AY1 Section: The Physics of Black Holes
TA: Elina Brobeck (elina@tapir.caltech.edu, 02 Kellogg, x4370)
Section meets Friday 2pm in 257 Sloan
As requested, this section will focus on the physics of black holes. Please look through the handouts before coming to class and be prepared to ask questions on anything you don't understand.
Since we didn't have a real section on the first week, we will not spend as much time on white dwarfs and neutron stars. Instead there will be a quick overview and then we will start focussing on black holes.
Handout 1: Compact Objects (PDF)
Handout 1: Compact Objects (PS)
This week we will cover some of the basic properties of black holes, including formation, event horizons, and Hawking radiation.
Handout 2: Basic Properties (PDF)
Handout 2: Basic Properties (PS)
This section will be an introduction to the general relativistic description of black holes. It would be impossible to derive the mathematical descriptions in one class, but we can look at some of the interesting properties that come out of the ideas of GR.
Handout 3: General Relativity (PDF)
Handout 3: General Relativity (PS)
At this point we will look at any special topics of interest to the class, and start thinking about the class project. Possible subtopics include: wormholes, space travel, energy extraction, current observations, gravitational waves, evolution of supermassive black holes, etc., etc.... Start thinking about what interests you!