High Energy Astrophysics

3 credits · Undergraduate credit

Examines the underlying astrophysics of violent astronomical phenomena that produce energetic particles under exotic circumstances. Covers high-energy radiation processes and basic fluid mechanics. The physics are applied to accretion onto black holes and other compact objects and the astronomical phenomena that result. Includes study of supernovae, the origin of X-ray and Gamma-ray background radiation fields, Gamma-ray bursts, and cosmic rays.