Elementary Processes in Astrophysics

Outline of the Course

This course offers an introduction to the astrophysical fluid dynamics, astrophysical applications of synchrotron radiation and Compton scattering, and the theory of accretion processes. You can have a look at several examples of students' essays, prepared as a part of the exam.

1. Introduction -- Observational facts about quasars and similar objects; Continuum and line radiation of active galactic nuclei, time variabilty, characterictic scales.
2. The accretion process -- Particles and fluids in astrophysics, spherical accretion, accretion onto a star passing through a nebula, accretion in stellar binary systems -- disk accretion. Viscosity, boundary layer, standard thin disk model, accretion onto black holes in the pseudo-Newtonian approximation. High accretion rates.
3. Cosmic electrodynamics -- Basic equations of magnetohydrodynamics, force-free fields, gyro-center approximation, unipolar induction. Pulsars -- a standard model.
4. Non-thermal radiative proceses -- Synchrotron radiation in astrophysics, Compton scattering.
5. Cosmic jets -- Basic information about observational properties and the theory of jets. Superluminal motion, one-sidedness, stability.

Basic knowledge of the theory of electromagnetism, hydrodynamics, and the special theory of relativity is required.

Textbooks: Apart from numerous monographs, Lecture Notes in Czech and English languages are available. Relevant information can be found in, e.g., Shapiro, Press & Teukolsky (Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars), Zeldovich and Novikov (Relativistic Astrophysics), and Frank, King & Raine (Accretion Power in Astrophysics).

Duration of the course: One-term lecture (2/1).