AST 517 -- Diffuse Matter in Space
Bruce T. Draine
Spring 2007: Tu,Th 1400-1520
The subject of this course is the astrophysics of the interstellar
medium -- the space between the stars in the Milky Way and other galaxies.
The course will include both
theory and observations of the gas, dust, plasma, energetic
particles, magnetic field, and electromagnetic radiation in
interstellar space. Emphasis will be on theory, including
elements of:
- fluid dynamics;
- statistical mechanics;
- radiative processes;
- radiative transfer;
- excitation of atoms, molecules, and ions;
- ionization and recombination;
- molecule formation and destruction;
- physical properties of
dust grains.
The theory will be applied to phenomena including:
- interstellar clouds (both diffuse atomic clouds and dense molecular
clouds);
- H II regions;
- interstellar shock waves;
- supernova remnants;
- cosmic rays;
- interstellar dust;
- star formation.
AST 517 is intended for advanced undergraduates or graduate students
with a strong background in physics. Prior knowledge of astronomy,
while helpful, is not required. The course provides the opportunity
to apply a broad range of physics to the behavior of interstellar
matter.
Supplementary texts:
- L. Spitzer Jr.: Physical Processes in the Interstellar Medium
- D.E. Osterbrock and G.J. Ferland: Astrophysics of Gaseous Nebulae and Active Galactic Nuclei (2nd edition)
Questions? -- contact the instructor: <draine@astro.princeton.edu>