PHYSICS 233: Interstellar Medium

This course covers the basic physical processes that regulate the state of diffuse gas in (and around) galaxies. Topics covered include -- Observed Properties of the Interstellar Medium; Fundamentals of Radiative Transfer; Ionization and Thermal Equilibrium of Gaseous Nebulae; Spectral Line Formation; Nebular Emission Line Diagnostics; Absorption Lines and Curve of Growth Techniques; Observed Properties of Interstellar Dust; Observations of Molecular Gas and the X Factor; and Photo-dissociation Regions. Students will develop the background required to understand current research centered on diffuse gas in and around galaxies and the intergalactic medium.

Web page: http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~phys233/w2014

Primary Textbooks:
Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium, Bruce T. Draine; errata 1 errata 2
Astrophysics of Gaseous Nebulae, Donald Osterbrock

Additional Textbooks:
Physical Processes in the ISM, Spitzer
Astrophysics of the Diffuse Universe, Dopita & Sutherland
Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure I-III, by Herzberg
Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, Rybicki & Lightman
The Physics of the Interstellar Medium, Dyson & Williams
The Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium, Tielens


Review Articles:
Coming Soon

Grading:
Homeworks (including Grading) 20%
Class Presentation I 20%
Class Presentation II 20%
Final Exam 40%

Policies:
Attend class and participate in discussions. No late homework unless an exception is granted at the time the assignment is made.

Units in Astronomy:
Astrophysical Formulae by Lang
Allen's Astrophysical Quantities ed. Cox
1 pc = 3.0856 x 10¹⁸ cm
m_AB = -2.5 log f_ \nu - 48.60
1 M_ {\odot} = 1.989 x 10³³ g
1 L_{\odot} = 3.826 x 10³³ erg/s

Useful Astro Surf Sites: