Instructor:  Eliot Quataert (Astronomy and Physics Departments, UC Berkeley)

Time & Place:   TTh 2 - 3:30 in 106 Wheeler

    NOTE:   As of Tue 9/9, the class will be held in 106 Wheeler, which should be less cramped than 501 Campbell has been.

Description

Stars are the building blocks of galaxies and play a central role in the evolution of structure in the universe, in the nucleosynthesis of most elements, in the formation of compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes), and as tools for measuring cosmological distances (e.g., Cepheids and Type 1a SN).  This course will cover the observations and physics of stars. Primary topics will include the structure of self-gravitating objects, energy transport in stars, nuclear fusion in stars, stellar evolution, and the birth of compact objects. The course will emphasize physical understanding and basic principles. No previous coursework on stars is required.

Organization

Weekly lectures.  There will be some problem sets.  Problem sets will include numerical calculations (e.g., solving ODEs).  Each student will be required to give a final presentation on an advanced topic.  Your grade will be determined by your HW and presentation.   Auditers are welcome to attend.

A list of topics, including readings and suggestions for presentations, can be found here.

Problem Sets

HW #1   Due Tue 9/23 in class (Note that this HW requires numerically solving on ODE; if you have any questions about how to do so, let me know).

HW #2   Due Th 10/2 in class