Astrophysics

Objectives:
The objective of the course is discussion of astrophysical concepts of stellar formation, evolution, stability, and dynamics and end stages of stars.

Competences:
Knowledge and understanding of conditions for formation of stars and planetary systems, evolution and end states of stars and stellar dynamics.

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• The properties of interstellar gas and dust.
• The formation of stars and planets: protostar and the protoplanetary disk, the formation of Earth-like planets, the formation of cloud regions, the development of planetary systems, methods of detection and observation of exoplanets.
• Basics of astro-seismology, stellar oscillations and stability.
• Final stages of stars: characteristics and description of the white dwarfs, neutron stars (millisecond pulsars, magnetars) and black holes.
• High-energy transient events: properties and types of supernovae, gravitational wave events, gamma ray bursts, f a s t X - r a y t r a n s i e n t s , tidal disruption events by black holes, radio flares.
• Accretion to compact objects: accretion disc models, jet formation, X-ray binaries, active galactic nuclei, black holes: active and inactive.
• Stellar dynamics: multiple stellar systems, dynamics of stars in globular clusters, in the vicinity of galactic centres and supermassive black holes.
• The dynamics of our Milky Way Galaxy: a black hole in the center, stellar streams, Gaia mission.

Students will become familiar with:
- formation of stars and planets
- evolution of stars
- end states of stars
- stellar dynamics
- dynamics in the Milky Way galaxy

• R. Kippenhahn, A. Weigert: Stellar Structure and Evolution, Springer-Verlag, 1994. E-version
• N. Duric: Advanced Astrophysics, Cambridge University Press, 2003. E-version
• P.J. Armitage: Astrophysics of Planet Formation, Cambridge University Press, 2013.E-version
• M.H.P.M. Van Putten, A. Levinson: Relativistic Astrophysics of the Transient Universe, Cambridge University Press, 2012.
• U. Kolb, Extreme Environment Astrophysics, Cambridge University Press, 2010.

• written tests, writen exam
• oral exam