Astrophysics

Paper Code: 
24PHY127
Credits: 
2
Contact Hours: 
30.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to – 

· show how basic phyical principles can be applied to understand a variety of astrophysical objects and phenomena.  

·study the physics of Celestial sphere, Basic stellar parameters, Optical telescopes, Sun, Solar system & Milkyway.

· enable the students to take up independently studies of astronomy and work further in Astro-physics.

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment 

Strategies

Course

Code

Course Title

 

24PHY 127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrophysics (Theory)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CO33: Apply spherical trigonometry to solve problems involving spherical triangles.

CO34: Interpret the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram and relate it to the effective temperature of stars.

CO35: Differentiate between types of optical telescopes, their mountings and detectors used in astrometry, photometry and spectroscopy.

CO36: Describe the structure and features of the Sun.

 

CO37: Identify and describe the components of the solar system.

 

CO38: Contribute effectively in course - specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

 Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Solving problems in tutorials, Demonstration

Learning activities for the students:

Self learning assignments, Effective questions, Simulation, Seminar presentation.Additional learning through online videos

Assessment Strategies

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems, Assignments, Presentations

 

5.00

Celestial sphere, spherical geometry – spherical triangles, astronomical cordinate systems, coordinate conversions, Measurement of time, sidereal time, mean solar time, equation of time, calendars (lunar, Julian, solar).

 

7.00

Basic stellar parameters, stellar magnitude scale (apparent, absolute), distance modulus, stellar distance determination using parallax method, determination of temeperature and radius of a star, determination of stellar masses from binary orbits, stellar spectral classification, effective temperature, H-R diagram.

6.00

Optical telescopes – different types, mountings, detectors and their use (astrometry, photometry, spectroscopy), magnification and light gathering power, resolving power and diffraction limit, limiting magnitude, atmospheric windows. 

7.00

The Sun: photosphere, chromosphere, corona, prominences, sunspots, sunspot cycle, solar flares, solar wind, solar terrestrial relations (space weather), energy transport from the core to surface, basic stellar structure (hydrostatic equilibrium, equation of state), basics of solar magneto-hydro dynamics, helio-seismology.

5.00

Solar system: planets, satellites, asteroids & comets, Titus-Bode law. Extra-solar planets. Are we alone ?

Milkyway: size & shape of our galaxy, star count analysis, star clusters (open, globular), Shapley's model, structure, nature of rotation, missing mass problem.

Essential Readings: 
  • Astronomy: Principles and practice, AE Roy and D Clarke
  • Astrophysics for Physicists, Arnab Rai Choudhary
  • An introduction to Astrophysics, Baidyanath Basu
References: 
  • Carroll, B.W. & Ostlie, D.A., An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics (Pearson)
  • Shu, F.H., The Physical Universe, An Introduction to Astronomy, (University Science Books)
  • Motz, L. & Duveen, A., The Essentials of Astronomy, (Colombia University Press)

 

E- Content

 

Academic Year: 
2024-2025
  • Printer-friendly version
  • PDF version