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 | 2015/6 |
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 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; 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.
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).