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Caltech Course Catalog / 2025-2026 Catalog / Courses 2025-26 / Physics of Stars

Ay 101 - Physics of Stars

Ay 101

Physics of Stars

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ay 20 is recommended. Ph 2 abc or Ph 12 abc is recommended.
Physics of stellar interiors and stellar atmospheres. Stellar structure including nucleosynthesis in the cores of stars and energy transport. Stellar evolution. Fundamental properties of stars. The H-R diagram. Stellar spectra, radiative transfer, and spectral line formation. Additional topics may include: stellar oscillations, rotation, mass loss, binary evolution.
Instructor: Hillenbrand
Published Date: Aug. 29, 2025