Astrophysics

Welcome to an introduction to astrophysics!

Astrophysics (Astro = star, physics = nature) is the science that explores physics on a greater scale, aiming to explain the nature of space. These include the physical properties of stellar objects such as neutron stars, black holes, planets, dark matter, the motion of extraterrestrial objects, and the interstellar medium. An expansion of this is cosmology, which is theoretical astrophysics on a much larger scale.

Course Summary
Portal:Physical Sciences

School:Physics and Astronomy

Department: Astrophysics

Level: Secondary and Undergraduate

Suggested Prerequisites: It is recommended that you have the following. If you have not brushed up on your skills in awhile or you are still in the learning process, you are encouraged to participate in the Wikiversity math and science resources before proceeding to more advanced study in radiation astronomy or physics.
 * Basic understanding of Algebra
 * Some exposure to basic Physics and Chemistry

Total Time Investment:

About 20 hours may be needed for all the resources.

Assessment Suggestions:

Try some of the quizzes!

Student Learning Goals
Following the end of this course, students should be able to:


 * 1) know some of the differences between physics and radiation astronomy,
 * 2) name at least one physics theory that has had some success in astronomy,
 * 3) have an idea of what nucleosynthesis is,
 * 4) be aware of at least one puzzle that astrophysics has yet to solve, and
 * 5) name the most extensive medium in the Universe.

Resources

 * Introduction to astrophysics, an entry in Wikipedia.
 * Search for Introduction to astrophysics at Wikiversity

Learning materials
Learning materials and learning projects are located in the main Wikiversity namespace. Simply make a link to the name of the lesson (lessons are independent pages in the main namespace) and start writing!

You should also read about the Learning model. Lessons should center on learning activities for Wikiversity participants. Learning materials and learning projects can be used by multiple projects. Cooperate with other departments that use the same learning resource.


 * Study guide:

Texts
General Astrophysics

Astrophysics

the Universe

Lectures

 * Astrognosy
 * Radiation astronomy
 * Astrophysics
 * Coronal cloud
 * Cosmic-ray astronomy
 * Electron astronomy
 * Heliophysics
 * Magnetohydrodynamics
 * Muon astronomy
 * Neutrino astronomy
 * Nucleosynthesis
 * Radiation detectors
 * Radiation physics
 * Radiative dynamo
 * Standard solar model
 * Star fission
 * Stellar surface fusion
 * Superluminal astronomy

Assignments

 * First X-ray source in Apus

Activities

 * Astrognosy/Laboratory
 * Cosmogony laboratory
 * Electric orbits
 * Locating the Sun
 * Neutrinos from the Sun

Articles

 * Earth-impact events
 * Highest temperature on Jupiter
 * Microquasar
 * Stellar evolution

Quizzes

 * Radiation astronomy/Quiz
 * Astrophysics/Quiz
 * Coronal cloud/Quiz
 * Magnetohydrodynamics/Quiz
 * Nucleosynthesis/Quiz
 * Radiation detectors/Quiz
 * Radiation physics/Quiz
 * Radiative dynamo/Quiz
 * Standard solar model/Quiz
 * Star fission/Quiz