ASTRON 452H - Astrophysics II:Galaxies

Institution:

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Subject:

Description:

The application of physics to the understanding of astronomical phenomena. Physical processes in the gaseous interstellar medium: photoionization in HII regions and planetary nebulae; shocks in supernova remnants and stellar jets; energy balance in molecular clouds. Dynamics of stellar systems: star clusters and the virial theorem; galaxy rotation and the presence of dark matter in the universe; spiral density waves. Quasars and active galactic nuclei: synchroton radiation; accretion disks; supermassive black holes. Physical processes in the gaseous interstellar medium: photoionization and HII regions and emission lines; shocks in supernova remnants and stellar jets; energy balance in molecular clouds. Quasars and active galactic nuclei: synchroton radiation; accretion disks; supermassive black holes. Students are involved in the course in discussions, oral presentations, and lab projects. The course is being taught at a higher level than a non-honors course, and a strong background in physics and math is required.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.umass.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 545-0111

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.