Astronomy, space and time Books

Book SynopsisDescribes the branch of astronomy in which processes in the universe are investigated with experimental methods employed in particle-physics experiments. After a historical introduction the basics of elementary particles, Explains particle interactions and the relevant detection techniques, while modern aspects of astroparticle physics are described in a chapter on cosmology. Provides an orientation in the field of astroparticle physics that many beginners might seek and appreciate because the underlying physics fundamentals are presented with little mathematics, and the results are illustrated by many diagrams. Readers have a chance to enter this field of astronomy with a book that closes the gap between expert and popular level.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: "In astroparticle physics techniques known from particle physics experiments are applied to investigate the universe … . Grupen presents an introduction and overview of the main ideas and concepts of this rapidly growing field of research. Written in a very clear and readable fashion it is accessible to a broad audience. … is enriched with many diagrams and illustrations, increasing the readability of the text. … Grupen’s book is really a must-have for anyone looking for a good starting point in … astroparticle physics." (Michael Tytgat, Physicalia, Vol. 28 (4-6), 2006) "Astroparticle Physics is a timely attempt to describe the status of a booming field at the interface of astrophysics, particle physics, and cosmology that has produced so many exciting results over the past few years. The format of the book, with the wide margin for keywords and figures, the extensive glossary, and the problems for each section (with detailed solutions), make it very readable and provide a good starting point for undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in astroparticle physics." (Johannes Knapp, The Observatory, Vol. 126 (1192), 2006) "This book … covers a wide range and requires a good grounding in modern physics to be useful. … Included are a mathematical appendix and an appendix on the results from statistical physics necessary to understand the thermodynamics of the early universe. These additions make the book a good introduction to this rapidly moving subject. Each chapter offers problems with solutions, and a 26-page comprehensive index and references are included. A very useful book for the right reader. Summing Up: Recommended." (K. W. Ogilvie, CHOICE, March, 2006) "Claus Grupen provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the main ideas and terminology of the study of elementary particles originating from astrophysical objects. … The style and presentation of the material make the book accessible to a broad audience … . A good selection of simple exercises with solution increases its pedagogical value and makes it suitable as a textbook for an undergraduate course. Non-specialists who want to follow the main issues of current research in the field … also benefit from Grupen’s book." (Marcello Lissia, CERN Courier, Vol. 46 (1), 2006) "In the present context, Astroparticle Physics consists of the studies of charged cosmic rays, neutrinos, gamma rays, X-rays and cosmology. … The index is magnificent and there is a good, relevant, mathematical appendix plus a glossary of terms which is actually useful. Best of all, there are worthwhile problems at the end of each chapter, complete with full solutions at the end of the book. … this is a well written, well produced, text for a new field at a reasonable price." (Roger Clay, Australian Physics, Vol. 42 (5), 2005)Table of ContentsHistorical Introduction.- The Standard Model of Elementary Particles.- Kinematics and Cross Sections.- Physics of Particle and Radiation Detection.- Acceleration Mechanisms.- Primary Cosmic Rays.- Secondary Cosmic Rays.- Cosmology.- The Early Universe.- Big Bang Nucleosynthesis.- The Cosmic Microwave Background.- Inflation.- Dark Matter.- Astrobiology.- Outlook.- Solutions.

