Interstellar Medium

Interstellar medium: physicochemical processes – phases – radio astronomy.

This course provides students with an understanding of the physical and chemical processes that are important for the interstellar medium (dynamic, thermal, and chemical processes) as well as the associated observational diagnostics (molecular spectroscopy, radio astronomy). The main phases of the interstellar medium (ionized, atomic, and molecular phases) are also presented.

Knowledge of important physical and chemical processes in highly diluted environments

Knowledge of the different phases of the interstellar medium

Introduction to Radio Astronomy

Atomic Physics (Atoms, Molecules, and Radiation)

Hydrodynamics

Recommended prerequisites:

Astrophysics

Fluid dynamics in astrophysics and cosmology

Final written exam

Introduction: overview of the general characteristics of the interstellar medium

Fundamental processes in atomic and molecular physics for astrophysics: Einstein coefficients – collisional excitation (inelastic collisions) – statistical equilibrium – molecular rotation and vibration

Phases of the interstellar medium: H II region – cold atomic medium – molecular clouds

Interstellar chemistry: Astrochemistry: General overview – Introduction to reaction dynamics – Gas phase chemistry (neutral-neutral, ion-molecule, and other bimolecular reactions) – Chemistry on the surface of solids (grains, ice) – Prebiotic chemistry  

Interstellar dust

Photodissociation regions: thermal and dynamic processes

Radio astronomy