Astrophysics Books
University of Nebraska Press To a Distant Day
Book SynopsisAlthough the dream of flying is as old as the human imagination, the notion of rocketing into space may have originated with Chinese gunpowder experiments during the Middle Ages. Rockets as both weapons and entertainment are examined in this engaging history of how human beings acquired the ability to catapult themselves into space.Trade Review"Let us hope for as good a companion volume taking the story to the shuttle and space-station era and the emergence of space powers other than Russia and the U.S."-Roland Green, Booklist -- Roland Green Booklist "As much a story of cultural ambition and personal destiny as of scientific progress and technological history, To a Distant Day offers a thoroughly compelling account of humankind's determined efforts-sometimes poignant, sometimes amazing, sometimes mad-to leave Earth behind."-Quest Quest "As someone who has been teaching a course on space exploration for many years and has visited most of NASA's space centers, I have found plenty of new and valuable material in To a Distant Day... I recommend the book to all who wish to know more about the conditions, people, and discoveries between 1890 and 1960 that led to the space age."-Pangratios Papacosta, Physics Today -- Pangratios Papacosta Physics Today "To a Distant Day is not simply about scientific and technical developments. It provides insight into the social and political context of the early rocket pioneers and how progress emerged amidst competing egos, political pressures, and technical challenges... Insightful, instructive, and definitely worth the read."-Greg Andres, Journal of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada -- Greg Andres Journal of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada "Since the dawn of time, mankind has looked skyward and longed to travel the heavens, to feel the glow of distant stars, to explore the celestial bodies of our galactic neighborhood, and to venture beyond this earthly cradle. Chris Gainor's work, To a Distant Day, tells of the engineers, the scientists, and the explorers who realized the ancient dream and ventured from Earth."-David R. Self, Technology and Culture -- David R. Self Technology and Culture "Chris Gainor's new book, To a Distant Day, recreates the colorful history of how rocketry came to be."-David Reneke, davidreneke.com -- David Reneke davidreneke.comTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsForeword from Col. Alfred WordenAcronymsChapter 1 Space Dreams and War DrumsChapter 2 Tsiolkovsky and the Birth of Soviet AstronauticsChapter 3 Robert Goddard’s Solitary TrailChapter 4 Hermann Oberth and Early German RocketryChapter 5 Von Braun, Dornberger and World War IIChapter 6 Rockets, Balloons and the Right StuffChapter 7 Korolev and the First ICBMChapter 8 The Military Industrial ComplexChapter 9 Sputniks and MuttniksChapter 10 The Birth of NASAChapter 11 Man In Space SoonestEpilog: July 6, 1969SourcesIndex
£17.09
Oneworld Publications The Last Stargazers The Enduring Story of
Book SynopsisThe story of the people who see beyond the starsTrade Review‘The awesome endeavours and intellectual adventures in the physical practice and gains in understanding that are the heart and passion of astronomers is gloriously portrayed from the mind of a wonderful practitioner, Emily Levesque. Her range of experiences and insights through the recent period of rapid developments and future planning in this progressive human effort gloriously reach out to everyone.’ -- Professor Alec Boksenberg, former director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory‘The Last Stargazers is perfect for anyone who has ever wondered what it’s like to actually be an astronomer, or who has dreamt of staring up at the stars. Amidst the stories of mishaps and mistakes is a surprisingly romantic view of the glory of exploration, taken one dark night at a time.’ -- Dr Chris Lintott, BBC The Sky at Night‘If you’ve ever wondered what astronomers do—what they really do—and the human journey from the era of eyepieces to gigantic robotic cameras, The Last Stargazers puts you there with compelling honesty, following the scientists and students with hundred-ton telescopes as backdrop.’ -- Erik Asphaug, author of When the Earth Had Two Moons‘Through captivating stories, Levesque gives us both a vivid and accessible inside look at the enigmatic mountain-top astronomers. A unique and engaging read.’ -- Dr Sara Seager, professor of astronomy at MIT‘Emily Levesque is smart and funny, and her insider’s tale of stars and the astronomers who study them bursts with color and energy.’ -- Edward Dolnick, author of The Clockwork Universe‘Emily’s book is a compulsive read. It demonstrates what being an observational astronomer is really like—the highs, the lows, and the unscheduled things that can happen at telescopes around the world! Give this book to every young person (especially the girls!) that you know who likes math and science.’ -- Jocelyn Bell Burnell, astrophysicist at Oxford University‘Astronomy is dangerous. Wild (sometimes venomous) animals, thin air, heavy equipment, hazardous chemicals… Dr. Levesque captures all this with amusement and personal experience, making this a delightful read for everyone.’ -- Phil Plait, astronomer and author of Bad Astronomy‘Emily Levesque depicts the adventurous life of professional hands-on astronomers, from the top of the Andes, Chile through the Arizona cliffs to Big Island, Hawaii, telling stories of the cosmic silence of an observing night. … I have hugely enjoyed this book. It is engaging, humorous, full of quotes and stories of well-reputed colleagues. To be read, before all astronomical observations become fully automatized!’ -- Professor Claudia Maraston, Eddington Medal for Astronomy 2018, University of Portsmouth‘This will particularly appeal to young women interested in science, but any stargazer would enjoy this joyous adventure through modern astronomy.’ -- Publishers Weekly‘It’s like catching a glimpse of the magic behind the curtain galaxies away, and leaves you hanging on every spectacular word. A must read for anyone who has looked up at the sky and felt a sense of wonder, as well as those considering the world of astrophysics and astronomy.’ -- Tamara Robertson, host of Mythbusters: The Search and STEM speaker‘The perfect primer for a future astronomer or an amateur astronomy buff, it captures the highlights, lowlights, and day-to-day life of the professional stargazer.’ -- Zach Weinersmith, author of Soonish and Open Borders‘Childhood stargazers who’ve since become inquisitive adults, and any fans of Sagan’s Cosmos, will devour this book.’ -- Booklist‘Entertaining, ardent tales from an era of stargazing that may not last much longer.’ -- Kirkus Reviews‘Levesque does a wonderful job explaining the science behind astronomy as she conveys the awe and beauty of the universe, the dedication of the people who study it, and the excitement of discovery in this fascinating account that will appeal to fans of narrative nonfiction and fellow stargazers.’ -- Library Journal‘Levesque writes with great energy, bringing the world of the astronomers to life… this book does do what most astronomy books do not. It puts you in the world of practising astronomers and lets you imagine what a career as an observer would be like.’ -- Physics Education‘An insightful view of the daily (and often nightly) regime of the modern observational astronomer. The passion, adventure, challenge, humour and, yes, danger, in the pursuit of knowledge are palpably brought to life… a must-read for the uninitiated, the armchair stargazer, or anyone contemplating a career in astronomical research: a funny, romantic, intriguing real-life adventure.’ -- Dr Alastair Gunn, BBC Sky at Night‘[Levesque] sweeps the reader along with her in this very humorous and accessible book. As I was reading, I kept thinking of how many people I know who would love to read it. A perfect gift for anyone interested in astronomy… From Galileo to gravitational waves, pulsars, or black holes, it’s compulsive reading, written in an easy, chatty style… A beautiful book sharing her love of the wonders of the universe.’ * Astronomy Ireland *‘Astronomer Emily Levesque shares stories of modern-day stargazers in this fascinating new release, profiling people willing to traverse mountaintops and the most remote areas of the world, all in the name of science. There’s something for everyone in here, from the world’s most powerful telescopes to wild bears running loose in an observatory—recommended for anyone who enjoys gazing upward at the night sky.’ -- Reader’s Digest
£10.44
Cambridge University Press FiniteTemperature Field Theory
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£35.14
Cambridge University Press Fundamentals of Astrophysics
Book Synopsis
£37.99
CRC Press Introduction to Particle Physics and Cosmology
Book SynopsisThis textbook provides an accessible introduction to the basic concepts of relativistic cosmology and the standard big bang model of cosmology, along with an introduction to quantum field theory and the standard model of particle physics.Readers are guided through the key concepts associated with the standard model of cosmology and the standard model of particle physics, providing them with the basic foundation needed to understand current research and literature on the physics of the early universe and modern particle physics.It culminates with an introduction to the physics of the early universe and its imprint on the large-scale structure and the cosmic microwave background. It assumes a basic understanding of quantum mechanics, classical mechanics and electromagnetism. It is aimed at advanced undergraduates and first year beginning graduate students studying particle physics and/or cosmology.Key Features:â Provides a summary of the state-of-the
£61.74
American Institute of Physics Explorer of the Universe: A Biography of George
Book SynopsisA reprint edition of a 1966 biography of foremost astronomer George Ellery Hale, who laid much of the foundation of modern astrophysics and observational cosmology. He's best known for the planning and building of the 200-inch Hale Telescope of the Palomar Mountain Observatory. This book features a new introduction by Allan Sandage and an index not included in the original work. Since the history of astrophysics is mostly undocumented, this work provides a rare look at Hale's scientific achievements: his invention of the spectroheliograph, his discovery of the magnetic nature of sunspots, and his legendary leadership in founding the Yerkes, Mount Wilson, and Palomar Mountain Observatories.Table of ContentsA reprint edition of a 1966 biography of foremost astronomer George Ellery Hale, who laid much of the foundation of modern astrophysics and observational cosmology. He's best known for the planning and building of the 200-inch Hale Telescope of the Palomar Mountain Observatory.
