary systems; interstellar medium; extra-galactic astrophysics; elements of general relativity and cosmology for the description of the evolution of the universe on a large scale. The students will acquire an understanding of the different astrophysical phenomena by applying the knowledge of the various branches of classical and modern physics (classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, relativity, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, nuclear physics, particle physics) and will be informed on the lines of leading research of modern astrophysics and cosmology.

Teaching methods

Classes with use of the black board and of slides (given in advance)

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Observables and units of measurement of astrophysical / cosmological interest. Radiative transport. Electromagnetic radiation emission mechanisms from astrophysical sources and their detection (instrumentation and most relevant objects observable in the various bands)
Stellar and galactic dynamics

    Star balance conditions in the various evolutionary stages
    Star systems
    Planetary systems
    Interstellar medium
    Types and structures of galaxies
    Dark matter
    Active galaxies and super massive black holes

The universe on a large scale

    Introduction to general relativity
    Evolutionary scenarios of the universe
    Thermal history of the universe: the cosmic background radiation
    Dark energy

To finish the course, if possible: activity (optional) with an optical telescope

    Planning of an observational campaign for one of the objects studied during the course and possible data acquisition

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Astrophysics for Physicists" by Arnab Rai Choudhuri"; "Invitation to Astrophysics" by T. Padmanabhan

"Modern Cosmology" di S. Dodelson

Exam Board

SILVANO TOSI (President)

ALESSANDRO PETROLINI

MARCO PALLAVICINI

CARLA BIGGIO

FLAVIO GATTI (President Substitute)

Teaching methods

Classes with use of the black board and of slides (given in advance)

LESSONS START

II semester

Exam description

Oral exam. 2 possibilities: questions by the committee or description of a project (realized in small groups)

Assessment methods

Questions by the committee on the program and, in case, questions on the project.

The exam lasts about 30 minutes per student.