Astronomy: Dynamical Astronomy

Education facts

Code: ASTM28

<p>In this course you will learn a number of basic concepts that are used to describe gravitationally dominated dynamic systems within astronomy (for example star clusters, galaxies and galaxy groups), and how to apply these concepts to analyse such systems by means of observational data.</p><p>The course contains the following parts: Newtonian gravitation and dynamics. Reference systems and units. Galactic coordinates. Astrometry and the determination of the distance, the motion and distribution. The HR-diagram and the stellar colours, luminosities and ages of stars. Stellar kinematics. Circular motions. The motion of the sun and the local velocity standard. The rotation curve, differential galactic rotation and Oort's constants. Force, potential, and Poisson’s equation. Non-circular motion in the galactic plane. The potential of the galaxy and galactic orbits. Statistical description of distributions and motions. The phase space, the collision free Boltzmann equation and Jeans's equations. Applications of the Jeans equations to dynamical determination of masses and mass density.</p>

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the course, students must have 75 credits in Physics and 45 credits in Mathematics, or a Bachelor of Science in Physics, in both cases including knowledge corresponding to FYSB24 Atomic and Molecular Physics, 7.5 credits, FYSC22 Nuclear Physics, 7.5 credits, and English 6/B.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Astronomy: Dynamical Astronomy

  Lund University

  Start date: 2 November 2026

  End date: 17 January 2027

  Pace of study: 50 %