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Book SynopsisIn the third edition a number of minor misprints that appeared in the second edition have have been corrected. Furthermore, 17 new problems have been added, at the end of chapters 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14. The answers to these 17 problems have not been listed in the 'Answers' section at the end of the book. This will permit the problems to be used as hand-in problems or perhaps in mid-term exams. JMK €9 PGH Copenhagen May 2000 Preface to the Second Edition In the second edition, a number of misprints that appeared in the first edition have been corrected. In addition to this, we have made improvements based on the experience gathered in the use of the first English edition of the book in the introductory course in physics at the University of Copenhagen. A chapter introducing nonlinear dynamics has been added. The purpose of this chapter is to provide supplementary reading for the students who are interested in this area of active research, where Newtonian mechanics plays an essential role. The students who wish to dig deeper, should consult texts dedicated to the study of nonlinear dynamical systems and chaos. The literature list at the end of this book contains several references for the topic.Trade ReviewThis book provides an excellent introduction to Newtonian mechanics at an undergraduate level, it is used at University of Copenhague. All the classical topics are presented in a very clear way an discussed with many physicaI examples. The book is divided in 16 chapters and contains more than 100 problerns, of various difficulties, with solutions. It's pedagogical conception is absolutely remarkable, all concepts are carefully introduced and physically discussed with mamy details. Foundation of classical mechanics is first introduced and commented on many problems like acceleration of gravity, circular motion or conmunication satellite. Next chapter is devoted to Newton's laws of motion, more than 30 pages of the book contains examples, on direct applications of these law, from: various fields of physics. Gravitational and inertial mass are discussed in the next chapter and is followed by the concept of Galilei transformation. The next three chapters examine the problem of motion respectively of the Earth, in accelerated reference frames and at the kinematic and dynamic point of view. Energy, Center-of Mass and angular momentum theorem are analysed with some details in chapters 8-10. The problem of rigid body including the motion of the planets and the Kepler Iaws are presented and discussed with great attention. The book ends with the important problem of harmonic oscillators and some remarks on non-linear dynamics. In conclusion I warmly recommend this book to everyone interesting in Newtonian mechanics.S. Metens. Physicalia, 2001/XXXVII/4 "The book presents an excellant description of basic principles of classical mechanics....This book can be useful not only to students, but also to specialists who teach the powerful methods of Newtonian mechanics and the imaginary Newton's world governed by laws of classical mechanics."-Zentralblatt MATHTable of Contents1. The Foundation of Classical Mechanics.- 1.1 Principia.- 1.2 Prerequisites for Newton.- 1.3 The Masterpiece.- The Acceleration of Gravity.- Circular Motion.- Communication Satellite.- Horizontal Throw.- The Gravitational Constant.- String Force.- Forces and Tension.- Dimensional Analysis.- 1.4 Concluding Remarks.- 1.5 Problems.- 2. Newton’s Five Laws.- 2.1 Newton’s Laws of Motion.- 2.2 Integration of the Equation of Motion.- Constant Force.- The Harmonic Oscillator.