Introductory description

Our sky is dominated by the Sun and the Moon, the planets and stars, as well as occasional spectacular events that are associated with eclipses, comets, meteorites and supernovae. These objects are bright enough to be visible to the naked eye - they have been the subject of wonder and study for thousands of years. In this module, we will see how modern observations and advanced space probes are changing our knowledge of stars and Solar System objects. Our physical understanding is advancing rapidly and providing us with a basis for the exploration of exoplanetary systems and the more distant Universe.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Fundamental properties of stars, spectral classification and the H-R diagram. The Sun as a star.

The physical structure of the stellar interiors: basic equations, nuclear energy production, mass/radius/luminosity relations.

Stellar formation and evolution, including mass loss and stellar remnants (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes).

Stellar atmospheres: where does the light that we observe originate? Interaction between radiation and matter, radiation transfer. Stellar spectra across the H-R diagram.

Solar activity and the solar atmosphere: photosphere, chromosphere, corona. The solar cycle, sunspots, solar flares and the solar wind.

Constituents of the Solar System. Definition of a planet. Fundamental properties of key Solar System objects.

The motion of the planets. Keplerian orbits, the three-body problem, resonances, tides and rotation.

The terrestrial planets. Interiors, surfaces, atmospheres and magnetospheres of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and the Moon. The greenhouse effect, why are Earth and Venus so different? Origin of water. Atmospheric escape.

The giant planets. Composition, interior structure, atmospheres and magnetospheres. Moons and rings.

Dwarf planets and small Solar System bodies. Asteroids, meteorites, Kuiper Belt Objects and comets.

Formation of the planets. Nebular hypothesis, protoplanetary disc, core-accretion scenario.

The habitability of Solar System objects and the potential for extra-terrestrial life.

Exoplanetary systems: discovery, characterisation and the habitable zone.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify the main features of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram (H-R diagram)
• Describe radiation processes influencing the spectra of stars
• Explain the physical principles controlling the internal structure and evolution of stars
• Describe and explain the motion of Solar System objects
• Compare the interior, surface and atmospheric properties of Solar System objects and explain how differences are thought to have arisen
• Describe Solar/stellar activity and explain its effect on planetary atmospheres
• Outline the physical processes by which stars and planets are thought to form

Indicative reading list

An introduction to modern astrophysics Book by Bradley W. Carroll; Dale A. Ostlie 2007

An introduction to the theory of stellar structure and evolution Book by Dina Prialnik c2010

Fundamental planetary science: physics, chemistry and habitability Book by Jack Jonathan Lissauer; Imke De Pater 2019

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Knowledge of mathematics and physics. Skills in modelling, reasoning, thinking.

Transferable skills

Analytical, communication, problem-solving, self-study