Stellar Structure and Evolution

Catalog description

Theory of Stellar structure and evolution including energy generation and transport and an examination of stellar models. ASTRO 414 Stellar Structure and Evolution (3) ASTRO 414 covers the theory of stellar structure and evolution at an introductory level. It includes the basic physical processes that influence the structure of a star, such as energy generation in stellar cores, the transport of energy to the surface via photon diffusion and convection, equilibrium conditions, etc. It examines realistic stellar models as they apply to stars of different masses, for example, polytropes and other approximations. The treatment of stellar evolution includes gravitational collapse, stable stellar configurations on the main sequence, and the fast-paced late stages of evolution, leading up to the formation of compact objects. Realistic stellar models will be employed to illustrate the structures of different types of stars and the influence of various physical processes on these models.