ASTRO 4432 - Astrophysical Processes

(PHS-AS) (OPHLS-AG)

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: Equivalent of the three-semester introductory physics sequence at Cornell plus special relativity (PHYS 1112, 2213, 2214, and 2216), multivariable calculus (MATH 1920 or 2220 or equivalent), differential equations (2930 or 3270 or equivalent), and quantum mechanics (PHYS 3316 or equivalent). Co-meets with ASTRO 6530.

A. Ho.

Astronomers learn about cosmic phenomena via radiation: electromagnetic (photons), non-photonic (neutrinos, cosmic rays), and, within the past decade, gravitational. So, it is essential to understand how radiation is produced, the interactions it experiences as it travels through the universe, and how these processes can be observed and interpreted. This course will provide a broad overview of primarily electromagnetic radiation, although we will briefly discuss other forms.