PX2136: The Sun and Stars
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX2136 |
| External Subject Code | 100414 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L5 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Matthew Griffin |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
Aims of the Module:
To introduce the physical properties of the Sun and its relationship to other stars.
To introduce the basic physical processes involved in determining the observable properties and internal structure of Main Sequence stars.
To explain how properties of stars are measured.
To develop techniques for solving simple problems in stellar physics.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
The student will be able to:
Describe the range of stellar properties and how stars are classified using astronomical data.
Describe the physical mechanisms and internal structure in stars of different mass, with particular emphasis on the Sun.
Describe the observational characteristics of different types of stars, including colour, luminosity and spectral features.
Make, solve and interpret simple models of Main Sequence stars by combining mathematical techniques and physical principles.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures, demonstrations and examples 22 x 1 hr, marked exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem Solving. Mathematics. Investigative Skills. Analytical Skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and Continuous Assessment.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Autumn Semester | 80 | The Sun And Stars | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 20 | The Sun And Stars | N/A |
Syllabus content
Introduction: Basic physical properties of stars: luminosity, temperature mass etc., and how they are determined observationally. Observed ranges of star properties. The Main Sequence. Variable stars; binary stars (e.g. their use in determining stellar masses); star clusters (open and globular). Stellar populations in galaxies.
Star Formation: Free-fall collapse; Gravitational energy; Virial theorem; Kelvin-Helmholz timescale; cooling and collapse; stars and brown dwarfs.
Hydrostatics in Stars: Gravity in stars: Newton’s sphere theorems; Pressure forces. Hydrostatic equilibrium. Ideal gases. Application to Main Sequence stars. Brief discussion of degeneracy, white dwarfs and neutron stars.
Energy Production: Nuclear reactions in stars, especially hydrogen-burning via the pp chain and CNO cycle.
Energy Transport: Convection and radiation. Schwarzschild’s criterion. Opacity (simple treatment). Convective and radiative zones in main sequence stars.
Stellar Structure: Simple stellar models and the existence of the main sequence.
The Sun as a Star: The structure of the Sun: solar interior; helioseismology; the solar wind and interaction with the Earth; Coronal Mass Ejections, sunspots, etc.
Beyond the Main Sequence: Post-main-sequence evolution; red giants, etc; planetary nebulae and supernovae. Stellar remnants: white dwarfs, neutron stars.
Essential Reading and Resource List
An Introduction to the Sun and Stars, S F Green and M H Jones (Open University Press).
An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution, D Prialnik (Cambridge University Press).