Stars: properties, evolution
The interstellar medium
This course will explore the key processes of star and planetary system formation, divided into two equally lengthy parts. The first part will focus on stellar formation, addressing the stability of clouds in equilibrium, the collapse of dense cores, the stage of proto-stars and their evolution, as well as the impact of young stars on their environment. The second part will delve into planetary formation, drawing on observations of the solar system and exoplanets to study the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks, as well as the genesis of terrestrial and giant planets. The internal structures of giant and terrestrial planets will also be examined in detail. Concurrently, the formation of solar system satellites will be explored, with a particular focus on Jupiter's Galilean moons. Additionally, crucial questions regarding the habitability of these Galilean moons will be addressed in light of the ESA's JUICE and NASA's Europa-Clipper missions, scheduled to explore the Jovian system as early as the 2030s.