HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS

The expected learning outcomes to be achieved upon successful completion of the course concern knowledge of the main physical processes responsible for the emission and propagation of high-energy radiation and particles in astrophysical contexts, as well as of the main high-energy phenomena and galactic and extragalactic sources.

In particular, with reference to the so-called Dublin Descriptors, the course aims to provide students with the following knowledge and skills:

Knowledge and Understanding

• knowledge and understanding of the main physical processes underlying high-energy astrophysics;

• knowledge of the main high-energy phenomena and sources in galactic and extragalactic environments, including supernovae, supernova remnants, active galactic nuclei, and compact sources;

• understanding of the significance and role of multimessenger astronomy in the study of high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

• applying the physical concepts and models studied to the interpretation of high-energy astrophysical phenomena;

• identifying the main physical processes responsible for the observed emission from different classes of astrophysical sources;

• interpreting, qualitatively and, where appropriate, quantitatively, observations and phenomena associated with electromagnetic radiation, cosmic rays, and neutrinos;

• using the knowledge acquired to analyse basic problems concerning radiative processes and particle–radiation interactions in astrophysical environments.

• critically assessing the suitability of different physical processes for interpreting an astrophysical phenomenon or observation;

• comparing different physical scenarios for the origin of high-energy emission;

• interpreting the results of basic analyses and drawing well-founded conclusions based on the physical knowledge acquired;

• recognising the main limitations and assumptions of the physical models used to describe high-energy astrophysical sources.

• using the terminology of high-energy astrophysics appropriately;

• clearly and rigorously describing and discussing the main physical processes and astrophysical phenomena covered in the course;

• presenting and discussing basic problems and results in high-energy astrophysics using appropriate physical and mathematical formalisms.

• using the knowledge acquired as a basis for the independent study of more advanced topics in astrophysics, particle physics, and multimessenger astronomy;

• identifying and using appropriate bibliographic sources and scientific resources to further explore the topics covered;

• developing the ability to independently address new astrophysical problems and phenomena by applying the physical principles acquired.

The teaching activities consist of lectures and practical sessions (complemented - where available - by participation in seminars in the field of high-energy astrophysics). The practical sessions involve both guided and independent problem-solving activities and exercises aimed at applying the concepts and methods presented during the lectures. Innovative teaching methods, such as flipped classroom, brainstorming, and cooperative learning, may also be adopted.

Should the course be delivered in blended or fully online mode, the teaching arrangements described in this syllabus may be modified as necessary, with the aim of ensuring, as far as possible, the achievement of the intended learning objectives and the delivery of the course content, as outlined in the respective sections “Expected Learning Outcomes” and “Course Contents”.

INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS
Basis concetpts on the astrophysics of high energy processes and their application in astrophysical contexts; the sky in different astronomical wavebands; cosmic ray astrophysics and other non-electromagnetic astronomies.

PHYSICAL PROCESSES 
Ionisation losses; radiation of accelerated charged particles and bremsstrahlung of electrons; synchrotron radiation;  interactions of high energy photons; and nuclear interactions.

GALACTIC AND EXTRAGALACTIC HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS
Supernovae and similar transients (including their role on multimessenger astronomy and the high energy neutrinos emission in interacting Supernovae); Supernova remnants; active galactic nuclei; compact extragalactic sources and "superluminal" motions.

Contribution of teaching to the Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The course contributes to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda primarily by providing advanced scientific education (SDG 4 – Quality Education) and developing skills in research and technological innovation (SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), while also promoting an interdisciplinary and international perspective, in line with SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

1) Malcolm S. Longair, “High-Energy Astrophysics”, Cambridge University Press.

For further readings:

• Rosswog et al., “Introduction to High-Energy Astrophysics”, Cambridge University Press;
• Courvoisier, “High Energy Astrophysics: An Introduction”, Springer;
• Rybicky & Lightman, "Radiative Processes in Astrophysics", Wiley.

A few selected additional resources (e.g. papers, seminar slides, web pages) may be provided to complement the material in the main textbook. These resources are intended to stimulate students’ interest in specific topics and broaden their knowledge of the state of the art in high-energy astrophysics.

Assessment is based on an oral examination. Students are required to prepare a presentation, as a prerequisite for the examination, on one or more topics included in the “Course Contents” section. The topic of the presentation will be chosen by the student in agreement with the course instructor.

The oral examination, typically lasting 40–50 minutes, consists of: 1) delivery of the presentation; and 2) discussion of additional topics included in the “Course Contents” section.

The final grade will be based equally on the student’s demonstrated proficiency in qualitative and quantitative reasoning, critical understanding of the topics covered, and clarity of presentation.

N.B. The assessment may also be conducted remotely if circumstances so require.

EXAM DATES 
Please refer to the following webpages:

• https://www.dfa.unict.it/corsi/lm-17/esami
• https://studenti.smartedu.unict.it

Please note that EXAM REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY through the Smart_Edu platform. Students who have not registered will not be allowed to take the examination.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND/OR SLDs

In order to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students concerned may request a personal meeting to discuss and arrange any appropriate compensatory and/or exemption measures, according to the learning objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’Integrazione Attiva e Partecipata – Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) faculty contact person at the DFA.

• «Present and discuss in detail one of the following radiative processes of astrophysical interest: bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering, or inverse Compton scattering, describing its physical mechanism, the resulting spectrum, and its main astrophysical applications»;

• «Discuss high-energy neutrino emission in interacting Supernovae»;

• «Describe the evolution of the light curve of a Type II-P Supernova, relating it to the structure and composition of the progenitor at the time of core collapse, the physical mechanism responsible for the explosion, and the main processes governing the production, deposition, and transport of energy in the ejecta»;

• «Describe the structure of an active galactic nucleus and discuss the main emission processes associated with the different components of the source».