Astronomy 400A
Theoretical Astrophysics
Fall 2011
Course information
Astronomy 400A meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00-1:50 pm in Steward 204. The syllabus for the course is available here.


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


Reading and Homework Assignments

The primary text for the source 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 Due Date Reading Homework
    Observed Stellar Properties
    Thermal and Hydrostatic Equilibrium
    Virial Theorem
    August 29 Chapters 1 and 2
    Pressure Sources September 7 Chapter 3 Homework #1
    Energy Transport September 19 Chapter 4
    Nuclear energy generation September 26 Homework #2
    Midterm Exam #1 October 3
    Simple analytic stellar models
    Simple stellar computer models
    October 3 Chapter 5
    Stellar stability and Convection October 10 Chapter 6 Homework #3
    Stella Evolution - Overview October 17 Chapter 7
    Stellar Evolution - Details October 24 Chapter 8 Homework #4
    Stellar Evolution (continued)
    Core Collapse Supernovae
    November 7 Chapter 9
    Midterm Exam #2 November 7
    Novae, White Dwarf Supernovae
    Neutron Stars and Black Holes
    Accretion
    November 14 Chapter 9
    Supernova Remnants
    Star Formation
    November 21 Chapter 10
    Dyson & Williams, Ch. 6-7
    Carroll & Ostlie, Ch. 12
    Homework #5
    Protostars
    Protoplanetary Disks
    November 28 Hartmann, Ch. 2-3
    Stahler & Palla, Ch. 9-11
    Disk Accretion and Planet Formation December 5 Hartmann, Ch. 5 Homework #6
    Everything December 12 10:30 AM Final Exam



    Josh Eisner; August 4, 2011