2024 Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Physics Graduate major in Physics
Astrophysics
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Physics
- Instructor(s)
- Tadayasu Dotani
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 7-8 Mon
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- PHY.F432
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In this course, we will discuss various high-energy phenomena in the universe, and lecture on the physical processes governing the phenomena and their emission mechanisms. Recent advances in space observations, particularly in the X-ray and gamma ray bands, have led to dramatic advances in our understanding of high-energy phenomena in the universe. Lectures will be given on various high-energy phenomena in connection with the latest observational results. We will also lecture on the basics of the radiative processes necessary for understanding the phenomena.
The goal of the lecture is to utilize knowledge in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal and statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, etc. learned so far to explain the high-energy phenomena obtained through the latest observations from a physics perspective.
Course description and aims
By taking this lecture, students will be able to
1) Explain underlying physics of high-energy phenomena in the universe.
2) Explain the high-energy phenomena revealed by the latest space observations.
3) Explain the conversion of gravitational energy to radiation in the accretion disk and the conversion of kinetic energy to radiation in shock waves.
Keywords
Universe, astrophysics, stars, astronomy, observations
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
- Expertise to apply basic knowledge of physics to understand various phenomena in the universe.
Class flow
Lectures will be conducted by explaining the latest observational results using slides, and explaining phenomena using blackboard writing (or equivalent method). The slides are basically written in English with partial Japanese translation. In principle, lectures will be given in English, but Japanese will also be used as appropriate.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Basic of the observational astrophysics | Explain the hierarchical structure of the universe, the unit system to describe the universe, and basic terms used in astronomy. |
| Class 2 | Solar wind | Explain the characteristics of the solar wind in comparison with the de Laval nozzle. |
| Class 3 | Structure of a degenerate star | Explain the characteristic relation between a radius and a mass of a degenerate star |
| Class 4 | Basics of the radiative processes | Explain blackbody radiation, Rayleigh scattering, and Photoelectric absorption |
| Class 5 | Accretion disk | Explain radiation mechanism of the accretion disk and characteristics of the energy spectrum |
| Class 6 | Basics of the shock wave | Explain the changes of physical parameters at the shock front |
| Class 7 | Supernova remnants | Explain evolution of the supernova remnants (time variation of temperature, density and velocity of gas) |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are recommended to prepare for and review the class content by referring to the relevant sections of reference books and course material.
Textbook(s)
none required
Reference books, course materials, etc.
・S. Sakashita, S. Ikeuchi, "Space Fluid Dynamics", Baifukan (Japanese)
・S. Okamura et al. "Series modern astronomy (especially, vol.8, 12, 17)"、 Nihon Hyouronsha (Japanese)
・G.B. Rybicki & A.P. Lightman "Radiative Process in Astrophysics" (John Wiley & Sons, NY)
Evaluation methods and criteria
Evaluate the degree of achievement of the goal through report assignments.
Evaluation criteria will be based on our school's usual standards.
If it is determined that the answer was created using Chat-GPT, etc., score will be reduced.
Related courses
- LAS.P101 ： Fundamentals of Mechanics 1
- PHY.E205 ： Electromagnetism
- EPS.B330 ： Fluid Mechanics (EPS course)
- PHY.S209 ： Thermodynamics (Physics)
- PHY.S301 ： Statistical Mechanics
- PHY.F352 ： Physics of the Universe
- PHY.Q207 ： Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are necessary, but enrollment of related courses is desirable.
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
Prof. Tadayasu Dotani, dotani.t.aa[at]m.titech.ac.jp
Office hours
Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.