- Docente: Francesco Rosario Ferraro
- Credits: 5
- SSD: FIS/05
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Astrophysics and cosmology (cod. 8018)
Learning outcomes
The course presents the general overview of the observational
properties of resolved stellar populations. At the end of the
course the student is able to discuss the properties of simple (as
galactic globular clusters) and complex (galaxies)
stellar populations. He is able to identify the main indicators of
metallicity, age and distance of stellar population and he knows
and can critically discuss the open questions about stellar
populations.
Course contents
Properties of Simple Stellar Populations. Spectral Energy
Distribution (SED). Fuel Consumption theorem. Phase transitions in
SSP. Contribution to the integrated light of each evolutionary
sequence. Evolutive sequences in the HR diagram: isocrhones and
evolutionary tracks. Metallicity/age/distance indicators in SSP.
Galactic Globular clusters and their properties. The Main Seuqence
Turn-Off as age indicator. The complex morphology of the Horizontal
Branch. The color position and the shape of the Red Giant
Branch. The distance indicators: The HB level, the RR-Lyrae
luminosity, the RGB-tip, the RGB-Bump properties. The WD cooling
sequences as age and distance indicator. The stellar population in
the Magellanic Clouds. Complex stellar populations.
Readings/Bibliography
Dispense del corso - Ferraro
An Introduction to modern Astrophysics - Carroll & Ostlie
Evolution of stars and stellar populations - Salaris &
Cassisi
Astrofisica stellare - V. Castellani
Astrophysics I. stars - Bowers& Deeming
Teaching methods
Lectures are supported by power-point presentations.
Assessment methods
Oral examination
Teaching tools
The Lectures are supported by power-point presentations and
viewgraphs.
Office hours
See the website of Francesco Rosario Ferraro