Astrophysics III 1104-5A11

A brief introduction to binary evolution is presented with the emphasis
on the formation of compact object binaries. Such binaries are analyzed in the context of gravitational wave astronomy.

1. Binary evolution
2. Formation of compact object binaries
3. Introduction to gravitational wave astronomy
4. Detection of gravitational waves.
5. Light deflection in gravitational field.
6. Application of gravitational lensing (dark matter structure, distance
determination, mass distribution in space, limits on cosmological
parameters).
7. Gravitational microlensing, applications, e.g. planets
8. Supernovae
9. Unusual supernove and other rare transients

Modeling of the gravitational lensing is based on its description in the weak field approximation of general relativity (GR), however the lecture does not require full knowledge of GR. The applications assume some knowledge of astrophysics and cosmology.
Basics of the gravitational lensing will be described, especially the microlensing. Other topics will concentrate on transient phenomena, like supernovae, novae, dwarf novae, including new and rare types of cosmological explosions: tidal disruption events, super-luminous supernovae, luminous red novae, etc.

Prepared by: Tomasz Bulik and Lukasz Wyrzykowski, Oct.2012