Astronomy 400A
Theoretical Astrophysics
Fall 2017
Course information
Astronomy 400A meets Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00-12:15 pm in Steward 204. The syllabus for the course is available here.


Announcements
The first day of class is Tuesday, August 22.


Reading and Homework Assignments

The primary text for the course is
  • An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution by Prialnik.

    Toward the end of the semester, we will cover a number of topics beyond those covered in the primary text. These lectures will not follow a particular book, but one reference in particular that will be useful is
  • Accretion Processes in Star Formation by Hartmann.
    Sources for additional information include:
  • The Physics of the Interstellar Medium by Dyson & Williams
  • An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics by Carroll & Ostlie
  • The Formation of Stars by Stahler & Palla
  • Original research articles from scientific journals.

    Topic Date Reading Homework
    Observed Stellar Properties
    Thermal and Hydrostatic Equilibrium
    Virial Theorem
    August 29 Chapters 1 and 2
    Pressure Sources September 5 Chapter 3 Homework #1
    Energy Transport September 12 Chapter 4
    Nuclear energy generation September 19 Homework #2
    Simple analytic stellar models
    Simple stellar computer models
    September 26 Chapter 5
    Midterm Exam #1 October 3
    Stellar stability and Convection October 3 Chapter 6 Homework #3
    Stella Evolution - Overview October 10 Chapter 7
    Stellar Evolution - Details October 17 Chapter 9
    Stellar Evolution (continued)
    Core Collapse Supernovae
    October 24 Chapter 9 Homework #4
    Novae, White Dwarf Supernovae
    Neutron Stars and Black Holes
    Accretion
    October 31 Chapter 10
    Midterm Exam #2 November 9
    Supernova Remnants
    Star Formation
    November 14 Chapter 10
    Dyson & Williams, Ch. 6-7
    Carroll & Ostlie, Ch. 12
    Homework #5
    Protostars
    Protoplanetary Disks
    November 21 Hartmann, Ch. 2-3
    Stahler & Palla, Ch. 9-11
    Disk Accretion and Planet Formation November 28 Hartmann, Ch. 5
    Homework #6 November 30 Homework #6
    Scientific Writing Assignment December 5 Instructions
    Everything December 11 10:30 AM Final Exam



    Josh Eisner; August 7, 2017