AST 517 -- Diffuse Matter in Space

Bruce T. Draine

Spring 2009: Tu,Th 1330-1450 in Peyton 201 ("dome room")

The subject of this course is the astrophysics of the interstellar medium -- the space between the stars in the Milky Way and other galaxies.

The course will include both theory and observations of the gas, dust, plasma, energetic particles, magnetic field, and electromagnetic radiation in interstellar space. Emphasis will be on theory, including elements of:

• fluid dynamics;
• statistical mechanics;
• radiative processes;
• radiative transfer;
• excitation of atoms, molecules, and ions;
• ionization and recombination;
• molecule formation and destruction;
• physical properties of dust grains.

• interstellar clouds (both diffuse atomic clouds and dense molecular clouds);
• H II regions;
• interstellar shock waves;
• supernova remnants;
• cosmic rays;
• interstellar dust;
• star formation.

AST 517 is intended for advanced undergraduates or graduate students with a strong background in physics. Prior knowledge of astronomy, while helpful, is not required. The course provides the opportunity to apply a broad range of physics to the behavior of interstellar matter.

Supplementary texts:

• L. Spitzer Jr.: Physical Processes in the Interstellar Medium
• D.E. Osterbrock and G.J. Ferland: Astrophysics of Gaseous Nebulae and Active Galactic Nuclei (2nd edition)