The physics of solar flares, coronal mass ejections and the solar wind will be described. A discussion of the similarities and differences to stellar flares and coronal mass ejections will follow. An introduction to the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets, the impact of stellar phenomena on exoplanets and in particular on their potential habitability will be given.
Learning objective
The main goal of the course is to give the students an overview of physical phenomena that lead to impacts on the Earth, planets and exoplanets. The areas described are at the forefront of scientific research internationally, and touch on significant questions such as ‘is there life on other planets’. These topics will be of interest to students studying astrophysics, earth science and planetary sciences.
Literature
"Astronomy and Astrophysics", Zeilik and Gregory "Universe", Freedman and Kaufmann Living review "The Sun in time: activity and environment" Güdel "Solar Astrophysics", Peter Foukal "Host stars and their effect on Exoplanet Atmospheres", Jeffrey Linsky
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course