High Energy Astrophysics (PHYC90056)

This subject provides an overview of the key concepts and principles associated with High Energy Astrophysics and their application in current astrophysics research. Students will develop their understanding of the engines that power astrophysical sources and of the physical processes that govern the emission of these sources. Students will also learn to connect these theoretical concepts to recent observational studies in astrophysics. 

This subject covers non-thermal and thermal emission processes associated with high energy relativistic particles, shocks and plasmas, as well as the acceleration mechanisms for relativistic particles in these settings. It will apply these concepts to study stellar evolution, supernovae, the physics of compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes), and the physics of accretion and accretion disks around compact objects. The physics will be tied to how these settings can be probed observationally through the electromagnetic spectrum, gravitational waves, or cosmic rays.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Describe and discuss key questions in contemporary high energy astrophysics research;
• Understand the radiative and acceleration processes that occur in astrophysical sources;
• Understand the physics associated with stellar evolution and death;
• Describe and discuss the formation and structure of neutron stars and black holes;
• Understand the physics of accretion onto compact objects;
• Apply the knowledge gained on radiative processes, accretion and stellar objects to address contemporary questions in astrophysics;
• Use estimation (order of magnitude) as a preliminary tool to investigate problems in contemporary astrophysics;
• Develop the skills required to interpret astrophysical data, and understand the physical principles underlying detection techniques for radio waves, X-rays and Gamma rays, neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves;

Generic skills