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| SPAT0007-2 | Variable stars
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| Duration : | 20h Th, 10h Pr |
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| Credits/ECTS : |
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| Holder(s) : | Grégor Rauw |
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| Language : | French language |
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| Course contents : | The observational properties of many different categories of variable stars (including single and multiple objects) are presented. Various techniques to study these objects are described and the latest models derived from these observations are presented.
For single stars, the lectures focus on the different categories of pulsating stars across the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram as well as their period-luminosity relations. The variability of massive stars, mainly due to structures in their stellar winds, is also described. An important part of the course deals with multiple systems harbouring two or more stars. We consider the techniques used to infer fundamental stellar parameters (masses, radii,...) from the study of spectroscopic and eclipsing binaries. We also discuss interacting binaries, such as cataclysmic variables, novae, X-ray binaries,... |
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| Course objective : | In astrophysics you are only allowed to watch your targets, you cannot manipulate them in a lab. Therefore, it is important to gather as much information as possible to understand the nature of the objects that are being investigated. In this context, temporal variability provides a precious tool. After completing this course, the students will be able to answer notably three major questions:
- What are the general properties of variable stars?
- How to extract the most relevant information from their spectra and/or light curves?
- How to interpret the observed variability?
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| Prerequisites : | Good knowledge of mathematics, physics and classical mechanics. |
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| Workshops : | During several hand-on sessions, the students have the opportunity to analyze the light curve of an eclipsing binary system using dedicated software. |
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| Organization : | The lectures are usually scheduled as 2h/week during the first semester. |
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| Written notes : | The lecture notes are provided in French. A hardcopy can
be purchased for 6 euro. The pdf file is available for free. |
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| Assessment : | The assessment is composed of two parts: 25% based upon a short, written report on the workshop and another 75% based upon an oral examination. |
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| Contacts : | Gregor Rauw
Chargé de Cours
Institut d'Astrophysique et Géophysique, Bât. B5c,
Allée du 6 Août, 17
4000 Liège
Tel. +32-(0)4 366 9740
e-mail: rauw@astro.ulg.ac.be |
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| Remarks : | N/A |
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