ASTR 688M, High Energy Astrophysics

Physics in the extreme - strong-gravity general relativity, quantum electrodynamics in ultrastrong magnetic fields, and other topics - is encountered in high-energy astrophysics. The course will introduce the fundamentals of the subject, with a focus on compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars, and will also survey recent exciting developments in this field. Topics include general relativity, accreting neutron stars and black holes, and gamma-ray bursts.

NOTE: Classes will be in CSS 0201 on Mondays at 3:30 to 4:45 and Wednesdays at 12:30-1:45.

Final is Wednesday, December 13, in class from 2:00 to 4:00. The exam is closed-book and closed-notes. Please bring a calculator, but don't pre-program in equations or notes!

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