£54.99
Prometheus Books Rocket Age: The Race to the Moon and What It Took
Book SynopsisRocket Age traces the history of spaceflight innovation from Robert Goddard’s early experiments with liquid fuel rockets, through World War II and the work of Wernher von Braun and his German engineers, on to the postwar improvements made by Sergei Korolev and his team in the Soviet Union, and culminating with the historic Moon walk made by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on July 20, 1969. From designers to engineers, and even communication specialists and the builders who assembled these towering rockets, hundreds of thousands of people worked on getting humans to the Moon, yet only a few have been recognized for their contributions. George D. Morgan sets the record straight by giving these forgotten figures of space travel their due. The son of rocket scientists who worked directly on NASA projects Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, Morgan gives behind-the-scenes details on the famous missions, including a rare interview with Dieter Huzel –Wernher von Braun’s right-hand man and a chief engineer on every major manned space program. Even the most voracious readers of US space flight history will discover things in this book that they have never read before. Rocket Age shines a light on those that have for too long been left out of the picture of the race to land on the Moon.
£18.04
Micah Publications Cosmology and Buddhist Thought: A Conversation
Book Synopsis
£7.57
Mooncorp R&d Time Before God: how the universe was created
Book Synopsis
£17.24
Springer Nature Switzerland AG Applied General Relativity: Theory and
Book SynopsisIn the late 20th and beginning 21st century high-precision astronomy, positioning and metrology strongly rely on general relativity. Supported by exercises and solutions this book offers graduate students and researchers entering those fields a self-contained and exhaustive but accessible treatment of applied general relativity. The book is written in a homogenous (graduate level textbook) style allowing the reader to understand the arguments step by step. It first introduces the mathematical and theoretical foundations of gravity theory and then concentrates on its general relativistic applications: clock rates, clock sychronization, establishment of time scales, astronomical references frames, relativistic astrometry, celestial mechanics and metrology. The authors present up-to-date relativistic models for applied techniques such as Satellite LASER Ranging (SLR), Lunar LASER Ranging (LLR), Globale Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Very Large Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), radar measurements, gyroscopes and pulsar timing. A list of acronyms helps the reader keep an overview and a mathematical appendix provides required functions and terms.Table of Contents
£67.49
Springer Nature Switzerland AG The Universe Today: Our Current Understanding and
Book SynopsisStarting out from humankind's earliest ideas about the cosmos, this book gives the reader a clear overview of our current understanding of the universe, including big bang theories and the formation of stars and galaxies, as well as addressing open questions. The author shows how our present view gradually developed from observations, and also how the outcome of ongoing research may still change this view. The book brings together concepts in physics and astronomy, including some history in both cases. The text is descriptive rather than technical: the goal is to present things rigorously and without oversimplification, by highlighting the crucial physical concepts. The only prerequisite is a qualitative knowledge of basic physics concepts at high-school level.Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Introduction Chapter 2 - Classical Astronomy Chapter 3 - From the Renaissance to Modern Science Chapter 4 - Classical Physics Chapter 5 - The Physics of Relativity Chapter 6 - The Physics of Stars and Galaxies Chapter 7 - The Physics of the Universe Chapter 8 - New frontiers
£18.74
Springer Nature Switzerland AG Particle and Astroparticle Physics: Problems and
Book SynopsisThis book presents more than 200 problems, with detailed guided solutions, spanning key areas of particle physics and astrophysics. The selected examples enable students to gain a deeper understanding of these fields and also offer valuable support in the preparation for written examinations. The book is an ideal companion to Introduction to Particle and Astroparticle Physics: Multimessenger Astronomy and its Particle Physics Foundations, written by Alessandro De Angelis and Mário Pimenta and published in its second edition in Springer’s Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics series in 2018. It can, however, also be used independently. The present book is organized into 11 chapters that match exactly those in the companion textbook, and each of the exercises is given a title to facilitate identification of the subject within that book. Some new exercises have been added because they are considered helpful on the basis of the experience gained by teachers while using the textbook. Beyond students on relevant courses, exercises and solutions in particle and astroparticle physics are of value for physics teachers and to all who seek aid to self-training.Table of Contents
£42.74
Springer Nature Switzerland AG The Theory of Direct Dark Matter Detection: A Guide to Computations
