Syllabus,+Astrophysical+Dynamics

Astrophysical Dynamics

 * 1) Two-body problem: orbital elements, hyperbolic flyby, gravitational focusing (solar system, exoplanets) (2)
 * 2) Three-body problem: perturbation theory, secular perturbations, resonances, migration, stability (solar system, exoplanets) (3)
 * 3) Tides (1)
 * 4) Galactic potentials and stellar orbits: integrals of motion, phase space (2)
 * 5) Milky Way structure (1)
 * 6) Observed properties of galaxies (2)
 * 7) The (collisionless) Boltzmann equation: Jeans theorems, Jeans equations, model distribution functions (galaxies, globular clusters) (3)
 * 8) Relaxation and collisions, dynamical friction (1)
 * 9) Time evolution of stellar systems: core collapse, gravothermal catastrophe, violent relaxation, phase mixing (1)
 * 10) The Fokker-Planck approximation: application to globular clusters (1)
 * 11) Stability of stellar systems: Jeans instability (2)
 * 12) Spiral structure (1)

Texts:
 * Binney & Tremaine, //Galactic Dynamics//
 * Murray & Dermott, //Solar System Dynamics//