Formation of Stars and Planets
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The objective of the course unit is to provide an in depth knowledge of the star and planet formation processes, starting from molecular clouds, down to the processes that shape the global architecture of planetary systems around the Sun and other stars.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course unit the student will:
1) Understand and interpret the basic observables related to young stars;
2) Know the detection methods of extra-solar planets;
3) Identify the statistical properties of the population of extra-solar planets;
4) Identify the physical processes that determine the evolution of the systems considered;
5) Describe analytically the properties of theoretical models for the interpretation of observational data.
1) Understand and interpret the basic observables related to young stars;
2) Know the detection methods of extra-solar planets;
3) Identify the statistical properties of the population of extra-solar planets;
4) Identify the physical processes that determine the evolution of the systems considered;
5) Describe analytically the properties of theoretical models for the interpretation of observational data.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
-Exoplanets: observational techniques and demographics
-The Solar System: major and minor bodies, radioactive dating
-Star formation (molecular clouds, Larson's relations, spherical accretion, Jeans' instability, protostellar collapse and disc formation, pre-main sequence evolution)
-Proto-planetary disc observations: techniques and findings
-Proto-planetary discs: basic equations (vertical, radial equations and thermal structure)
-Proto-planetary disc evolution: viscosity, winds, photo-evaporation
-Proto-planetary discs: dust dynamics (radial drift, settling)
-Planetesimal formation (grain growth, streaming instability)
-Terrestrial planet formation: planetesimal collisions
-Giant planet formation:
-pebble accretion
-gas accretion and envelope collapse
-gravitational instability
-Planetary migration and gap opening
-Dynamical instabilities
-Nice model for the formation of the Solar System
-Exoplanetary atmospheres: observations, composition, link with formation
-The Solar System: major and minor bodies, radioactive dating
-Star formation (molecular clouds, Larson's relations, spherical accretion, Jeans' instability, protostellar collapse and disc formation, pre-main sequence evolution)
-Proto-planetary disc observations: techniques and findings
-Proto-planetary discs: basic equations (vertical, radial equations and thermal structure)
-Proto-planetary disc evolution: viscosity, winds, photo-evaporation
-Proto-planetary discs: dust dynamics (radial drift, settling)
-Planetesimal formation (grain growth, streaming instability)
-Terrestrial planet formation: planetesimal collisions
-Giant planet formation:
-pebble accretion
-gas accretion and envelope collapse
-gravitational instability
-Planetary migration and gap opening
-Dynamical instabilities
-Nice model for the formation of the Solar System
-Exoplanetary atmospheres: observations, composition, link with formation
Prerequisites for admission
1. Knowledge of basis of mechanics (universal gravitation, Kepler's laws)
2. Tools of mathematical analysis, in particular solving differential equations in one and multiple variables
2. Tools of mathematical analysis, in particular solving differential equations in one and multiple variables
Teaching methods
Lectures (mostly chalkboard)
Teaching Resources
M. R. Krumholz, "Star Formation", World Scientific
P. J. Armitage, "Astrophysics of Planet Formation", Cambridge University Press
P. J. Armitage, "Astrophysics of Planet Formation", Cambridge University Press
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists in an oral discussion organized in questions and answers concerning the topics covered during the lectures.
The final assessment will be based on the following criteria: knowledge of the topics covered during the frontal lectures; critical reasoning; skill in the use of specialistic lexicon. Particular relevance will be given to knowledge of the conditions required in the Galaxy to form stars and to which of the steps that lead to planet formation are still relatively unknown.
The final score will be expressed in marks out of 30.
The final assessment will be based on the following criteria: knowledge of the topics covered during the frontal lectures; critical reasoning; skill in the use of specialistic lexicon. Particular relevance will be given to knowledge of the conditions required in the Galaxy to form stars and to which of the steps that lead to planet formation are still relatively unknown.
The final score will be expressed in marks out of 30.
FIS/05 - ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Rosotti Giovanni Pietro
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesdays 11-12am
Office DC/I/13, 1st floor, Dipartimento di Fisica, via Celoria 16