10767 - Astronomical Spectroscopy

Academic Year 2009/2010

  • Docente: Maria Grazia Giorgini
  • Credits: 3
  • SSD: CHIM/02
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Astronomy (cod. 0095)

Learning outcomes

To provide the basic elements of atomic and molecular spectroscopy for the interpretation of the spectral lines most commonly used in astronomical investigations and for the comprehension of the information that can be extracted.

 

 

Course contents

Energy levels in many-electron atoms and ions. Electronic, vibrational, rotational energy levels in simple molecules. Matter-radiation interaction: absorption and emission of radiation; the Fermi's golden rule. Spectroscopic transitions in atoms and molecules; forbidden transitions and competition with collisional processes. Stellar spectra: lines of atoms i ( H, He,N, Ca I in binary stars) and ions ; molecular lines ( C2). Spectra of ISM: auroral and nebular lines (OIII,NII); molecular spectra (CO,OH); Cosmic Masers (OH): frequencies and pumping mechanisms in red giants.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes

Astronomical Spectroscopy
J. Tennyson, Imperial College Press, Vol. 2, London 2004 

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Teaching tools

Slide projector

Black board 

Office hours

See the website of Maria Grazia Giorgini