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Comparing stars

Offered By: The Open University via OpenLearn

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Astronomy Courses Astrophysics Courses Stellar Evolution Courses

Course Description

Overview

The course aims to help learners understand the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, stellar masses, stellar evolution, and observing through the interstellar medium. By the end of the course, students will be able to construct the H-R diagram, identify the main classes of stars, explain the distribution of stars on the diagram, and explore the interstellar space using stars as probes. The teaching method includes theoretical explanations, practical examples, and observational techniques. This course is designed for individuals interested in astronomy, astrophysics, or space science.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
  • 1 The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
  • 1.1 Constructing the H-R diagram
  • 1.2 The main classes of stars
  • 1.3 How can we explain the distribution of stars on the H-R diagram?
  • 1.4 Stellar masses and stellar evolution
  • 1.5 Star clusters and stellar evolution
  • 2 Observing through the interstellar medium
  • 2 Observing through the interstellar medium
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Interstellar space is not empty
  • 2.3 The effect of interstellar gas
  • 2.4 The effect of interstellar dust
  • 2.5 Using stars to probe the interstellar medium
  • 3 Summary
  • 3 Summary
  • 3.1 The H-R diagram
  • 3.1.1 Stellar masses and stellar evolution
  • 3.1.2 Star clusters and stellar evolution
  • 3.1.3 Observing through the interstellar medium
  • 4 Questions
  • 4 Questions
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements

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