Dec 26, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2022-2023 
    
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Rensselaer Catalog 2022-2023 [Archived Catalog]

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ASTR 4240 - Gravitation and Cosmology

Introduction to the physics of gravitation and spacetime. Special relativity, tensor calculus, and relativistic electrodynamics. General relativity with selected applications of Einstein’s field equations (gravitational time dilation; gravitational lensing; frame dragging; gravitational radiation). The physics of nonrotating and rotating black holes. Relativistic models for the large-scale structure of the Universe. Observational constraints on the cosmological parameters. Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the Cosmic Background Radiation. A culminating experience project is required. (Meets with PHYS 4240.)

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHYS 4330  and MATH 4600 .

When Offered: Spring term annually.



Cross Listed: Cross listed with PHYS 4240 . Students cannot receive credit for both ASTR 4240 and PHYS 4240 .

Credit Hours: 4


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