Introduction to Astrophysics from edX

How can we study the Universe we live in using the only available information it provides us with: light ?

This course provides an overview of the physical phenomena at play in the astronomical objects surrounding us, from planets and stars to the cosmic filaments, from galaxies such as our own Milky Way to large galaxy clusters. The course emphasizes the links between theoretical predictions and observations.

In this course, you will learn the basics of astrophysics using simplified mathematical developments. In particular, you will learn the role played by gravity in astrophysics, including gravitational lensing, and how matter and radiation interact. The material in this course is essential to follow more advanced astrophysics courses.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Influence of gravity on celestial bodies
Matter-radiation interactions

Star formation and evolution
Basics of cosmology

Influence of gravity on celestial bodies
Matter-radiation interactions
Star formation and evolution
Basics of cosmology

Syllabus

** Complementary video on time delays in gravitationally lensed quasars an cosmologocal applications.

----------Week 1:----------

** Video 1.1: (23:00 min)- Parallaxes and Parsec- General Introduction- Mass and Distance scales

** Video 1.2: (14:42 min)- Kepler's Laws

** Vidéo 1.3: (11:58 min)- Virial Theorem- Potential Energy of a Sphere

** Vidéo 1.4: (4:38 min)- Numerical Illustrations of Virial Theorem

----------Week 2:----------

** Video 2.1: (23:55 min)- Radiation processes in Astrophysics- Line and Continuum Radiation- Examples of Spectra- Radiated Energy and Units- Radiation Pressure- Bremsstrahlung and Synchrotron Radiations

** Video 2.2: (20:15)- Black Body Radiation- Total Luminosity (sigma T^4)- Wien's Law- Atomic Emission Lines- The Case of Hydrogen

** Video 2.3: (21:00)- How to Measure Radiation- Flux, Luminosity, Filters- Illustration: How do we Make True Color Images?- Magnitudes- Color of Celestial Bodies- Distance Modulus

----------Week 3:----------

** Video 3.1: (23:44)- Doppler Effect- Doppled Measurement- Stellar Rotation- Exoplanets and Stellar Radial Velocities- Hubble Law

** Video 3.2: (32:22)- Interstellar Medium- Nebular Emission, Stromgroen Sphere- Absorption, diffusion (Mie et Rayleigh)- Optical Depth- Redening

** Video 3.3: (18:12)- Tidal Forces- Influence on Moon-Earth Distance- Distance to the Moon Using Laser Measurements

----------Week 4:----------

** Video 4.1: (12:14)- Roche Limit- Example of Saturn's Rings- Example of a Comet Disrupted by Jupiter's Tidal Forces

** Vidéo 4.2 (13:43)- Cometary Tails and Radiation Pressure

** Video 4.3: (15:08)- Energy Balance- Global Warming

** Video 4.4:- Planetary Atmospheres- Hydrostatic Equilibrium- Atmospheric height-scale

----------Week 5:----------

** Video 5.1:- Stellar Formation- Free-fall Time- Jeans' Mass and radius- Kelvin-Helmholtz Time- Stellar Energy Balance

** Video 5.2:- HR Diagram- Spectral Classification- Effect of Redening- Radius-Luminosiy Relation

** Video 5.3:- Stellar Evolution in the HR Diagram- Stellar Deaths- Supernovae, Planetary Nebulae, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars- Age of Stellar Clusters

----------Week 6:----------

** Video 6.1:- Galaxies: General Description- Morphological Classification

** Video 6.2:- Numerical Illustrations

** Video 6.3- The Milky-Way- Oort Constants and Galactic Motion

** Video 6.4:- Rotation Curves of Spiral Galaxies- Elliptical galaxies and the Virial Theorem- Galaxy Clusters- Dark Matter

----------Week 7:----------

** Video 7.1:- Big Bang: Basic Presentation- Hubble Expansion- Cosmological Redshift- Cosmic Background Radiation

** Video 7.2:- Distance Ladder- Hubble Diagram- Cepheides as Distance Indicators- Supernovae as Distance Indicators

** Video 7.3:- Gravitational Lenses- Deflection Angle- Properties of Gravitational Lenses- Light (apparent) Magnification- Einstein Radius- Caustics and Critical Lines

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core concepts in astrophysics, including gravitation, matter-radiation interactions, and star formation

Taught by instructors from the University of Geneva who are recognized for their work in astrophysics

Provides examples and practical illustrations to enhance understanding of astrophysical phenomena

May require additional mathematical background for full comprehension

Reviews summary

Challenging astrophysics intro

Learners say that this course, while labeled as an introduction, is far from it. They say it requires some prior knowledge of the subject and that the diverse topics necessitate a time investment due to the volume of assignments.

Lectures are well-done

"The lectures are nicely done"

Untranslated portions remain

"still suffers from untranslated parts"

Many assignments take time

"lots of assignments"

Not a true introductory course

"far from an introduction"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Astrophysics with these activities:

Connect with Professionals in Astrophysics

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Seek guidance and mentorship from experts in the field of astrophysics to broaden your perspectives and enhance your learning.

Browse courses on Astrophysics

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Attend industry events or conferences where astrophysicists are present.
Reach out to professors, researchers, or professionals in the field through email or LinkedIn.
Prepare questions or topics of interest to discuss during your interactions.

Review Classical and Quantum Mechanics

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Review the fundamentals of classical and quantum mechanics to strengthen your understanding of the physical phenomena at play in astrophysics.

Browse courses on Classical Mechanics

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Review Newton's laws of motion and their applications in celestial mechanics.
Refresh your understanding of wave-particle duality, energy quantization, and the uncertainty principle.
Explore online resources or textbooks to reinforce your knowledge.

