Astrophysics and Astroparticles

The course completes the program of the major course Particles, Nuclei and Universe on astrophysics by an introduction on our Galaxy, the interstellar matter, star formation and planetary systems. Basic knowledge on compact objects, large-scale structures and magnetic fields are provided. Furthermore, the course introduces concepts related in particular to Astroparticle Physics: cosmic ray acceleration and propagation. An overview of various detection techniques of cosmic radiations and particles will be provided.

Syllabus : " Astrophysics and Astroparticles "

- Lectures 30 hours, Tutorials 20 hours (2nd Semester) -

(Bruno Maffei, Tiina Suomijarvi)

Chapter 1: Astrophysical accelerators
Zoology, nature and properties
Dynamics: winds, shocks, accretion, jets

Chapter 2: Acceleration processes
General principles of acceleration
Fermi-acceleration and particle acceleration in strong shocks

Chapter 3: Radiation processes
Particle and radiation generation
Constraining the mass and luminosity of compact objects

Chapter 4: Large-scale structures and magnetic fields
The formation of large-scale structures in the Universe (dark matter, baryonic feedback)
Formation of the first ionizing sources, reionization and intergalactic magnetic field

Chapter 2: Chapter 5: Cosmic-ray propagation
Cosmic Ray Spectrum and Composition
Interactions of Cosmic Rays with radiation fields (CMB, EBL)
Propagation of charged particles in magnetic fields

Chapter 6: Our Galaxy, the interstellar medium and star formation
Structure of the Galaxy, energetics and mass cycle
The interstellar medium: composition and processes (radiation and dynamics) Gravitational stability, cloud fragmentation, magnetic field and star formation

Chapter 7: Stellar structure
Energetics and radiation of a star
Stellar structure and equilibrium

Chapter 8: Stellar evolution
Stellar evolution and terminal stages
Stellar atmospheres, activity and magnetic field

Chapter 9: Planetary systems near and far
Solar system: planet properties, planet formation and evolution
Exoplanets: internal structures, atmospheres, interactions with their host stars, detection methods

Chapter 10: Observational methods
Radiation (UV to mm): Optics and detection
Particles: Interactions of particles with the atmosphere
Examples of detectors

Recommended textbooks:

• Stahler and Palla, The formation of stars, Wiley-VCH
• Clayton, Principles of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, Chicago Press
• Draine, physics of the interstellar and intergalactic medium, Princeton Series in Astrophysics
• Perkins, Particle Astrophysics, Oxford master series in Particle Physics, astrophysics and cosmology, Oxford University Press
• Longair, High Energy Astrophysics, Vol. 1-3, Cambridge University Press

Course prerequisites and corequisites

The course requires knowledge of concepts introduced in the major course "Particles, Nuclei and Universe".

Course concrete goals

On completion of the course students should be able to:

— be familiar with the objects of the Universe
— be familiar with cosmic radiations and particles, their production and propagation
— have knowledge of their detection techniques.