AST 3140 - Star Formation (3)

When Offered: Fall, Even-numbered years
This class will cover key aspects of how stars form in the Galaxy, from the basic physical and molecular processes during stellar core formation, to young stellar environments, protoplanetary disks and envelopes, and planet formation. The course will include discussion of the state-of-the-art in astronomical observations, including astrochemistry. Exoplanetary systems will also be discussed in the context of the variety of stellar systems supporting planets, and how protostellar and protoplanetary environments across the Galaxy shed light on the solar system’s evolution. Topics will be made relevant to the current state-of-the-art via supplemental reading, including research papers and new discoveries.
Prerequisites: PHY 1104 or PHY 1151, and AST 1002, and MAT 1120 or by permission of instructor.