ASTR460

The current graduate astronomy curriculum includes a course called Astrophysics of Stars and Accretion (ASTR545), but this course has a focus mainly on the standard theory of stellar interiors and the physics of accretion disks. The undergraduate curriculum includes a basic introduction to astrophysics. This seminar is designed to be complementary to these core courses, and will connect the equations of stellar structure and evolution to the observed properties of a wide variety of stars, including spectral types, luminosity and temperature evolution on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, uncertainties in stellar evolution models, the inferred influence of composition, mass loss, binary star evolution, different types of stellar death, dependence on environment, and influence on the galactic environment (feedback). We will also explore some key observational diagnostics of stellar properties. The course will examine both the historical origin of several key ideas in the field, as well as current frontier topics in the literature. The course will benefit students who intend to specialize in research on stars, but will cover key topics relevant to interpreting observations of galaxies and the role of stars in galaxy evolution and cosmic evolution.

Spring (even years only)