Star and Planet Formation
ALMA image of the protoplanetary disc around HL Tauri. Image credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)
You will learn the basic physical mechanisms involved in the magneto-gravitational collapse of gas clouds, leading to the formation of protostars and the onset of nuclear burning. You will be introduced to powerful observational phenomena involved in the mass accretion process, such as the formation of outflows, jets and shocks. We proceed with the study of circumstellar disk evolution and theories describing the formation of planets from dust, to pebbles, and planetesimals. We will define important concepts such as the initial mass function, stellar multiplicity, and the star formation rate and discuss evolution over cosmic history, starting from the formation of the first stars until the present day. You will gain insight into how star and planet formation is linked to neighbouring fields of planetary, stellar and galactic astrophysics.
The course is given during day time at 50% speed and is part of the Master’s programme in Astronomy. It can also be taken as a free-standing course. The course is given in English.
Teaching Format
The course consists of a series of lectures, in which problem solving is embedded. The students will also prepare and present a seminar on a related topic of their choice.
Assessment
To complete the course, the students need to pass a written exam at the end of the course. The second mandatory component is active participation and satisfactory presentation of student seminars, which will be graded with pass/fail.
Examiner
Karin Lind
