AST 517 -- Diffuse Matter in Space

Bruce T. Draine

Spring 2011: Tu,Th 1400-1530 in Peyton 201 ("dome room")

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.

• interstellar clouds (both diffuse atomic clouds and dense molecular clouds);
• H II regions;
• interstellar radiation fields;
• interstellar shock waves;
• supernova remnants;
• cosmic rays;
• interstellar dust;
• star formation.

AST 517 is intended for advanced undergraduates or graduate students with a good 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.

Text:

• Draine, B.T.: Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium (Princeton Univ. Press, 2011). Labyrinth Books on Nassau St. has copies in stock.

Supplementary texts (on course reserve):

• Osterbrock, D.E., and Ferland, G.J.: Astrophysics of Gaseous Nebulae and Active Galactic Nuclei, 2nd edition (University Science Books, 2006)
• Stahler, S.W., and Palla, F. 2005, The Formation of Stars (Wiley, 2005)
• Whittet, D.C.B., Dust in the Galactic Environment, 2nd edition (Institute of Physics, 2003)

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