Astrophysical Radiative Processes and Transport (410-0-1)
Instructors
Allison Strom
Meeting Info
Technological Institute LG68: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Electromagnetic radiation is one of the principal ways we learn about our Universe. Astronomers collect photons from astrophysical objects and use these observations to infer the physical properties of, e.g., planets, stars, and galaxies. Thus, understanding the generation, propagation, and transfer of electromagnetic radiation forms the basis of most astronomical research. This course aims to help students develop the theoretical background and tools needed to model and interpret astronomical observations. Through lectures, problem sets, in-class discussions students will learn how radiation is produced by and interacts with matter and then apply this knowledge to a capstone research project
Learning Objectives
"+ Understand the generation, propagation, and transfer of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter. Become familiar with the basic concepts of flux, intensity, opacity, and radiative transfer.
+ Understand the main continuum emission processes observed in astrophysics contexts, including thermal (blackbody) radiation, bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, as well as Compton and inverse Compton scattering.
+ Understand the emission and absorption of radiation by atoms and molecules, with an emphasis on line formation mechanisms.
+ Explore how observations of different kinds of radiation are used to determine the physical nature of astrophysical systems.
Teaching Method
Discussions and lectures.
Evaluation Method
Problem sets, midterm exam, and final project
Class Materials (Suggested)
Radiative Processes in Astrophysics by Rybicki & Lightman and Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium by Draine.