Read 'An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics' by Carroll and Ostlie

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Expand your knowledge and deepen your understanding of astrophysics by reading a comprehensive textbook.

View An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book and set aside dedicated time for reading.
Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
Complete any practice problems or exercises provided in the book.

Five other activities

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Explore Stellar Evolution with Online Simulations

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Engage with interactive simulations to visualize and understand the different stages of stellar evolution.

Browse courses on Stellar Evolution

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Find online platforms or software that offer stellar evolution simulations.
Select a simulation that aligns with your current understanding and interests.
Run the simulation and observe the changes in stellar properties over time.
Compare the simulation results with theoretical concepts learned in class.

Discuss Gravitational Lensing with Peers

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Engage in group discussions to clarify concepts and deepen your understanding of gravitational lensing and its applications.

Browse courses on Gravitational Lensing

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Form a study group with classmates or online peers.
Select a specific topic related to gravitational lensing for discussion.
Prepare by reviewing relevant course materials and conducting research.
Meet virtually or in person to discuss your findings and engage in Q&A.

Develop a Visual Representation of Black Body Radiation

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Create a visual representation of black body radiation to enhance your understanding of its properties and applications.

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Choose a software or online tool for creating visualizations.
Gather data on the emission spectrum of a black body at different temperatures.
Plot the data using appropriate axes and labels.
Add annotations or explanations to highlight key features of the black body spectrum.

Solve Problems on Cosmic Redshift and Distance Estimation

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Practice applying the concepts of cosmic redshift and distance estimation to solve problems and gain proficiency.

Browse courses on Cosmology

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Collect problems from textbooks, online resources, or past exams.
Work through the problems step-by-step, using the formulas and concepts learned in class.
Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with the instructor for feedback.

Contribute to OpenAstro Projects

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Gain hands-on experience by contributing to open-source projects related to astrophysics.

Browse courses on Astrophysics

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Collaborate with project maintainers to refine your contributions.
Identify open-source astrophysics projects on platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
Fork the project, make your changes, and submit a pull request.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Astrophysics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists study the physical properties of celestial objects and use the principles of physics to understand the universe. They use telescopes, satellites, and detectors to collect data and analyze the behavior of black holes, quasars, and the effects of dark matter and dark energy. Taking this course will help build a foundation in astrophysics concepts, such as gravity, matter-radiation interactions, and cosmology, which are essential for astrophysicists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astrophysicist

Planetary Scientist

Planetary scientists study the planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system. They use telescopes, spacecraft, and other tools to collect and analyze data. This course will help build a foundation in the physical principles that govern the solar system, which is essential for planetary scientists. The course will also provide an overview of the different types of planets and moons in our solar system, and the processes that shape their evolution.

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Physicist

Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature and matter. They use a variety of tools and techniques to investigate the physical world, from particle accelerators to telescopes. This course will introduce learners to the basic principles of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, providing them with a foundation for a career as a physicist.

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Cosmologist

Cosmologists seek to understand the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe. They study dark energy, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and the large-scale structure of the universe. This course will introduce learners to key concepts in cosmology, including the Big Bang theory, cosmic background radiation, and the expansion of the universe, providing them with a solid foundation for further studies in cosmology.

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Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth, including its atmosphere, oceans, and interior. They use tools such as seismic waves, satellite data, and remote sensing to understand the Earth's processes and resources. This course will help build a foundation in the physical principles that govern the Earth, which is essential for geophysicists.

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Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and predict weather conditions. They use satellites, weather balloons, and computer models to collect and analyze data. This course will help build a foundation in the physical principles that govern the atmosphere, which is essential for meteorologists.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the ocean. They use tools such as ships, submersibles, and satellites to collect and analyze data. This course will help build a foundation in the physical principles that govern the ocean, which is essential for oceanographers.

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Mathematician

Mathematicians develop and apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve problems in various fields, such as science, engineering, and finance. This course will introduce learners to key mathematical concepts, such as calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory, providing them with a solid foundation for a career as a mathematician.

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Astronomer

An astronomer's job is to research objects in space and obtain data to advance the field of astronomy. Astronomers use tools, telescopes, and technology to collect information from the universe. This course will help build a foundation in astronomy fundamentals, which is essential for astronomers. The course will also help astronomers further their knowledge of light and how light interacts with astronomy objects.

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Nuclear Physicist

Nuclear physicists study the structure, properties, and interactions of atomic nuclei. They use particle accelerators and other tools to understand the fundamental forces that govern the universe. This course will introduce learners to the basics of nuclear physics, including radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and the Standard Model of particle physics, providing them with a foundation for a career as a nuclear physicist.

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Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use statistical and programming tools to identify trends, patterns, and insights in data. This course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of data analysis, including data collection, processing, and visualization, providing them with a valuable skill set for a career as a data analyst.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They use statistical methods and tools to identify trends, patterns, and insights in data. This course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of statistics, including data collection, processing, and analysis, providing them with a valuable skill set for a career as a statistician.

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Imaging Scientist

Imaging scientists design, develop, and use imaging technologies to solve problems in various fields, such as medicine, manufacturing, and security. This course will introduce learners to the principles of optics, image processing, and data analysis, providing them with a foundation for a career as an imaging scientist.

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Educator

Educators teach students in a variety of settings, from preschool to university. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. This course may provide educators with a deeper understanding of astronomy and astrophysics, which they can incorporate into their teaching to make science more engaging and accessible to students.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They use programming languages and tools to create software that meets the needs of users. This course may provide software engineers with a deeper understanding of the physical principles that govern the universe, which can be applied to the design and development of software systems that simulate or interact with the physical world.

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