- Mass on a Spring in the Gravitational Field of Earth.- Sphere Falling Through a Liquid.- Solid Against Solid.- The Atwood Machine.- Force in Harmonic Motion.- Charged Particle in a Uniform Magnetic Field.- Thomson’s Experiment.- Work and Energy in Linear Motion of a Particle.- Free Fall Towards the Sun from a Great Distance.- Momentum Conservation.- Inelastic Collisions.- Rocket Propulsion.- Some Qualitative Remarks on Rocket Propulsion.- Ball Against a Wall.- 2.3 Problems.- 3. Gravitational and Inertial Mass.- 3.1 Gravitational Mass.- 3.2 Inertial Mass.- 3.3 Proportionality Between Inertial and Gravitational Mass.- 3.4 Newtonl’s Experiment.- The Satellite.- An Elevator in Free Fall.- Three Balls.- 3.5 Problem.- 4. The Galilei Transformation.- 4.1 The Galilei Transformation.- 4.2 Galileo Speaks.- Velocity Transformation.- 4.3 Problems.- 5. The Motion of the Earth.- 5.1 Examples.- Vectors and the Rotation of a Rigid Body.- Angular Velocities in the Solar System.- 5.2 Problems.- 6. Motion in Accelerated Reference Frames.- 6.1 Newton’s 2nd Law Within Accelerated Reference Frames.- 6.2 The Equivalence Principle of Mechanics.- 6.3 The Einstein Box.- Balloon in Accelerated Frame.- Mass on an Oscillating Plate.- Pendulum in an Elevator.- 6.4 The Centrifugal Force.- Earth’s Orbit Around the Sun.- Grass on a Rotating Disk.- The Variation of g with Latitude.- 6.5 Tidal Fields.- The Roche Limit.- 6.6 The Coriolis Force.- Coriolis Force on a Train.- Particle on a Frictionless Disc.- The Vertical Throw.- 6.7 Tidal Forces and Local Inertial Frames.- Global and Local Inertial Frames.- 6.8 The Foucault Pendulum.- 6.9 Newton’s Bucket.- 6.10 Review: Fictitious Forces.- 6.11 Problems.- 7. The Problem of Motion.- 7.1 Kinematic and Dynamic Views of the Problem of Motion.- 7.2 Einstein Speaks.- 7.3 Symmetry.- 7.4 The Symmetry (Invariance) of Newton’s 2nd Law.- 7.5 Limited Absolute Space.- 7.6 The Asymmetry (Variance) of Newton’s 2nd Law.- 7.7 Critique of the Newtonian View.- 7.8 Concluding Remarks.- 8. Energy.- 8.1 Work and Kinetic Energy.- 8.2 Conservative Force Fields.- 8.3 Central Force Fields.- 8.4 Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy.- 8.5 Calculation of Potential Energy.- Constant Gravitational Field.- Spring Force.- Gravity Outside a Homogeneous Sphere.- 8.6 The Gravitational Field Around a Homogeneous Sphere.- 8.6.1 The Field Around a Spherical Shell.- 8.6.2 A Solid Sphere.- 8.7 Examples.- Particle on a Frictionless Curve.- String Force in the Pendulum.- The Gravitational Potential Outside the Earth.- Potential Energy Due to Electric Forces.- A Tunnel Through the Earth.- The Asymmetry of Nature.- 8.8 Review: Conservative Forces and Potential Energy.- 8.9 Problems.- 9. The Center-of-Mass Theorem.- 9.1 The Center of Mass.- 9.2 The Center-of-Mass Frame.- 9.3 Examples.- Two Masses Connected with a Spring.- Inelastic Collisions.- The Collision Approximation.- Freely Falling Spring.- The Wedge.- 9.4 Review: Center of Mass and Center-of-Mass Theorems.- 9.5 Comments on the Conservation Theorems.- 9.6 Problems.- 10. The Angular Momentum Theorem.- 10.1 The Angular Momentum Theorem for a Particle.- 10.2 Conservation of Angular Momentum.- 10.3 Torque and Angular Momentum Around an Axis.- 10.4 The Angular Momentum Theorem for a System of Particles.- 10.5 Center of Gravity.- 10.6 Angular Momentum Around the Center of Mass.- 10.7 Review: Equations of Motion for a System of Particles.- 10.8 Examples of Conservation of Angular Momentum.- Particle in Circular Motion.- Rotation of Galaxies, Solar Systems, etc.- 11. Rotation of a Rigid Body.- 11.1 Equations of Motion.- 11.2 The Rotation Vector.- 11.3 Kinetic Energy of a Rotating Disk.