PHYSICS PROJECT

Introduction to Astrophysics:
 Astrophysics is the study of the planets, the Sun and
other stars, the Milky Way Galaxy and the other
galaxies, the interstellar medium and intergalactic
medium, and the Universe itself.
 This study is aided by our knowledge of the laws of
Physics discovered by experiments carried out in
laboratories.
 Occasionally the astronomical observations reveal
new fundamental laws of Physics. For example the
observations of motions of the planets helped Newton
discover the universe square law of gravitation.
 We begin with the motions of the Sun and the Moon
as we see them across the sky, then to the motions of
the planets.
 We then go on to describe how stars are born, and
evolve, until they end up as white dwarfs, neutron
stars or black holes.
 During this evolution, elements like C, N, O, etc. all
the way to you were synthesized and dispersed
across the Galaxy by stellar winds and supernova
explosions.
 We will also discuss fascinating topics, like, cosmic
rays and astronomies with radio, x-ray, gamma-ray
and gravitational waves.
 In short we will discuss everything that is contained in
the universe and the evolution of the universe itself.
 The purpose of the course is to kindle your interest in
these exotic phenomena and prepare you for their
more detailed study.
 Knowledge of the Physics described in the
introductory course in physics (such as 197 and 198)
will be very helpful in readily following the lectures;
however a brief summary of the needed background
will be provided during the lectures. Prerequisites:
Phys 191-192 or Phys 193-194 or Phys 197-198 or
permission of instructor.