Stars and Stellar Explosions

Catalog description

Stars and stellar explosions are the basic building blocks of galaxies and play a pivotal role in the evolution of structure in the universe, in the nucleosynthesis of most elements, in the formation of compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes), and as fundamental tools for measuring the early conditions and expansion of the universe over cosmic time (e.g., with Type Ia supernovae and gamma-ray bursts). This course will cover the observations and physics of stars and of their explosions. Primary topics will include energy transport and nuclear fusion in stars, stellar evolution and their deaths. The course will emphasize physical understanding and current open research problems, as well as connecting basic principles to observations. No previous coursework in astronomy is required, but a minimum standard undergrad-level advanced physics courses (thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc.) is encouraged.