- 11.3.1 The Parallel Axis Theorem.- 11.3.2 The Perpendicular Axis Theorem.- 11.4 Angular Momentum of an Arbitrary Rigid Body in Rotation Around a Fixed Axis.- 11.4.1 The Parallel Axis Theorem in General Form.- 11.5 Calculation of the Moment of Inertia for Simple Bodies.- 11.5.1 Homogenous Thin Rod.- 11.5.2 Circular Disk.- 11.5.3 Thin Spherical Shell.- 11.5.4 Homogenous (Solid) Sphere, Mass M and Radius R 248.- 11.5.5 Rectangular Plate 249.- 11.6 Equation of Motion for a Rigid Body Rotating Around a Fixed Axis.- 11.6.1 Conservation of Angular Momentum.- 11.7 Work and Power in the Rotation of a Rigid Body Around a Fixed Axis.- 11.7.1 Torsion Pendulum.- 11.8 The Angular Momentum Theorem Referred to Various Points.- 11.9 Examples.- Rotating Cylinder.- Falling Cylinder.- The Atwood Machine.- The Physical Pendulum.- The Rod.- 11.10 Review: Linear Motion and Rotation About a Fixed Axis. 266 11.11 Problems.- 12. The Laws of Motion.- 12.1 Review: Classical Mechanics.- 12.2 Remarks on the Three Conservation Theorems.- 12.3 Examples.- Conservation of Angular Momentum.- Rotating Rod.- Man on Disk.- The Sprinkler.- Rolling.- Yo- Yo on the Floor.- Rolling Over an Edge.- Determinism and Predictability.- 12.4 Problems.- 13. The General Motion of a Rigid Body.- 13.1 Inertia in Rotational Motion.- The Dumbbell.- Flywheel on an Axis.- Precession of a Gyroscope.- 13.2 The Inertia Tensor.- The Dumbbell Revisited.- 13.3 Euler’s Equations.- 13.3.1 Derivation of Euler’s Equations.- 13.4 Kinetic Energy.- 13.5 Determination of the Principal Coordinate System.- Rotating Dumbbell.- Flywheel.- The Gyroscope.- Gyroscope Supported at the Center of Mass.- The Earth as a Gyroscope.- 13.6 Problems.- 14. The Motion of the Planets.- 14.1 Tycho Brahe.- 14.2 Kepler and the Orbit of Mars.- 14.2.1 The Length of a Martian Year.- 14.2.2 The Orbit of the Planet Mars.- 14.2.3 Determination of Absolute Distance in the Solar System.- 14.3 Conic Sections.- 14.4 Newton’s Law of Gravity Derived from Kepler’s Laws.- 14.5 The Kepler Problem.- 14.5.1 Derivation of Kepler’s 3rd Law from Newton’s Law of Gravity.- 14.6 The Effective Potential.- 14.7 The Two-Body Problem.- 14.7.1 The Two-Body Problem and Kepler2019;s 3rd Law.- 14.8 Double Stars: The Motion of the Heliocentric Reference Frame.- 14.9 Review: Kepler Motion.- 14.10 Examples.- Planetary Orbits and Initial Conditions.- Shape and Size of Planetary Orbits.- Motion Near the Surface of the Earth.- Velocities in an Elliptical Orbit.- Hohman Orbit to Mars.- The Face of the Moon (Spin-Orbit Locking).- 14.11 Problems.- 15. Harmonic Oscillators.- 15.1 Small Oscillations.- 15.2 Energy in Harmonic Oscillators.- 15.3 Free Damped Oscillations.- 15.3.1 Weakly Damped Oscillations.- 15.3.2 Strongly Damped Oscillations.- 15.3.3 Critical Damping.- 15.4 Energy in Free, Weakly Damped Oscillations.- 15.5 Forced Oscillations.- 15.6 The Forced Damped Harmonic Oscillator.- 15.7 Frequency Characteristics.- 15.7.1 ? ? ?0: A Low Driving Frequency.- 15.7.2 ? ? ?0: A High Driving Frequency.- 15.7.3 ? ? ?0: Resonance.- 15.8 Power Absorption.- 15.9 The Q-Value of a Weakly Damped Harmonic Oscillator.- 15.10 The Lorentz Curve.- 15.11 Complex Numbers.- 15.12 Problems.- 16. Remarks on Nonlinearity and Chaos.- 16.1 Determinism vs Predictability.- 16.2 Linear and Nonliner Differential Equations.- Superposition.- 16.3 Phase Space.- The Simple Harmonic Oscillator.- Phase Space of the Pendulum.- Bifurcation in a Nonlinear Model.- 16.4 A Forced, Damped Nonlinear Oscillator.- 16.5 Liapunov Exponents.- 16.6 Chaos in the Solar System.- 16.7 Problems.- Appendix. Vectors and Vector Calculus.- Selected References.- Answers to Problems.

