Course detail

Fundamentals of Astrophysics

FEKT-MPA-FAPAcad. year: 2024/2025

Emphasis in the course is placed on understanding the basic principles of astrophysics. In particular, it is an overview of the basic building blocks of the universe. Characteristics of the Sun and its place among other stars. Characteristics of stars.
The first part of the course focuses on the extension of basic physical knowledge in the field of general and special theory of relativity and the field of quantum mechanics.
Emphasis is placed on understanding the issue, applying the knowledge and practical experience with astrofyzics.
The following topics will be presented during the semester:

Theory of gravity in the physical image of the world. Development of views on space, time and gravity.
Einstein's law of gravitation.

Formal scheme of KM Principle of superposition in KM and its consequences.

Description of planetary motion, Moon motion. Outline of solar and lunar eclipse calculations.

Origin, evolution and final stages of stars, galaxies, quasars.

Photometry. Radiation detectors - human eye, photographic emulsion, photomultiplier. Photoelectric photometers.

Spectroscopy. Principles of spectroscopy. Optical prism and diffraction grating.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

The student should be able to explain basic physical phenomena, analyze simple electronic circuits.
In general, knowledge at the bachelor's degree level is required.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Evaluation of laboratory exercises - 15 b (total 3 protocols)
Semester work - 30 b (2 semester works with defense)
Final exam - 55 b
The definition of controlled teaching and the method of its implementation is determined by the annually updated decree of the subject guarantor.

Aims

The aim of the course is for graduates to have a deeper overview of the basics of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Graduates will gain advanced knowledge in the major parts of classical and modern astronomy, astrophysics. They will also gain an overview of general areas of physics - theoretical mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, statistical physics and general theory of relativity.
They will be able to define the basis of astrophysical phenomena and gain a general overview of the physical laws of the universe.
They will gain an overview of modern observation techniques and methods, they are ready for the analysis of observation data and the creation of numerical models.
The graduate of the course is able to describe and explain:
- theory of gravity in the physical image of the world. Development of views on space, time and gravity.
- Einstein's law of gravitation.
- formal scheme of KM Principle of superposition in KM and its consequences.
- description of planetary motion, Moon motion. Outline of solar and lunar eclipse calculations.
- origin, evolution and final stages of stars, galaxies, quasars.
- photometry. Radiation detectors - human eye, photographic emulsion, photomultiplier. Photoelectric photometers.
- spectroscopy. Principles of spectroscopy. Optical prism and diffraction grating.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Bradt H.: Astronomy Methods, Cambridge University Press, 2004 (EN)

Recommended reading

Harmanec P., Brož M.: Stavba a vývoj hvězd. Matfyzpress, Praha, 2011. ISBN 9788073781651. (CS)
Oswalt T.D., Barstow M.A. (eds.): Planets, Stars and Stellar Systems, Volume 4: Stellar Structure and Evolution. Springer, Dordrecht, 2013. ISBN 9789400756144. (EN)
Peratt A.: Physics of the Plasma Univers, Springer-Verlag, 1991 (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-SAP Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Teorie gravitace ve fyzikálním obrazu světa. 2. Vývoj názorů na prostor, čas a gravitaci. 3. Formální schéma KM Princip superpozice v KM a jeho důsledky. 4. Popis pohybu planet, pohyby Měsíce. 5. Nástin výpočtů zatmění Slunce a Měsíce. 6. Původ, vývoj a závěrečná stadia hvězd, Galaxie, Kvasary. 7. Fotometrie. Detektory záření - lidské oko, fotografická emulze, fotonásobič. 8. Fotoelektrické fotometry. 9. Spektroskopie.

Fundamentals seminar

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Einsteinův gravitační zákon. 2. KM Princip superpozice v KM a jeho důsledky. 3. Popis pohybu planet, pohyby 4. Fotometrie. 5. Spektroskopie. 6. Měření a výpočet vzdáleností

Laboratory exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Einsteinův gravitační zákon. 2. KM Princip superpozice v KM a jeho důsledky. 3. Popis pohybu planet, pohyby 4. Fotometrie. 5. Spektroskopie. 6. Měření a výpočet vzdáleností