Physics of the Sun

Recommended Prerequisites

Introduction to Astrophysics.

Teaching Methods

Theory/theoretical-practical classes, complemented by the discussion of examples. Discussions during classes, both individual and in group,  are encouraged. Students are also accompanied individually to discuss their work and to identify any difficulties.

Learning Outcomes

The aim is to provide students with information about the Sun, taking into account the multiple spatial and temporal scales associated with the respective physical phenomena, seeking to go beyond similar programs, not restricting itself to the study of the phenomena of the solar atmosphere, but also addressing aspects of internal structure and evolution.

The phenomenology underlying solar activity and energy transport is also an opportunity to study plasmas. The second part of the curricular unit is dedicated to studying the most significant aspects of plasma physics.

It is also intended to discuss aspects of solar activity that have implications for the Earth's climate, and economic and social activity.

The main skills to be developed are: ability to analyze and synthesize; ability to formulate and solve problems; ability to work in groups; critical reasoning; autonomous learning capacity; and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. The Sun as is observed
1.1 Basic quantities: mass, radius, luminosity, effective temperature, chemical composition, age, heliosismology, flux and spectrum of solar neutrinos
2. The Standard Solar Model
2.1 Equations of the internal structure and the evolution of a star
2.2 Predictions of the standard solar model
2.2.1 Internal structure
2.2.2 Evolution of the Sun
3. Plasmas on earth and in space
4. The kinetic theory of a plasma
4.1 Boltzmann's transport equation; eq. of Vlasov.
4.2 equations of transport of momentum and energy.
5. Hydrodynamics of plasmas.
5.1 magnetohydrodynamics
5.2 diffusion in plasmas
5.3 oscillations and waves in plasmas
6. Extensions to the Standard Solar Model
6.1 Exterior structure of the sun
6.2 Solar activity
6.2.1 Model of dynamo and model of planetary interaction with tacocline
6.2.2 Differential rotation, convection, granulation, solar wind, etc.
7. Impacts of solar activity on on Earth - Space Weather.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ricardo Jorge Maranhas Gafeira

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment
Research work: 30.0%
Frequency: 70.0%

Final assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Oddbjørn Engvold, Jean-Claude Vial, Andrew Skumanich, The Sun as a Guide to Stellar Physics, (2019)

S.K. Solanki, Living Reviews in Solar Physics, Online jounal and open access
(https://www.springer.com/astronomy/astrophysics+and+astroparticles/journal/41116)

Peter V. Foukal, Solar Astrophysics, (2013)

Dermott J. Mullan, Physics of the Sun: A First Course, (2022)

Michael Stix, The Sun: An Intruduction, (2002).

A. Piel, Plasma Physics, (2010)

U. S. Iran and M. Golkowski, Principles of Plasma Physics for Engineers and Scientists, (2011).