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Book SynopsisTerms such as "expanding Universe", "big bang", and "initial singularity", are nowadays part of our common language. The idea that the Universe we observe today originated from an enormous explosion (big bang) is now well known and widely accepted, at all levels, in modern popular culture. But what happens to the Universe before the big bang? And would it make any sense at all to ask such a question? In fact, recent progress in theoretical physics, and in particular in String Theory, suggests answers to the above questions, providing us with mathematical tools able in principle to reconstruct the history of the Universe even for times before the big bang. In the emerging cosmological scenario the Universe, at the epoch of the big bang, instead of being a "new born baby" was actually a rather "aged" creature in the middle of its possibly infinitely enduring evolution. The aim of this book is to convey this picture in non-technical language accessibile also to non-specialists. The author, himself a leading cosmologist, draws attention to ongoing and future observations that might reveal relics of an era before the big bang. Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: What happens to the big bang singularity within string theory? Did time have a beginning? These and other pre-eminent questions, whose implications go far beyond the boundaries of physics and even of science, lie at the forefront of today's research in theoretical particle physics and cosmology. Maurizio Gasperini succeeds in this book in drawing a thorough - yet very accessible and captivating - panorama of the various answers that have so far emerged to those basic questions, and of the cosmological observations which may soon allow a stringent test of our most advanced theoretical ideas. Gabriele Veneziano, Co-founder of String Theory "Gasperini … describes how string theory can be used to describe a pre-big-bang era that gives birth to a big bang, resolving dilemmas of standard cosmology and predicting a testable remnant of gravitational radiation that should pervade the universe now. … Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates." (M. Dickinson, Choice, Vol. 46 (7), March, 2009) "This book is both lucid and comprehensive. … the book’s basic material derives from the author’s university lectures and seminars, its stated aim now is to make the topic accessible to a readership with typically no more than a knowledge of high-school physics. … If you are interested in what String Theory has to offer cosmology, and are prepared to put some effort into finding out … this could be a useful text for you." (Dave Pike, The Observatory, Vol. 129 (1210), June, 2009) "This book grew out of a series of lectures and seminars held over several years in various Italian universities. … The book is addressed, in particular, to all those readers with at least a basic knowledge of physics … but not necessarily equipped with an academic scientific background. … this book is detailed enough to enable the reader to understand the most recent cosmological models, the key underlying ideas and how they can be tested using the experimental tools provided by current technology." (Roland Carchon, Belgian Physical Society Magazine, Issue 2, June, 2009)Table of ContentsGeneral Relativity and Standard Cosmology.- String Theory, Duality, And The Primordial Universe.- The Theory of Strings.- Inflation and the Birth of the Universe.- The Cosmological Background of Gravitational Radiation.- Other Relics of the Primordial Universe.- Quantum Cosmology.- The Future of our Universe.- Recent Developments: Brane Cosmology Scenarios.- Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisThis graduate-level, course-based text is devoted to the 3+1 formalism of general relativity, which also constitutes the theoretical foundations of numerical relativity. The book starts by establishing the mathematical background (differential geometry, hypersurfaces embedded in space-time, foliation of space-time by a family of space-like hypersurfaces), and then turns to the 3+1 decomposition of the Einstein equations, giving rise to the Cauchy problem with constraints, which constitutes the core of 3+1 formalism. The ADM Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity is also introduced at this stage. Finally, the decomposition of the matter and electromagnetic field equations is presented, focusing on the astrophysically relevant cases of a perfect fluid and a perfect conductor (ideal magnetohydrodynamics). The second part of the book introduces more advanced topics: the conformal transformation of the 3-metric on each hypersurface and the corresponding rewriting of the 3+1 Einstein equations, the Isenberg-Wilson-Mathews approximation to general relativity, global quantities associated with asymptotic flatness (ADM mass, linear and angular momentum) and with symmetries (Komar mass and angular momentum). In the last part, the initial data problem is studied, the choice of spacetime coordinates within the 3+1 framework is discussed and various schemes for the time integration of the 3+1 Einstein equations are reviewed. The prerequisites are those of a basic general relativity course with calculations and derivations presented in detail, making this text complete and self-contained. Numerical techniques are not covered in this book.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“The monograph originating from lectures is devoted to the 3+1 formalism in general relativity. It starts with three chapters on basic differential geometry, the geometry of single hypersurfaces embedded in space-time, and the foliation of space-time by a family of spacelike hypersurfaces. … With the attempt to make the text self-consistent and complete, the calculations are … detailed such that the book is well suitable for undergraduate and graduate students.” (Horst-Heino von Borzeszkowski, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1254, 2013)“This book is written for advanced students and researchers who wish to learn the mathematical foundations of various approaches that have been proposed to solve initial value problems (with constraints) for the Einstein equations numerically. … Even for experts it may be useful, as it includes an extensive bibliography up to 2011.” (Hans-Peter Künzle, Mathematical Reviews, January, 2013)Table of ContentsBasic Differential Geometry.- Geometry of Hypersurfaces.- Geometry of Foliations.- 3+1 decomposition of Einstein Equation.- 3+1 Equations for Matter and Electromagnetic Field.- Conformal Decompositon.- Asymptotic Flatness and Global Quantities.- The Initial Data Problem.- Choice of Foliation and Spatial Coordiinates.- Evolution Schemes.- Conformal Killing Operator and Conformal Vector Laplacian.- Sage Codes.

