AY 250 | Star Formation

New Graduate Astrophysics Course, Fall 2007 (3 credits)

The origin of stars is an issue not only of great intrinsic interest, but also key to understanding galaxy and planet formation. We will delve into the physics of this process, from the condensation of diffuse, interstellar matter to the ignition of hydrogen fusion. We will also study star formation on galactic scales. Finally, we will see how the disks created around individual stars create orbiting planets. This course is open to graduate students in Astronomy, Physics, and Earth and Planetary Sciences. There are no prerequisites.

Lecturer

Steven Stahler


Office: 423 Campbell


Phone: 642-1164


Office hours: 1-2 pm, Tues, Thurs or anytime by appointment

Text

The Formation of Stars, Stahler & Palla (2004, Wiley)

Course Schedule

Tues/Thurs, 10:30 am - noon, 501 Campbell Hall

Course Control Number (CCN)

06930

Grading

     For students taking the course Pass/Fail:  100% of the grade is based on the final exam
     For students taking the course for a letter grade:  40% - final exam; 60% - homework problems

Syllabus    



Announcements


Sept 10    The Astronomy Dept has approved star formation as a Prelim Exam topic.

Oct 23      Please fill out and return mid-course evaluation forms.

Nov 15     The final exam will be on Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 am,  in 501 Campbell.

Homework Assignments and Exam


     Assignment 1    due September 11, 2007                             Assignment 1 Solutions

     Assignment 2    due September 27, 2007                             Assignment 2 Solutions

     Assignment 3    due October 16, 2007                                 Assignment 3 Solutions

     Assignment 4    due November 6, 2007                                Assignment 4 Solutions
     Assignment 5    due November 27, 2007                              Assignment 5 Solutions

     Final Exam         December 18, 2007                                    Final Exam Solutions