Book SynopsisThis book is a pedagogical guide on how to make computations in direct dark matter (DM) detection. The theory behind the calculation of direct detection cross sections and rates is presented, touching aspects related to elementary particle physics, hadronic physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics. The book is structured in self-contained sections, covering several topics ranging from the scattering kinematics to the phenomenology of direct DM searches. It follows a model-independent approach, aiming at providing the readers with all that is needed to understand the theory and start their own analysis. Meant for graduate students and researchers with interests in particle physics and phenomenology, it is enriched with several worked examples from standard and non-standard particle DM models. Senior researchers working in different areas related to dark matter, like particle and nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, find in this book a useful and updated guide for reference.Trade Review“I personally believe this is a very useful read for students, researchers already in the field, or anyone who wants to understand the theoretical framework behind every direct dark-matter-search experiment. I think Del Nobile managed to cover all the necessary ingredients in an extensive and yet not-overwhelming way, and this volume will definitely find its spot on many bookshelves.” (Nikolina Šarčević, The Observatory, Vol. 143 (1294), June, 2023)Table of Contents1. Introduction2. Rate Basics – Scattering rate – Detection rate 3. Scattering kinematics Preliminaries – Two-particle kinematics – Elastic scattering – Inelastic scattering 4. From quarks and gluons to nucleons Hadronic matrix elements – Scalar couplings – Pseudo-scalar couplings – Vector couplings – Axial-vector couplings – Tensor couplings 5. DM-nucleon interaction Non-relativistic expansion – Non-relativistic operators – Examples 6. From nucleons to nuclei Nuclear and single-nucleon matrix elements – Scattering amplitude – Nuclear form factors – Multipole expansion and nuclear responses – Scattering amplitude in the multipole expansion 7. Scattering cross section Differential cross section – Spin-independent interaction – Spin-dependent interaction – Vector-mediated interaction – Scalar-mediated interaction – Magnetic-dipole DM 8. DM velocity distribution and velocity integral DM velocity distribution in Earth’s frame – Annual modulation – Computing the velocity integral – Standard Halo Model 9. Phenomenology of direct DM detection Setup and example models – Rate spectrum – Constraining DM properties 10. Summary A kind of afterword – Two-pages summary – Q&A
£54.99
Springer Astrophysics
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Springer International Publishing AG Characterizing Space Plasmas: A Data Driven
Book SynopsisThis didactic book uses a data-driven approach to connect measurements made by plasma instruments to the real world. This approach makes full use of the instruments’ capability and examines the data at the most detailed level an experiment can provide. Students using this approach will learn what instruments can measure, and working with real-world data will pave their way to models consistent with these observations. While conceived as a teaching tool, the book contains a considerable amount of new information. It emphasizes recent results, such as particle measurements made from the Cluster ion experiment, explores the consequences of new discoveries, and evaluates new trends or techniques in the field. At the same time, the author ensures that the physical concepts used to interpret the data are general and widely applicable. The topics included help readers understand basic problems fundamental to space plasma physics. Some are appearing for the first time in a space physics textbook. Others present different perspectives and interpretations of old problems and models that were previously considered incontestable. This book is essential reading for graduate students in space plasma physics, and a useful reference for the broader astrophysics community. Table of Contents1 Basic Equations and Concepts 11.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.2 Fundamental Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.3 Statistical Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.4 Electric and Magnetic Field in Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71.5 Transformation of E and B Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111.6 Macroscopic Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181.7 Plasma Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221.8 Examples of Plasma Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311.9 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342 Charged Particle Acceleration 392.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392.2 Motion in Uniform E and B Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402.3 E ⇥ B Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452.4 Motion in Inhomogeneous Magnetic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572.5 Other Particle Acceleration Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632.6 Waves and Wave-Particle Interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 682.7 Cyclotron Resonance Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 722.8 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 783 Escaping Solar Particles 813.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813.2 Observations of Solar Wind Ions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 833.3 Observations of Solar Wind Electrons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 913.4 Solar Wind Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 963.5 Kinetic Models of the SW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 993.6 Heuristic Interpretation of the Solar Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1043.7 Electrostatic Solitary Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1083.8 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1104 Collisionless Shocks 1174.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1174.2 Observations of Earth’s Bow Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1194.3 Entropy Across Earth’s Bow Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1254.4 ICME Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1334.5 Nonlinear Structures Upstream of Bow Shock . . . . . . . . . . . 1404.6 Growth of Nonlinear Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1584.7 Acceleration of Particles at the Bow Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . 1614.8 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1655 Current Sheets and Boundaries 1835.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1835.2 Magnetic Reconnection on Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1845.3 SW Entry into Magnetosphere through Cusps . . . . . . . . . . . 1915.4 Particle Motions in Magnetic Neutral Regions . . . . . . . . . . . 1985.5 Kinetic Models of Current Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2045.6 Kinetic Equations for Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2085.7 Tearing Mode Instability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2145.8 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2186 Current and Electric Field 2256.