Introduction to Solar Physics
Course Code:
Course Name: Introduction to Solar Physics
Credits: 3.0
Level: Undergraduate
Pre-requisite: Theoretical mechanics, electrodynamics, mathematical physics methods, and general astronomy.
Lecture Time: 48 hours (3 hours/session, 1 sessions/week, 16 weeks, 48 hours)
Course Description
This course covers not only almost all the fundamental knowledge for the study of solar physics, which is basic and systematic, but also the introduction and discussion of some frontier challenging issues in solar physics. By studying this course, students are expected to grasp the basic concepts, theoretical models, main observational methods and important progresses in solar physics, to understand the main research methods, unsolved problems and research directions, and to lay solid foundations for further study of Astrophysics and the research of solar physics.
Topics
1. Overview of solar physics
1.1 The significance and challenge on solar physics
1.2 Structures of the Sun and basic parameters
1.3 Solar rotation and solar radiation
1.4 The quiet Sun and solar activity
1.5 Solar magnetic field
1.6 Solar observational techniques
2. The internal structure and radiation of the Sun
2.1 The basic equation for determining the internal structure of the Sun
2.2 The chemical composition of the Sun
2.3 The radiation of the Sun
2.4 Absorption coefficient and opacity of the Sun
2.5 Standard solar model
2.7 Evolution of the Sun
3. Solar electrodynamics
3.1 Basic properties of plasma
3.2 Solar magnetic flux tube
3.3 Fluctuation in plasma
4. The chromosphere, the corona and the solar wind
4.1 Radiation transfer in photosphere
4.2 Solar irradiance and spectral distribution of solar irradiance
4.3 Limb darkness, continuous absorption and photosphere model
4.4 Chromosphere and transition region
4.5 Coronal heating
4.6 Coronal structure and physical model
4.7 Extrapolation of coronal magnetic fields
4.8 Solar wind and heliosphere
5. Solar activity phenomenon
5.1 Sunspots and solar cycle
5.2 The origin of solar activity and the theory of dynamos
5.3 Prominence and filaments
5.4 Solar flare
5.5 Coronal mass ejections
6. Solar-terrestrial relationship and the prediction of solar activity
6.1 Space environment near the earth
6.2 The influence of solar activity on the interplanetary space
6.3 The prediction of solar activity and space weather
Some Textbook References
[1] Lin, Yuanzhang, introduction of solar physics, 2000, Science Press
[2] Michael Stix, The Sun, 2002, Springer
[3] Eric Priest, Magnetohydrodynamics of the Sun, 2014, Cambridge University
[4] Arnab Rai Choudhuri, The Physics of Fluids and Plasmas, 1999, Cambridge University
