B030875 - Stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis

English

Stellar physics and the origin of chemical elements. The different nucleosynthetic processes occurring over the lifetime of stars; and the pollution/distribution of elements throughout the cosmos (e.g. through stellar winds, supernovae, neutron star mergers). Implication for the chemical evolution of galaxies. The use of observational data and theoretical models in constraining and understanding stellar physics and nucleosynthesis.

There is not a unique reference text. For different arguments we will use parts of text books (e.g. Pagel, 2009: “Nucleosynthesis and Chemical Evolution of Galaxies” 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press) and reviews (e.g. Burbidge et al. 1957, “Synthesis of the Elements in Stars”; Sneden, Cowan, and Gallino, 2008, “Neutron-capture elements in the early galaxy”; Nomoto, Kobayashi and Tominaga 2013 “Nucleosynthesis in Stars and the Chemical Enrichment of Galaxies”) that will be specifically indicated during the course.

Knowledge acquired: A general understanding of the origin of the chemical elements and their build-up with cosmic time. This includes understanding stellar evolution and different nucleosynthetic channels, as well as the basics of galactic chemical evolution, and its modelling.

Competence acquired: Knowledge of the current status in the field, and awareness of the most important open questions, and the foreseen progress in the coming years, especially in regard to large spectroscopic surveys.

Skills acquired (at the end of the course): to be able to follow seminars and to read literature papers. To be able to critically interpret results from observations of stellar abundances, as well as those of chemical evolution models.

Courses to be used as requirements (required and/or recommended) 
Courses required: none 
Courses recommended: 
Astrofisica

CFU: 6 
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc.): 150 
 Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 48

Office hours: 
On request 
Dr. Stefania Salvadori Physics & Astronomy Department 
e-mail: stefania.salvadori@unifi.it 
tel: 055 4572092, 055 2752 239 
http://www.arcetri.astro.it/~ssalvadori

Exam modality: oral examination

The formation of chemical elements from the Big Bang to the present day, and the distribution of elements throughout various environments. Stellar evolution (e.g. various stellar burning phases), and the physics of nucleosynthesis, properties of nuclei, nuclear reactions in stars and their explosions. The elemental production of the first zero-metallicity population III to present day stars. The production of elements heavier than iron by the so-called s-, i-, and r-processes. The distribution of the various elements throughout the interstellar medium, and beyond. Chemical evolution models of galaxies: the basic ingredients (e.g. initial conditions, stellar initial mass function, stellar yields, gas flows) and application in regards to real galaxies. Galactic archaeology; chemical evolution of galaxies as seen through chemical abundance analysis of individual stars in the Milky Way and beyond. The role of observations in constraining theory and how they can further our understanding of stellar physics and nucleosynthesis. In this context a particular focus will be put on the importance of stellar clusters. An overview of recent, ongoing and upcoming large spectroscopic surveys, and their foreseen role in advancing the field.