Stellar magnetic activity (5 cr)

Last modified by Thomas Hackman on 2024/04/26 11:14

Level: Master or PhD studies studies in astronomy

Contents of the course

The aim of the course is to provide a basis for understanding stellar magnetic activity. The emphasis will be both on observations as well as theory and modelling of stellar magnetic activity. The course consists of lectures and exercises.

Preliminary schedule 2024

Lectures Wednesdays 2-4 pm in Physicum  D117, exercises approx. every 2nd Wed 4-6 pm (same room).

We 17/1/2024                          Introduction: Stellar magnetic fields PDF

We 24/1/2024                          Cause of stellar magnetic activity & Sunspots PDF

We 31/1/2024                          Manifestations of stellar magnetic activity PDF

We 7/2/2024                            Methods of observing starspots PDF + Exercise session 1 model answers PDF    

We 14/2/2024                          Stellar spot activity: Observational results and conclusions PDF + Exercise session 2 model answers PDF

We 21/2/2024                          Basic MHD concepts (lecture 1 by Maarit Korpi-Lagg) PDF

We 28/2/2024                          Solar and stellar dynamos I: Mean field models (lecture 2 by Maarit Korpi-Lagg) PDF + Exercise session 3 model answers PDF

We 13/3/2024                          Solar and stellar dynamos II ( (lecture 3 by Maarit Korpi-Lagg) PDF

We 20/3/2024                          The solar atmosphere: From the photosphere to the upper corona  (Eleanna Asvestari) PDF + Exercise session 4 model answers PDF  

We 27/3/2024                          Solar wind interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere (Ranadeep Sarkar) PDF. 

We 10/4/2024                          Magnetic activity and exoplanets PDF

We 17/4/2024                          Open questions in stellar magnetic activity PDF + Exercise session 5 model answers PDF

We 24/4/2024                          Conclusion + Exercise session 6 model answers PDF

Flinga-page

You can enter questions and opinions about the course anonymously on this Flinga-page:  https://edu.flinga.fi/s/EJW3NPS

Passing of the course

The course is passed by a final examination and exercises in connection with the lectures. The weight of the exam and exercises will be 4/5 and 1/5 respectively. The level for maximum points for the home exercises is 80%. The exam will be held on May 3, at 12 am - 4 pm in Exactum D122.

Literature

In addition to the lecture slides the following literature is useful: