Examines the most basic and direct connection between physics and astrophysics in order to derive a better understanding of astrophysical phenomena from first principles to the extent possible.
The leading observational facts about stars as interpreted by current theories of stellar structure and evolution. Spectroscopy, abundances of the elements, nucleosynthesis, stellar atmospheres, stellar populations. Final stages of evolution, including white dwarfs, neutron stars, supernovae.
Physical examination of our evolving universe: the Big Bang model; simple aspects of general relativity; particle physics in the early universe; production of various background radiations; production of elements; tests of geometry of the universe; dark energy and dark matter; and formation and evolution of galaxies and large-scale structure.
Theory and practice of space and ground-based x-ray and gamma-ray astronomical detectors. High-energy emission processes, neutron stars, black holes. Observations of x-ray binaries, pulsars, magnetars, clusters, gamma-ray bursts, the x-ray background. High-energy cosmic rays. Neutrino and gravitational-wave astronomy.
Instructor
Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz
Determination of the physical properties of the solar system, its individual planets, and extrasolar planetary systems through ground-based and space-based observations, laboratory measurements, and theory. Theories of the origin and evolution of planets and planetary systems.
Introduction to solving scientific problems using computers. A series of simple problems from Earth sciences, physics, and astronomy are solved using a user-friendly scientific programming language (Python/SciPy).
Introduces the techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical wavelengths through hands-on experiments and use of remote observatories. Students develop the skills and experience to pursue original research. Course is time-intensive and research-oriented.
Students use the Nickel telescope at Lick Observatory to measure the astrometry, or position, of a solar system body across multiple nights. By measuring the body's motion, students determine its distance from the Earth using parallax. This course is part of the
ASTR 136 collection of 2-credit advanced labs. Class meets in person over a three-week period and includes an overnight field trip to Lick Observatory.
Students use the Shane telescope at Lick Observatory to measure the rotation curve of a galaxy. Observations like this provide some of the best evidence for the existence of dark matter, and students evaluate that evidence in their observations. Course is part of the
ASTR 136 collection of 2-credit advanced labs. Class meets in person over a three-week period and includes an overnight field trip to Lick Observatory.
Uses archival data from the Hubble Space Telescope to create a color-magnitude diagram for a star cluster. Examines techniques for measuring and calibrating photometry and estimating the uncertainties on the measurements. Students identify the major features of the color-magnitude diagram, the corresponding stages of stellar evolution and what information can be learned about the age and distance of the cluster. Course is part of the
ASTR 136 collection of 2-credit advanced labs and meets over a three-week period. The lab involves all archival data, there is no nighttime observing component.
Students use a laboratory optics kit to create an optical system that models a telescope observing an astronomical object, and use a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor to measure the difference between aberrated and unaberrated wavefronts. Course is part of the
ASTR 136 collection of 2-credit advanced labs. Class meets in person over a three-week period. All data acquisition will be in the laboratory, there is no nighttime observing component to this lab.
Students use a laboratory optics kit to identify the major components of an adaptive optics system and explain the role of each one. Using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor to examine aberrated and unaberrated wavefronts, students analyze the effect of closing the AO correction loop. Course is part of the
ASTR 136 collection of 2-credit advanced labs. Class meets in person over a three-week period. All data acquisition will be in the laboratory, there is no nighttime observing component to this lab.
Students use laboratory data to measure and calibrate data from a charged coupled device (CCD) detector in an imaging camera, characterize the detector dark current, the camera system flatfield response, and the readnoise. Students evaluate the impact of these detector parameters on the signal to noise of the measurement of flux from a point source and use them to make predictions for data quality. Course is part of the
ASTR 136 collection of 2-credit advanced labs. Class meets in person over a three-week period. All data acquisition will be in the laboratory, there is no nighttime observing component to this lab.
Students use a laboratory optics kit investigate concepts of Fourier optics, investigate several Fourier filters, propose Fourier filters to implement specific output effects, and verify the results. Course is part of the
ASTR 136 collection of 2-credit advanced labs. Class meets in person over a three-week period. All data acquisition will be in the laboratory, there is no nighttime observing component to this lab.
Dir Stu Teach
Cross-listed Courses
Survey of observational astronomy across the electromagnetic spectrum and including multi-messenger probes. Covers the physics of light detection and instrumentation in different wavelength bands as well as astrophysical sources of emission and the relevant radiative processes associated to them. Aspects of statistics and statistical inference relevant for astronomical data analysis are also covered.
Cross Listed Courses
ASTR 114
Introduction to the techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Offered in some academic years as a multiple-term course:
PHYS 135A in fall and
PHYS 135B in winter, depending on astronomical conditions.
Cross Listed Courses
ASTR 135
Instructor
Steve Ritz, David Smith
Introduction to techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in astrophysics. Offered in some academic years as single-term course
PHYS 135 in fall, depending on astronomical conditions.
Cross Listed Courses
ASTR 135A
Introduction to techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in astrophysics. Offered in some academic years as single-term PHYS 135 in fall, depending on astronomical conditions.
Cross Listed Courses
ASTR 135B
Special relativity is reviewed. Curved space-time, including the metric and geodesics, are illustrated with simple examples. The Einstein equations are solved for cases of high symmetry. Black-hole physics and cosmology are discussed, including recent developments.
Cross Listed Courses
ASTR 171
Particle physics and cosmology of the very early universe: thermodynamics and thermal history; out-of-equilibrium phenomena (e.g., WIMPs freeze-out, neutrino cosmology, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, recombination); baryogenesis; inflation; topological defects. High-energy astrophysical processes: overview of cosmic ray and gamma ray astrophysics; radiative and inelastic processes; astroparticle acceleration mechanisms; magnetic fields and cosmic ray transport; radiation-energy density of the universe; ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays; dark-matter models; and detection techniques.
Cross Listed Courses
ASTR 224
Develops the formalism of Einstein's general relativity, including solar system tests, gravitational waves, cosmology, and black holes.
Cross Listed Courses
ASTR 226