This course describes basic applications of plasma physics to astrophysical objects. The physics of the solar atmosphere, stellar winds, jets, interstellar and inter-galactic medium may only be understood via basic plasma dynamical processes. Basic descriptions of astrophysical plasmas will be given together with fundamental processes such as magnetic reconnection, collisional and collisionless shocks and particle acceleration, and an introduction to plasma and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.
Recommended reading:
Boyd e Sanderson : “The Physics of Plasmas”
Priest: “Solar Magnetohydrodynamics”
Of about all arguments of the course on-line notes are available.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired: Basic plasma astrophysics
Competence acquired: Concepts of asymptotic analysis of ode’s, eigenvalues, nonlinear partial differential equations
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Basic analysis of natural plasma dynamics
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...):
150
Hours reserved to private study and other individual formative activities:
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 50
Further information
Office hours:
Friday 14:16
Type of Assessment
Traditional oral test.
Course program
This course describes basic applications of plasma physics to astrophysical objects. The physics of the solar atmosphere, stellar winds, jets, interstellar and inter-galactic medium may only be understood via basic plasma dynamical processes. Basic descriptions of astrophysical plasmas will be given together with fundamental processes such as magnetic reconnection, collisional and collisionless shocks and particle acceleration, and an introduction to plasma and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.