- Docente: Andrea Cimatti
- Credits: 4
- SSD: FIS/05
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Astronomy (cod. 0095)
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide an overview of several aspects
of fundamental astronomy required to understand
the phenomena observed from the Solar System to the galaxies.
Course contents
Basics of spherical trigonometry.
Astronomical coordinate systems.
Perturbations of astronomical coordinates.
The measurement of time.
Spectral regions : gamma, X, UV, visible, IR, radio.
Observations at different wavelengths.
Magnitudes and photometric systems
Apparent and absolute magnitudes. Distance modulus.
Color indices and their relation with temperature.
The Solar System.
Extrasolar planets.
Classification and main properties of stars.
The HR diagram.
Stellar populations (I, II, III).
Variable stars.
Morphology, structure, size of our Galaxy: halo, disk, bulge.
Kinematics of the Galaxy.
Velocity distribution within the Galaxy.
Dynamics of the Galaxy.
The Local Standard of Rest.
The spiral structure.
The Hubble classification of galaxies.
The cosmic distance ladder.
Readings/Bibliography
most topics are included in the following texts (in english):
1) h. karttunen et al. (eds). fundamental astronomy (4th edition).
springer.
2) unsold & bascek. the new cosmos (5th edition).
springer.
in italian, part of the topics is available in :
"introduzione all’ astrofisica", gratton, zanichelli.
the lectures will be made available.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM:
the main textbook is "Fundamental Astronomy". However, during the course some
topics have been covered in a more or less detailed way with respect to that book.
In order to follow exactly all the topics covered during the course, it is suggested to
use the lecture slides that are available upon request. However, please note that the
slides do not substitute the textbook. Finally, the book "New Cosmos" can be used as a
complementary aid.
Teaching methods
Oral presentations and excercises.
Assessment methods
Oral exam.
Teaching tools
Chalkboard and powerpoint presentations.
Office hours
See the website of Andrea Cimatti