Physics in Astrophysics

Outline of the Course

Historically, astronomy laid down fundamentals of our Science. Modern research requires a deep knowledge of physics, analogously to other branches of physics. It appears that specific topics of astrophysics are of interest also to students who do not intend to specialize in astrophysical research. This lecture offers an introductory discussion of astrophysical problems. You can read basic description and brief Lecture Notes in Czech.

1. Introduction -- Selected results of theoretical mechanics and thermodynamics with particular relevance for astrophysics;
2. Stars -- Basic properties of stars (luminosity, mass, size, temperature, spectrum); Understanding stellar structure;
3. Radiation -- Classical theory of radiation processes; Radiative transfer in matter; Stellar atmospheres in local termodynamical equilibrium;
4. Astrophysical fluids -- Hydrodynamic equations applied to astrophysical situations; Interaction of astrophysical fluids with radiation.

We will try to organize a trip to the largest Czech professional observatory in Ondrejov (near Prague).

It should be stressed out that only basic physical processes relevant for astrophysics are discussed in this lecture. Physics and mathematics on the introductory (the first three terms) level is required. Advanced students are referred to more specialized lectures.

Textbooks: No particular textbook in the Czech language is currently available for this lecture but there are numerous study texts and also textbooks in English. Related information can be found in, e.g., Vanysek (Zaklady astronomie a astrofyziky -- in Czech), Shu (The Physics of Astrophysics -- in English, two volumes), and Bohm-Vitense (Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics -- in English, two volumes).

Duration of the course: One-term lecture (2/0).