Course Catalog (as of Mar 2001)
Physics
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PHYCS 406. The Physics of Compact Objects
Same as ASTR 406.
A rigorous survey of the physical properties of black holes, white dwarfs, and neutron stars.
The formation of compact objects.
Equilibrium configurations, equations of state, stability criteria, and mass limits: the influence of rotation and magnetic fields.
Pulsar phenomena.
Black hole spacetimes.
Hawking radiation.
Mass flow in binary systems; spherical and disk accretion; high-temperature radiation processes; pulsar spin-up.
Compact x-ray sources and x-ray bursts.
Supermassive black holes in star clusters and dense galactic nuclei.
Gravitational and neutrino radiation from supernova collapse and binary coalescence.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 336 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
1 unit.
The course does not assume any previous knowledge of astronomy or general relativity.
(Offered in alternate years).