Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be familiar with the basic physics of stars; understand the current evolutionary state of the sun within the context of how different stars evolve in response to changes in their internal structure; know how to take simple observations of stars with real telescopes; appreciate how observations of stars can then be used as a tool for learning about other astronomical objects, in particular, the structure of our own galaxy.
Synopsis Stellar properties; Jean's instability, virial theorem, star formation; thermodynamics; structure equations; polytropic models, nuclear reactions; the Main Sequence; core hydrogen burning and consequences of exhaustion; shell energy sources; red-giants, white-dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. Field trip to Mt Stromlo Observatory.
Assessment Examination (1.5 hours): 70% + Assignments: 20% + Field trip: 10%