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.
- Introduction -- Observational facts about quasars
and similar objects; Continuum and line radiation of active galactic nuclei,
time variabilty, characterictic scales.
- 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.
- Cosmic electrodynamics -- Basic equations of
magnetohydrodynamics, force-free fields, gyro-center approximation,
unipolar induction. Pulsars -- a standard model.
- Non-thermal radiative proceses -- Synchrotron radiation
in astrophysics, Compton scattering.
- 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).
(c) 2008, 2009