- Docente: Francesco Rosario Ferraro
- Credits: 9
- SSD: FIS/05
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Astronomy (cod. 8004)
Learning outcomes
The aim of this course is to give a general overview of the
set of equations that regulates the internal structure of a star.
The lectures are articulated in three parts: (1) the structure of
stellar interiors and the sources of energy production; (2)
the stellar atmosphere and the theory of the absorption
lines; (3) basic stellar evolution.
Course contents
Structure of stars. Equation of stellar interiors. Hydrostatic
equilibrium.The physical state of stellar matter. The degenerate
matter. The LogT - Log(rho) diagram. The source of stellar energy.
Thermonuclear reactions. The origin of chemical elements.
Energy transport: radiation and convection. The Schwarzshild
criterium. Sources of opacity in the stellar interiors. The Kramers
equations. The structure of the stellar atmosphere. Photon
absorption and emission. Theory of the formation of spectral
lines. Curve of growth and determination of chemical abundance in
stars. Equation of Saha and Boltzmann. Basic stellar
evolution.
Readings/Bibliography
Lecture notes - Ferraro
An Introduction to modern Astrophysics - Carroll & Ostlie
Evolution of stars and stellar populations - Salaris &
Cassisi
Astrofisica stellare - V. Castellani
Corso di Astrofisica - Cester
Astrophysics I. stars - Bowers& Deeming
Teaching methods
Assessment methods
Written and oral examinations. The written examination consists of
three
simple problems dealing with the structure and atmosphere of
a star.
Teaching tools
Lecures are presented by using power-point presentations.
Office hours
See the website of Francesco Rosario Ferraro