High Energy Astrophysics

Overview

Observational overview
Accreting neutron stars and pulsars
Pulsar emission mechanisms
Black holes, active galactic nuclei, explosive transients (gamma-ray bursts, supernovae), and supernova remnants
Role of jets
Non-electromagnetic processes; cosmic rays, gravitational waves
Particle acceleration
Radiation processes (e.g., Bremsstrahlung, inverse Compton, etc.)
Stellar dynamos
Flux emergence
Magnetic topologies
Zeeman + Hanle effects
Magnetic reconnection and flares

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

Apply their knowledge of mathematics and physics from Levels 1-3 in an astrophysical context.

Understand the evolutionary history of binary systems containing compact degenerate objects;

Understand how high energy processes such as accretion and angular momentum transfer come into play in a variety of astrophysical objects on vastly different scales.

Develop a sense of relevant observational signatures of high energy astrophysical processes that may be both electromagnetic and non-electromagnetic in nature.

Critically compare the evidence from observations with the predictions from theory

Skills

Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.

Assessment

NONE