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2256.2 Observations of Electron and Ion Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2266.3 Motion Parallel to E and B Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2316.4 Electric Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2366.5 A Model of Double Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2466.6 Currents in the Magnetosphere and Ionosphere . . . . . . . . . . 2516.7 Ring Current in Magnetospheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2566.8 Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2646.9 Auroral Kilometric Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2726.10 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2757 Topics for Further Studies 2817.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2817.2 Large-scale Current Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2817.3 Heating Space Plasmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2847.4 Boltzmann Collisional Term (@f/@t)c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2867.5 Runaway Electrons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2927.6 Collective Interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
£67.49
Springer International Publishing AG The Physics and Astrophysics of Neutron Stars
Book SynopsisThis book summarizes the recent progress in the physics and astrophysics of neutron stars and, most importantly, it identifies and develops effective strategies to explore, both theoretically and observationally, the many remaining open questions in the field. Because of its significance in the solution of many fundamental questions in nuclear physics, astrophysics and gravitational physics, the study of neutron stars has seen enormous progress over the last years and has been very successful in improving our understanding in these fascinating compact objects. The book addresses a wide spectrum of readers, from students to senior researchers. Thirteen chapters written by internationally renowned experts offer a thorough overview of the various facets of this interdisciplinary science, from neutron star formation in supernovae, pulsars, equations of state super dense matter, gravitational wave emission, to alternative theories of gravity. The book was initiated by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action MP1304 “Exploring fundamental physics with compact stars” (NewCompStar).Trade Review Table of Contents1. Neutron stars formation and Core Collapse Supernovae P. Cerda'-Duran (ES), TBD 2. Strongly magnetized pulsars: explosive events and evolution Gourgouliatos (UK), P. Esposito (NL) 3. Radio pulsars: testing gravity and detecting GWs D. Perrodin (IT), A. Sesana (UK) (TBC) 4. Accreting pulsars: mixing-up accretion phases in transitional systems Di Salvo (IT), S. Campana (IT) 5. Testing the EOS with electromagnetic observations N. Degenaar (UK), Juri Poutanen (FI) 6. Nuclear EOS for Compact Stars & Supernovae A. Fantina (FR), F. Burgio (I) 7. Low-energy QCD & Super-dense matter D. Blaschke (PL), C. Pethick (DK) 8. Superfluidity & Superconductivity in Compact Stars B. Haskell (PL), A. Sedrakian (D) 9. Transport phenomena & reactions rates for Compact Stars & Supernovae P. Shternin (RU), A. Schmitt (UK) 10. GW emission from merging BNSs T. Hinderer (D), L. Rezzolla (D) < 11. EM emission and nucleosynthesis from BNSs A. Arcones (D) B. Giacomazzo (I) 12. GW emission from single neutron stars L. Gualtieri (I), K. Glampedakis (ES) 13. Universal relations and Alternative Gravity Theories D. Doneva (BG), G. Pappas (PT)
£134.99
Infinit Science Astronomy Understanding Our Universe Notebook:
Book Synopsis
£9.35
Springer Periodic, Quasi-Periodic and Chaotic Motions in Celestial Mechanics: Theory and Applications
Book SynopsisThe book provides the most recent advances of Celestial Mechanics, as provided by high-level scientists working in this field. It covers theoretical investigations as well as applications to concrete problems. Outstanding review papers are included in the book and they introduce the reader to leading subjects, like the variational approaches to find periodic orbits and the space debris polluting the circumterrestrial space.Table of ContentsPeriodic Orbits and Variational Methods.- On the variational approach to the periodic n-body problem.- On families of periodic solutions of the restricted three-body problem.- Hip-hop solutions of the 2N-body problem.- Double choreographical solutions for n-body type problems.- From the circular to the spatial elliptic restricted three-body problem.- Stability of axial orbits in galactic potentials.- Perturbation Theory and Regularization.- KAM tori for N-body problems: a brief history.- Analysis of the chaotic behaviour of orbits diffusing along the Arnold web.- The scattering map in the planar restricted three body problem.- On final evolutions in the restricted planar parabolic three-body problem.- Quaternions and the perturbed Kepler problem.- Dynamics of Solar and Extrasolar Systems.- The 3:2 spin-orbit resonant motion of Mercury.- Symmetric and asymmetric librations in extrasolar planetary systems: a global view.- The influence of mutual perturbations on the eccentricity excitation by jet acceleration in extrasolar planetary systems.- Symmetric and asymmetric 3:1 resonant periodic orbits with an application to the 55Cnc extra-solar system.- Estimations of orbital parameters of exoplanets from transit photometry by using dynamical constraints.- Critical inclination in the main problem of a massive satellite.- Long-term effects of the Galactic tide on cometary dynamics.- Dependence on the observational time intervals and domain of convergence of orbital determination methods.- Space Dynamics and Applications.- Collision risk against space debris in Earth orbits.- On target for Venus — set oriented computation of energy efficient low thrust trajectories.- Weak stability boundary trajectories for the deployment of lunar spacecraft constellations.- Aero-gravity assist maneuvers: controlled dynamics modeling and optimization.- Analytical theory of a lunar artificial satellite with third body perturbations.- Precise measurement of the solar gravitational red shift.