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Book SynopsisThis book is an abbreviated, partly re-written version of "Under the Radar - The First Woman in Radio Astronomy: Ruby Payne-Scott." It addresses a general readership interested in historical and sociological aspects of astronomy and presents the biography of Ruby Payne-Scott (1912 – 1981). As the first female radio astronomer (and one of the first people in the world to consider radio astronomy), she made classic contributions to solar radio physics. She also played a major role in the design of the Australian government's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research radars, which were in turn of vital importance in the Southwest Pacific Theatre in World War II. These radars were used by military personnel from Australia, the United States and New Zealand. From a sociological perspective, her career offers many examples of the perils of being a female academic in the first half of the 20th century. Written in an engaging style and complemented by many historical photographs, this book offers fascinating insights into the beginnings of radio astronomy and the role of a pioneering woman in astronomy. To set the scene, the first colourfully illustrated chapter presents an overview of solar astrophysics and the tools of the radio astronomer.From the reviews of “Under the Radar”:“This is a beautifully-researched, copiously-illustrated and well-written book that tells us much more than the life of one amazing female radio astronomer. It also provides a profile on radar developments during WWII and on Australia’s pre-eminent place in solar radio astronomy in the years following WWII. Under the Radar is compelling reading, and if you have taken the time to read right through this review then it certainly belongs on your bookshelf!” (Wayne Orchiston, Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, March, 2010)Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“This book documents the history of the early days of radar astronomy in Australia and the scientific career of Ruby Payne-Scott. … For everyone else, I recommend reading Making Waves … . Printed in paperback, and with colour pictures, the book even looks easier to read.” (Kate Brooks, Historical Records of Australian Science, Vol. 25 (1), 2014)Table of ContentsA Brief, Basic Guide to Terms and Concepts of Solar Radio Astronomy.- Ruby Payne-Scott’s Ancestors and Her Early Childhood.- Ruby Payne-Scott’s Education and Early Employment.- Wartime Research by Ruby Payne-Scott at the Radiophysics Laboratory.- 1944-1945: Ruby Payne-Scott – The First Woman Radio Astronomer.- 1945-1946: Early Radio Astronomy at Dover Heights.- 1946-1947: Personal Tragedy and Professional Triumph.- 1948: Hornsby Field Station – Daily Observations.- 1949-1951: Radio Astronomy Blossoms as a Field, but Ruby Must Resign from the Radiophysics Laboratory.- 1952: Ruby Payne-Scott’s Last Experience as a Radio Astronomer at the International Union of Radio Science.- The Married Life and Motherhood of Ruby Payne-Scott.- 1963-1974: Employment at Danebank School.- The Last Years and Legacy of Ruby Payne-Scott.

