Stars
Coordinator: Dr Paul Cally (Department of Mathematics)
4 points * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: MAT2010, MAA2011, MAA2032 * Recommendations: PHS2022, PHS2251, PHS2262 * Prohibitions: MAA3211
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%
Recommended texts
Bowers R and Deeming T D Astrophysics vol. 1, Jones and Bartlett,1984
Clayton D Principles of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis U Chicago P, 1983
Kippenhahn R and Weigert A Stellar structure and evolution Springer-Verlag, 1990
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