£161.99
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Neutral-atom Astronomy: Plasma Diagnostics From
Book SynopsisAstronomy has been associated with the detection of electromagnetic waves or photons from within and beyond the solar system, ranging from Radio to Gamma-ray Astronomy. Particle Astrophysics, including Neutrino and Dark-Matter Astrophysics today, started with the discovery of cosmic rays in 1911. The Space Age expanded particle observations to in-situ studies of lower energy electrons and ions with a variety of charge states in space plasmas traversed by spacecraft. Remote observation of space plasmas became possible only after the discovery of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) in space in 1950.This book is a primer for those who wish to learn more about the origins of ENAs, related detection techniques, and how ENA images and spectra can be used to study space plasmas beyond the reach of spacecraft. It tells a comprehensive story from the first encounters with ENAs in the Earth's magnetosphere to Neutral-Atom Astronomy of the edge of the heliosphere and the interstellar medium. This story includes how ion mass spectrographs evolved into ENA imagers, overcoming the technical challenges, how to extract information from ENA data, and a variety of diagnostic applications on the magnetosphere, interplanetary space, other solar-system objects, the heliospheric boundary, the local interstellar medium, and a glimpse into the future of Neutral-Atom Astronomy.The authors hope to inform and inspire readers to further enrich this field of study.
£99.00
Harvard University Press Vera Rubin
Book SynopsisJacqueline Mitton and Simon Mitton offer the first biography of Vera Rubin, an astronomer who made vital contributions to our understanding of dark matter. An outstanding scientist herself, Rubin also championed women in science, by mentoring, advocating for hiring women faculty, disseminating their research, and recognizing their achievements.Trade ReviewA vivid biography of [a] trailblazing astronomer...The [Mittons] present an accessible and concise history of modern astrophysics alongside the biography, which brims with insight into Rubin's commitment to getting more women into astronomy and her deep fascination with the mysteries of the universe. Stargazers will be delighted by this spirited account. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) * A thoughtful and nuanced chronicle of the famed astronomer's life that neither overinflates nor diminishes the importance of her contributions...[A] remarkable portrait...[The Mittons] frame her story within a longer history of humanity's study of galaxies, offering readers a fresh perspective on the history of astronomy in the 20th century. -- Joanna Behrman * Science * By far the most comprehensive review of Vera Rubin's career and all the factors that shaped it. A must read. -- Sandra Faber, astronomer and University Professor, University of California Observatories In this enchanting and engaging biography, Jacqueline and Simon Mitton have captured Vera Rubin's exceptional life, unconventional career trajectory, and enduring scientific legacy. Rubin was an inspiring astronomer and human being whom I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know early in my career. This celebration of her work and life is most welcome and timely. -- Priyamvada Natarajan, astrophysicist and author of Mapping the Heavens This book is fascinating. We see Vera Rubin navigate a varied set of circumstances-in her family, in society, and in the scientific community-which culminated in a US National Observatory being named after her. It's a story that will keep you reading, eagerly, to the last page. -- Jay Pasachoff, astronomer and coauthor of The Cosmos: Astronomy in the New Millennium I will never forget the friendly, reassuring presence of Vera Rubin in the front row at my first presentation for the American Astronomical Society, when I was a graduate student. This superb book brings alive her grace and relentless study of the rotation curves of galaxies, as well as her push for women to succeed and excel in astronomy and astrophysics. This book firmly cements Rubin's place within the history of astronomy. -- Carolyn Collins Petersen, author of The Discovery of the Universe
£22.46
Harvard University Press Zwicky
Book SynopsisFritz Zwicky was one of the most inventive and iconoclastic scientists of the twentieth century. Among other accomplishments, he was the first to infer the existence of dark matter. He also clashed with better-known peers and became a pariah in the scientific community. John Johnson, Jr.,’s biography brings this tempestuous maverick alive.Trade Review[An] engaging biography…Reveals a life that is far deeper and more nuanced than the caricature…A sympathetic reassessment of his overall legacy. * Wall Street Journal *A lively new biography…Johnson has written a book that explains the astronomical facts simply and clearly without using technical jargon. But the emphasis is on the human characters, not on the science. -- Freeman Dyson * New York Review of Books *[A] spirited biography…Johnson’s book is rich enough to inspire interesting meditations on research, idiosyncrasy—and reputation. * Nature *Of all the science biographies that came out in 2019, this one, about the legendary scientist Fritz Zwicky, was far and away my favorite…[A] gem of a book…If you enjoy biographies of scientists, particularly underappreciated ones, you'll want to pick this one up for sure. -- Ethan Siegel * Forbes *Interesting to read and provides an insight into a rich, complicated character and his engagement with the world he was part of. -- Chris North * BBC Sky at Night *A detailed and insightful biography. The story certainly captures both the way in which Zwicky liked to see himself and the way in which some leading physicists responded to him. Others, however, took offense and did their best to ignore the astronomer, both during his lifetime and afterwards—one of the reasons why he is largely forgotten today. -- Andrew Robinson * Physics World *A well-rounded biography of the brilliant, contrarian scientist…Stands as an evenhanded examination of a pugnacious and imaginative genius, and it should spark new interest in Zwicky. * Publishers Weekly *[An] excellent biography of Zwicky. -- Jeff Foust * Space Review *This is a fitting biography of one of the most brilliant, acerbic, and under-appreciated astrophysicists of the twentieth century. John Johnson has delved deeply into a rich and eventful life, and produced a rollicking account of how Fritz Zwicky split his time between picking fights with his colleagues and discovering amazing things about our universe. -- Sean Carroll, author of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe ItselfZwicky is everything a good science history book should be. With an eccentric and brilliant scientist at its heart, this book illuminates the very human nature at the center of all the best scientific discoveries. -- Deborah Blum, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author of The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New YorkThis book is absolutely marvelous—I really could not put it down. -- James Gunn, Princeton UniversityWell researched…An enjoyable read. -- Helge Kragh * Physics Today *Perhaps the most significant gadfly to inspire, annoy, challenge, and provoke astronomy in the 20th century…I ended my read through Johnson’s book glad that, from time to time, such mavericks come along to create a bit of intellectual chaos. -- David Stickland * The Observatory *
£26.96
Princeton University Press Essential Radio Astronomy
Book SynopsisEssential Radio Astronomy is the only textbook on the subject specifically designed for a one-semester introductory course for advanced undergraduates or graduate students in astronomy and astrophysics. It starts from first principles in order to fill gaps in students' backgrounds, make teaching easier for professors who are not expert radio astronTrade Review"[Essential Radio Astronomy] should be on the reference shelves of all major universities and research institutes."--Choice
£999.99
Princeton University Press Our Cosmic Habitat
Book SynopsisTrade Review"[This book] has an informal style and breadth of coverage that make it a joy to read... Rees's explanations are exactly right."--William G. Unruh, Science "Rees provides a nice summary of how we got here, how the universe began and how it might end... Lay readers will appreciate Rees' clear, uncomplicated prose, even when dealing with tough stuff that leaves most physicists tongue-tied. Most welcome of all, he explains how scientists know what they claim to know."--K.C. Cole, Los Angeles Times "[An] awe-inspiring survey... Rees is not only a world-class cosmologist but one of our best living science writers."--John Cornwell, Sunday Times "Probably the clearest and most easily understandable account of our Universe available."--Ian Morison, New Scientist "Our very own Astronomer Royal blasts off into space, in velvety, friendly prose. His musings on the possibilities of alien life and of time travel, the necessity to colonise space, and a vision of the far future make for a pleasingly concise and always intriguing tour d'horizon."--Steven Poole, The Guardian "In the crowded field of popular writing about the universe, Rees is genuinely in the forefront--an accomplished scientist with the superior writing skills... He exudes the instinctual curiosity we all possess when looking upward, and he focuses that wonderment on the narrow range of cosmological numbers that allow us to ruminate about it all. A wonderfully appealing presentation."--Booklist "There is a lot of stuff in the universe--the estimated number of stars is 10 followed by 22 zeros. But as to whether there are other planets with life like Earth's, Rees says the chance of two similar ecologies is less than the chance of two randomly typing monkeys producing the same Shakespearean play."--George F. Will, The Washington Post "In the instant after the big bang, there was only a one-part-per-billion preponderance of matter over antimatter, just enough to create the universe that created us. Rees, an accomplished scientist with superior writing skills, marvels over the wonder that matter even exists."--Booklist (Top 10 Sci-Tech Books of 2001) "Rees is one of the great astronomers royal; he is a leading cosmologist, and his skill in writing what may be termed popular science is probably unequaled today. I know of no other author who could present such difficult concepts in so lucid a manner. This is a brilliant book, to be read and enjoyed by all."--Sir Patrick Moore, Times Higher Education Supplement "A must-read book for people who are interested in the philosophical implications of the emerging idea that, possibly, we are not alone."--Science Books and Films "A fabulous journey round the cosmos in excellent company."--Maggie McDonald, New Scientist "As books encompassing the realm of everything in the universe (universes?) go, this one is relatively short. Its brevity, however ... its elaborate index (a point I find refreshing), and the fact that it was written by someone so esteemed in the astronomical community, begs the reader to ask why this couldn't be used as a one-semester introductory text. Well-written, clear visuals, great author: a good combination for a first book on the subject."--April S. Whitt, Planetarian
£14.24
Princeton University Press Gravitation
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Kip S. Thorne, Co-Winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics"