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Book SynopsisFundamental Astronomy is a well-balanced, comprehensive introduction to classical and modern astronomy. While emphasizing both the astronomical concepts and the underlying physical principles, the text provides a sound basis for more profound studies in the astronomical sciences. This is the fifth edition of the successful undergraduate textbook and reference work. It has been extensively modernized and extended in the parts dealing with extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. You will also find augmented sections on the solar system and extrasolar planets as well as a new chapter on astrobiology. Long considered a standard text for physical science majors, Fundamental Astronomy is also an excellent reference work for dedicated amateur astronomers.Trade Review"For the book to reach the fourth edition, it must be hitting a niche in the market. The preface to the first edition in 1987 identifies that market as a ‘university textbook for a first course in astronomy’ which is also suited for serious amateurs who ‘find the popular texts too trivial’. In my opinion, that description from the original preface is ‘spot on’ and makes this volume a must-buy for any serious amateur looking for a comprehensive overview of matters astronomical." (Roger Feasey, Auckland Astronomical Society Journal, March 2004) "This work remains a most excellent textbook for the student as well as the dedicated amateur astronomer." (ORION 62/321, ) "If you are looking for a solid undergraduate text outlining the physics which underpins so much of modern astronomy then this book will be a very useful addition to your personal library." (Astronomy Now, May 2004) "… The wide range of expertise gives the book an authority that would be almost impossible for a single-author text ... There are other aids to the reader: worked examples ... starred sections in small print take the inquisitive reader beyond the general level of the book." (Nature) "… Unique among available texts and has so much to offer ... No one involved in astronomy teaching will want to be without a copy." (The Physics Teacher) "Gives a solid foundation to the basic ideas of astronomy in a clear and accessible fashion … Fundamental ideas are developed clearly and applied to real problems, and solutions are worked out." (Sky & Telescope) From the reviews of the fourth edition: "This book will well serve its readership which includes both undergraduate physical science and mathematics students … . covers all the important subjects of an introductory course in astronomy. … is beautifully illustrated with many black and white and color photographs, which will be most appealing … . they have produced a book that will prove useful for many years … . As such it is highly recommended … to the general reader who wants to be pleasantly and highly informed about astronomy." (Fernande Grandjean, Gary J. Long, Physicalia, Vol. 26(1), 2004) "The book remains a calculus-based textbook and reference source containing many exercises … for the proper comprehension of the subjects treated. … This work remains a most excellent textbook for the student as well as the dedicated amateur astronomer. … can considerably widen the vision of the student … ." (Noël Cramer, ORIAN-Zeitschrift der Schweizerischen Astronomischen Gesellschaft Vol. 62(321), 2004) "Fundamental Astronomy is both the title and an excellent description of the content … . is also suited for serious amateurs who "find the popular texts too trivial". In my opinion … this volume a must-buy for any serious amateur looking for a comprehensive overview of matters astronomical. … Its usefulness for education purposes is enhanced by worked examples in each section followed by exercises." (AAS Journal, March, 2004) "This is the 4th edition of this well known and well tested undergraduate-level text on astronomy. … All the derivations are well done and the problems selected for student work are interesting and will undoubtedly help the student in his or her studies. … if you are looking for a solid undergraduate text outlining the physics which underpins so much of modern astronomy then this book will be a very useful addition to your personal library." (Kevin P. Marshall, Astronomy Now, May, 2004) From the reviews of the fifth edition: “This textbook, suitable for a university first course in astronomy, is the outgrowth of a long and outstanding astronomical tradition in Finland, and the result of an extensive collaborative effort, which included also teaching and interaction with many people. … I highly recommend this book for class use … it will be useful for professionals as well.” (Bruno Bertotti, Prometeo, Vol. 24 (3-4), 2008)Table of ContentsSpherical Astronomy.- Observations and Instruments.- Photometric Concepts and Magnitudes.- Radiation Mechanisms.- Celestial Mechanics.- The Solar System.- Stellar Spectra.- Binary Stars and Stellar Masses.- Stellar Structure.- Stellar Evolution.- The Sun.- Variable Stars.- Compact Stars.- The Interstellar Medium.- Star Clusters and Associations.- The Milky Way.- Galaxies.- Cosmology.- Astrobiology.

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Book SynopsisDie Funktechnik ermöglicht die Ausweitung der astronomischen Beobachtungen über das Licht hinaus auf andere Frequenzbereiche. Dies führte zur Entdeckung zahlreicher kosmischer Radioquellen, deren physikalische Ursachen erläutert werden, ebenso die Funktionsweise eines Radioteleskops. Schon mit kleinen Radioteleskopen kann die Strahlung der Sonne und anderer Radioquellen sowie die 21-cm-Strahlung aus der Milchstraße beobachtet werden. Durch Interferometrie kann eine wesentlich höhere Auflösung als mit einzelnen Radioteleskopen erzielt werden. Dadurch kann die radioastronomische Forschung zu vielen aktuellen Fragen der Astronomie, Kosmologie und Physik beitragen.

