Module Details |
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
Title | STELLAR ATMOSPHERES | ||
Code | PHYS352 | ||
Coordinator |
Prof P Mazzali Physics P.Mazzali@liverpool.ac.uk |
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Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2021-22 | Level 6 FHEQ | Second Semester | 7.5 |
Aims |
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To provide students with an understanding of the properties of the light emitted by stars, of the effect of expanding atmospheres and of the relevance for Supernovae. To enable students to determine the basic phy sical properties of stars from observational data (e.g. Temp, Radius, Mass, composition) and the properties of expanding media (stellar winds: velocity, mass-loss rate; Supernovae: velocity, mass, kinetic energy, nucleosynthesis) |
Learning Outcomes |
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(LO1) Knowledge of how the physical properties of stars and supernovae can be determined from spectroscopic observations. |
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(LO1) The knowledge of how the physical properties of stars and supernovae can be determined from spectroscopic observations. |
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(LO2) An understanding of how the interaction between radiation and matter determines the observable properties of stars. |
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(LO2) An understanding of how the interaction between radiation and matter determines the observable properties of stars. |
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(LO3) An understanding of how radiation propagates through a medium (a gas), affecting its properties |
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(LO3) An understanding of how radiation propagates through a medium (a gas) affecting its properties. |
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(S1) Problem solving skills |
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(S1) Problem solving skills. |
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(S2) Analytic skills applied to stellar atmospheres |
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(S2) Analytic skills applied to stellar atmospheres. |
Syllabus |
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Introduction & Observables Herzsprung-Russell diagram. Observables: Luminosity, colour, temperature. Measurement of stellar parameters (mass, radius, luminosity) and interrelations. Transport of energy: Radiation Definition of Radiation quantitites. Optical depth, absorption and emission. Equation of Transfer. Formal solution. Limb darkening. Temperature distribution. Grey atmosphere. Main sources of opacity. Atomic Processes Atomic processes relevant for stellar spectra. Interaction of radiation and matter. Continuum and line processes. Einstein coefficients for absorption. Oscillator strength. Line profile, broadening. Continuum absorption. Scattering. Stellar Spectra Excitation, Ionization. Saha-Boltzmann equation. Stellar spectra, classification. Line Transfer 2-level atom. Milne relations. Curve of Growth. Stellar Winds Radiation Pressure. Mass-loss in hot stars. Diagnostics of wind s. Line formation in expanding atmospheres. Sobolev Approximation. Radiation transport in moving media. Supernovae Observational classification. Underlying physical mechanisms (thermonucler explosion, core collapse). Montecarlo radiation transport. Derivation of SN properties. Application to Cosmology. |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Teaching Method 1 - Lecture Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
18 |
6 |
24 | ||||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 51 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 75 |
Assessment |
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EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
formal examination | 90 | 80 | ||||
CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Assessment 1 Non-standard penalty applies for late submission - Homework cannot be returned after it has been discussed in tutorial This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) | 0 | 20 |
Recommended Texts |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |