Learning of the main aspects of astronomy in the high energy range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with particular emphasis in the soft X-ray energy range: working principles of modern telescopes; properties of different classes of high energy sources, starting from the most recent observational results.
Course Prerequisites
Basic courses in Physics; Introductory Astronomy is suggested.
Teaching Methods
Lectures. Possible to schedule hands-on sessions (6-8 hours) devoted to an introduction to analysis of data collected by the ESA/XMM-Newton space observatory.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination, including a 15-minute presentation of a topic chosen by the student.
Texts
F.D. Seward, P.A. Charles, Exploring the X-ray universe, Cambridge University Press, 2010; A. Siemiginowska, K. Arnaud, Handbook of X-ray astronomy, Cambridge University Press; W. R. Leo, Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiment. Springer-Verlag Berlin; M. Longair, High energy astrophysics 3rd edition, Cambridge University Press, 2011; H. Bradt, Astrophysics Processes, Cambridge University Press, 2008; H. Bradt, Astronomy Methods, Cambridge University Press, 2004; W. Heitler, The Quantum Theory Of Radiation, Dover Publications, Inc., 2003; G.B. Rybicki and A.P. Lightman, Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, John Wiley & Sons, 2004; Review papers and notes given by the teacher
Contents
Multiwavelength astronomy. Interaction between radiation and matter. Photoelectric effect. Charged particle-matter interaction: stopping power. Radiative transport equation. Bremsstrahlung radiation. Synchrotron radiation. Compton scattering, inverse Compton and Comptonization. Pair production and photon absorption. Emission lines. Astrophysical shocks. Detectors for X-ray astronomy. Optics for X-ray astronomy. Experiments and space missions devoted to X-ray astronomy. Phenomenology of cosmic X-ray sources: low-mass stars; high-mass stars; supernovae; supernova remnants; isolated neutron stars; accreting binary systems; active galactic nuclei; clusters of galaxies; cosmic X-ray background radiation; gamma-ray bursts. Fundamental physics in astrophysical environment. It is possible to schedule a short series of hands-on sessions dedicated to an introduction to soft X-ray data analysis: the ESA/XMM-Newton observatory and its data; imaging analysis; time series analysis; spectroscopy.