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Book SynopsisAstronomie mit dem PC vermittelt dem Leser eine fundierte Einführung in die Welt der himmelsmechanischen Berechnungen, die für die astronomische Beobachtungspraxis von besonderer Bedeutung sind.Von den theoretischen Grundlagen der Astronomie und Numerik bis zur Erstellung schneller und präziser Anwendungsprogramme vermittelt das Buch die notwendigen Kenntnisse und Softwarelösungen für die Bestimmung und Vorhersage von:- Positionen der Sonne, des Mondes und der Planeten- Auf- und Untergangszeiten- physischen Ephemeriden der Sonne und der großen Planeten- Kometen- und Kleinplanetenpositionen (mit Störungen)- Mondphasen- Zentrallinie und lokalen Umständen von Sonnenfinsternissen - Sternbedeckungen durch den Mond- Bahnelementen aus drei Beobachtungen (auch mehrere Lösungen)- Koordinaten aus Himmelsaufnahmen. Die Verwendung der weitverbreiteten objektorientierten Programmiersprache CC++ ermöglicht die effiziente Realisierung eigener Anwendungen auf der Basis einer leistungsfähigen Modul-Bibliothek. Die Begleit-CD enthält neben den vollständigen, ausgiebig dokumentierten und kommentierten Quelltexten auch die ausführbaren Programme - damit können Leser ohne Programmierkenntnisse alle im Buch beschriebenen Programme ebenfalls nutzen. Zusätzlich befinden sich zwei Sternkataloge (Position und Proper Motion Katalog und Zodialkatalog) sowie die Lowell-Datenbank aktueller Kleinplaneten-Bahnelemente auf der CD, die den Nutzwert der entsprechenden Programme weiter erhöhen. Die vorliegende 4. Auflage stellt, neben einigen Überarbeitungen der Texte und Bilder, die ausführbaren Programme für die Betriebssysteme Windows 98/2000/XP und LINUX sowie die akualisierten Kataloge und Datenbanken zur Verfügung.Table of ContentsEinführung.- Koordinatensysteme.- Auf- und Untergangsrechnung.- Kometenbahnen.- Störungsrechnung.- Planetenbahnen.- Physische Planetenephemeriden.- Die Mondbahn.- Sonnenfinsternisse.- Sternbedeckungen.- Bahnbestimmung.- Astrometrie.

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Book SynopsisNow is the time to fly to space! New technological developments, commercialisation of spaceflight and advances in space medicine have made human space travel more attainable than ever before.This entertaining but nevertheless authoritative book gives a practical introduction to space travel from a number of viewpoints: How spacecraft are built, how to steer and navigate them, instructions for a comfortable everyday life in space and a guide to remain healthy and strong in weightlessness. The Spacefarer's Handbook is full of advice, tips and anecdotes to prepare the reader for their own trip to space. At the same time, it does not lose the scientific perspective on spaceflight. The authors, a physicist and a space medicine specialist, explain the underlying concepts rigorously and include recent research findings. From the operating principles of rocket engines, via bone loss in weightlessness to the methane lakes of Titan, this book contains everything aspiring spacefarers need to know! It also serves as a very good resource, beyond general space enthusiasts, for science fiction readers & writers who are looking for a better foundation in space flight."Highly recommended for everyone who wants to fly to space and all passengers of our mothership Earth!"Hans Schlegel, ESA AstronautTrade Review“This book is intended as a general introduction to space travel for anyone contemplating such an adventure. Each chapter provides a general summary of the main topics that any non-professional astronaut might want to learn more about. … this is a well-written, useful — and sometimes light-hearted — introduction for anyone who wants to know more about humanity’s efforts to leave planet Earth.” (Peter Bond, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1284), October, 2021)“Their book is presented in a breezy, refreshing style, and is an acceptable read even for knowledgeable people. … The book also has some interesting anecdotes.” (‪John Silvester, Spaceflight, Vol. 63, August, 2021)“If you have a question about going into space, and surviving once you’re there, then this book needs to be on your shelf as soon as possible.” (Stuart Atkinson, Popular Astronomy, popastro.com, July-August 2021)“I can’t remember when a book exceeded my expectations quite as much as this one did. … the book has an affordable, far from academic-level price tag – so it’s highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the finer points of human spaceflight.” (Popular Science, popsciencebooks.blogspot.com, May 5, 2021)Table of Contents1. How to Become a Spacefarer.- 2. Building Spacecraft.- 3. How to Fly a Spacecraft.- 4. Daily Life in Space.- 5. Space Medicine.- 6. Exploration and Colonisation.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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