Formation of Stars and Planetary Systems

This course will cover the main aspects of star and planetary system formation in two parts of equal length. Star formation will address the stability of clouds in equilibrium and stability, the collapse of dense cores, protostars and their evolution, and the impact of young stars on their environment. Planetary formation will draw on constraints from the solar system and detections of extrasolar planets to discuss the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks, and the formation of terrestrial planets and giant planets.

This course will provide the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand stellar and planetary formation processes, linking each topic to observational constraints and the most recent numerical simulations. It will prepare students for research work in this field using a variety of methods.

Astrophysics

Atoms, Molecules, and Radiation

Hydrodynamics

Statistical physics

Recommended prerequisites:

Fluid dynamics in astrophysics and cosmology

Continuous assessment and final exam

1. Introduction to Star Formation
2. Molecular clouds
3. Gravitational collapse
4. Formation of protostellar disks
5. Pre-main sequence stars
6. Formation of massive stars
7. Consequences and byproducts
8. Introduction to planetary formation
9. Disc structure
10. Evolution of records
11. Disc observations
12. Formation of planetesimals
13. Formation of terrestrial planets
14. Formation of giant planets
15. Extrasolar systems and new perspectives on planetary formation