Theoretical Astrophysics (MKTP2)

This course provides a firm understanding of the theoretical concepts of astrophysics, together with their assumptions and limitations. Topics covered include:

-- Hydrodynamics: Basics and equations of motion; ideal and viscous fluids and currents; sound waves, supersonic currents and shock waves; instabilities, convection and turbulence

-- Plasma physics: Basics of collision-less plasmas; dielectric tensor; dispersion relation, longitudinal waves and Landau damping; magnetohydrodynamic equations; waves in magnetized plasmas; hydrodynamic waves

-- Radiative processes: Macroscopic radiation measurements; emission, absorption and scattering, radiative transfer; Bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation; ionization and recombination; spectra

-- Stellar dynamics: Relaxation; Jeans equations and Jeans theorem; tensor-virial theorem; equilibrium and stability of self-gravitating systems; dynamical friction; Fokker-Planck approximation

Upon completion of the lecture, students are able to apply this knowledge to a wide range of different areas of modern astrophysics and can solve complex problems in this field. They are familiar with concepts from different areas of theoretical physics relevant for astrophysics and they can apply mathematical techniques for solving questions arising in astrophysical situations.

Further details about the lecture and the tutorials will be discussed in the first lecture on Monday, October 13.