Newtonian mechanics must be replaced by Einstein’s special theory of relativity when dealing with particle
speeds comparable to the speed of light. As the 20th century progressed, many experimental and theoretical
problems were resolved by the special theory of relativity. For many other problems, however, neither
relativity nor classical physics could provide a theoretical answer. Attempts to apply the laws of classical
physics to explain the behavior of matter on the atomic scale were consistently unsuccessful. For example,
the emission of discrete wavelengths of light from atoms in a high temperature gas could not be explained
within the framework of classical physics. As physicists sought new ways to overcome these issues, another
revolution took place in physics between 1900 and 1930. A new theory called quantum mechanics was highly
successful in explaining the behavior of particles of microscopic size. The first explanation of a phenomenon
using quantum theory was introduced by Max Planck. Many subsequent mathematical developments and
interpretations were made by a number of distinguished physicists, including Einstein, Bohr, de Broglie,
Schrödinger, and Heisenberg.
The aim of this module is to learn the physical basis of astronomy and astrophysics. This requires mastering stellar astrophysics. The spherical astronomy and the familiarization with both variables stars and binary stars are part of the course. The main sections of the module include the following: Spherical astronomy, observations and instruments; celestial mechanics, stellar astrophysics: binary stars and stellar masses; stellar structure; variable stars; physics of compact stars; galactic and extragalactic astronomy.
Space Physics describes the behaviour of the space in the vicinity of the Earth and within the solar system
with focus on solar-terrestrial relationships. Specifically, it provides a detailed description on how solar
particles and radiation affect the Earth and near-Earth space through the solar wind and magnetosphere
coupling. Space physics as the study of Earth’s home in space, includes:
1. the study of how the Sun works from its interior to its surface and its atmosphere (the corona), including
the causes of eruptions on the Sun marking times of high solar activity,
2. the characterization of the environment between the Sun and the planets out to the interstellar medium,
including the solar wind and energetic cosmic rays from outside the solar system,
3. the study of the interaction of the magnetic barriers (magnetospheres) surrounding Earth and other
planets with the interplanetary environment, particularly during times of high solar activity,
4. the study of Earth’s ionized upper atmosphere (the ionosphere) and its interaction with Earth’s neutral
lower atmosphere.
Space Physics introduces also the concept of space weather and how this is monitored, and its adverse
impacts on technologies and society. Space weather is a fundamental part of the study of space and has an
importance not only in understanding the universe, but also in our practical everyday life such as communi-
cation, satellite safety and applications.