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Galaxies

Summary

1) Introduction: galaxy types, some handwaving formation+dynamics.

2) Stellar Dynamics: virial theorem, dynamical and relaxation times, collisionless Boltzmann equation, orbits, simple distribution functions, Jeans equations.

3) The Interstellar Medium: emission processes from gas and dust (qualitative only), models for chemical enrichment

4) Dark Matter---Rotation Curves: bulge, disk, and halo contributions

5) Dark Matter---Gravitational Lensing: basic lensing theory, microlensing optical depth

6) The Milky Way: mass via the timing argument, solar neighbourhood kinematics, the bulge, the Sgr dwarf

Sources

Lecture notes and problems       HST galaxy pictures