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 | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
- To explain how properties of stars are measured.
- 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 develop techniques for solving simple problems in stellar physics.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Describe the range of stellar properties and how stars are classified.
- Describe the physical mechanisms and internal structure of stars of different mass, with particular emphasis on the Sun and similar stars.
- Describe the observational characteristics of different types of stars, including colour, luminosity and spectral features.
- Make, solve, and interpret simple models of stars by combining mathematical techniques and physical principles.
- Describe and explain the life-cycle of stars of different mass.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 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 80%. Coursework 20%. [Examination duration: 2 hours].
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; stellar classification and the Hertzprung-Russell diagram.
The Equations of Stellar Structure: mass conservation, hydrostatic equilibrium, the virial theorem, equation of state, energy production, energy transport; characteristic timescales.
Energy Production and nucleosynthesis: Nuclear fusion; hydrogen-burning via the PP chain and CNO cycle; burning of heavier elements.
Energy Transport: Radiation; convection and Schwarzschild’s criterion; opacity; convective and radiative zones in main sequence stars.
Stellar models: Simple stellar models and the existence and properties of the main sequence.
The Sun as a Star: Internal structure of the Sun; the Standard Solar Model; solar neutrinos; the solar atmosphere; the solar wind; sunspots, flares, coronal mass ejections, etc.
Beyond the Main Sequence: Post-main-sequence evolution; red giants, planetary nebulae, white dwarfs, neutron stars and supernovae.
Star Formation: The interstellar medium and molecular clouds; gravitational collapse and the Jeans mass; protostar properties; evolution onto the main sequence; observational characteristics of protostars; brown dwarfs, the initial mass function.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Not applicable
Background Reading and Resource List
An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution, D Prialnik (Cambridge University Press).
An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, B W Carroll and D A Ostlie (Pearson Addison-Wesley)
An Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics, F LeBlanc (Wiley)
An Introduction to the Sun and Stars, S F Green and M H Jones (Open University Press).