Description
Our knowledge of the universe is mainly indirect, mediated by the light we receive on earth from the objects in the sky. Therefore, to understand how objects like planets, stars and galaxies work, we need a physical understanding of how their observed light is produced. The goal of this course is twofold. First, to comprehend how light interacts with matter and how matter can covert different kinds of energy into light. Second, to learn how to extract from observations physical information about the emitter, like its size, temperature and composition. The course requires basic knowledge of thermodynamics, electromagnetism and special relativity, although some of the concepts will be reviewed.
Programme form
Lectures and excercises
Literature
The main reference will be Prof. Ghisellini’s notes to be found on line at Prof.Ghisellini
Exercises in class will be taken from Rybicki and Lightman, Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, Wiley Interscience, ISBN 9780471827597
Schedule
Exam
Have a look at the Exam schedule.
More information
Contactdetails lecturer: Dr. E.M. (Elena Maria) Rossi
Assistant: D.S. (Daniel) Harsono
Please go to the course website