DATES: November 10th to 12th, daily from 9:30-11:00 November 13th, from 9:30 to 12:00

This is a course in five lessons of two hours each, that provides a global view of Galactic Dynamics, as applied to our Milky Way Galaxy. Ten hours within a week is not the best way to learn a subject, particularily one as vast as our subject. This course should not be viewed as a replacement on a proper course on Galactic Dynamics and on the structure of our Galaxy, but rather as a global review of the subject, or as an introduction. PDF copies of all slides will be provided to the students, so they can have a reference. The course is split as follows:

I. Dynamical highlights:

A very brief description of the main components of our Galaxy. Frames of reference: Heliocentric, galactocentric and all those frames neede to describe our Galaxy. From galactic kinematics to dynamics: How is one different from the other? Some curious things about gravity: it’s name tells all.

II. Collisional issues:

When things go bang! (and when they don’t) Basic Theory: when we introduce the basic equations. Potential theory: The stage where dynamics takes place.

III. Building models:

Putting everything together in phase space. The role of orbits: The basic dynamical units in phase space. Orbits for the right side of the brain: An overview of the orbital zoo.

IV. Building models revisited:

Putting everything together with orbits. The method of moments: When partial information is all we need. V. Evolution: Dynamics in a time dependent system. Relaxation in time varying potentials: Stirring up things in phase space. Violent relaxation: Shaking up things in phase space.