£52.70
John Murray Press Meteorite The Stones From Outer Space That Made
Book Synopsis
£12.74
Headline Publishing Group Light in the Darkness
Book SynopsisAs featured in THE EDGE OF ALL WE KNOW - the new Netflix documentary about Black HolesFor readers of Stephen Hawking, a fascinating account of the universe from the perspective of world-leading astrophysicist Heino Falcke, who took the first ever picture of a black hole.10th April 2019: a global sensation. Heino Falcke, a man working at the boundaries of his discipline and therefore at the limits of the universe had used a network of telescopes spanning the entire planet to take the first picture of a black hole.Light in the Darkness examines how mankind has always looked to the skies, mapping the journey from millennia ago when we turned our gaze to the heavens, to modern astrophysics. Heino Falcke and Jorg Romer entertainingly and compellingly chart the breakthrough research of Falcke''s team, an unprecedented global community of international colleagues developing a telescope complex enough to look directly into a black hole - a hole wTrade ReviewHeino Falcke's book shows us how much stamina, curiosity, and fascination are required to persevere with a great scientific project against all naysayers * Berliner Zeitung *The technological and logistical challenges that the scientists engaged in the endeavour to produce an image of a black hole were faced with, and how they finally succeeded in the Spring of 2017 - all of this Falcke, with the help of journalist Jörg Römer, has turned into a wonderful book. * Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung *Light in the Darkness succeeds in making the invisible visible and the unimaginable imaginable * Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger *Falcke asks that we take seriously what black holes have to tell us and that we accept the limits of our knowledge. You don't see it very often that a scientist shows such modesty at the moment of his greatest triumph. One of the many strengths of this book * Neue Zürcher Zeitung *Heino Falcke's very personal book provides surprisingly revealing insights into the life of a researcher. It introduces the reader to the early history of astronomy and its modern foundation and does so in an accessible way * Neue Zürcher Zeitung am Sonntag *Heino Falcke does ground-breaking research into the universe's most mysterious phenomenon and at the very edge of space and time * From the statement of the jury for the Spinoza Prize *For me, Heino Falcke is the Man of the Year 2019, and the image of the black hole in the M87 galaxy that he and his team produced immediately became iconic. But Falcke isn't only a fantastic scientist, but also a gifted storyteller * New Scientist (Dutch edition) *Whoever reads Falcke's book won't just dive into a breathtaking scientific story but will also be in awe of the man himself. In spite - or maybe precisely because? - of his rigorous scientific work, this practicing Christian and minister keeps a room for god in his heart * Neue Ruhr Zeitung *Falcke and Römer pull off the trick of combining an individual and a cosmic perspective in the most illuminating and entertaining fashion * Der Freitag *
£11.24
Random House Publishing Group On the Origin of Time
Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ? Stephen Hawking?s closest collaborator offers the intellectual superstar?s final thoughts on the cosmos?a dramatic revision of the theory he put forward in A Brief History of Time.?This superbly written book offers insight into an extraordinary individual, the creative process, and the scope and limits of our current understanding of the cosmos.??Lord Martin ReesPerhaps the biggest question Stephen Hawking tried to answer in his extraordinary life was how the universe could have created conditions so perfectly hospitable to life.In order to solve this mystery, Hawking studied the big bang origin of the universe, buthis early work ran into a crisis when the math predicted many big bangs producing a multiverse?countless different universes, most of which would be far too bizarre to ?harbor life. Holedupin the theoretical physics department at Cambridge, Stephen Hawking and his friend and collaborator ThomasHertogworkedon this problem for twenty years, developing a new theory of the cosmos that could account for the emergence of life. Peering into the extreme quantum physics of cosmic holograms and venturing far back in time to our deepest roots, they were startled to find a deeper level of evolution in which thephysical laws themselvestransform and simplify until particles, forces, and even time itself fadesaway.This discovery led them to a revolutionary idea: The laws of physics are not set in stone but areborn and co-evolve as the universe they govern takes shape. As Hawking?s final days drew near, the two collaborators published their theory, which proposed aradical new Darwinian perspective on the origins of our universe. On the Origin of Time offersa striking new vision of the universe?s birth that will profoundlytransform the way we think about our place in the order of the cosmos and may ultimately prove to be Hawking?s greatest legacy.
£12.32
Princeton University Press Searching for the Oldest Stars
Book SynopsisA leading astronomer takes readers behind the scenes of the thrilling science of stellar archaeology and explains how sections of the night sky are "excavated" in the hunt for extremely rare, 13-billion-year-old relic stars and how this quest reveals tantalizing new details about the origins and evolution of the cosmos.Trade Review"Frebel's narrative provides a rich picture of the understandings astronomers have gleaned from studies of the elements in stars."—Laurence A. Marschall, Natural History"A delight."—Matt Sutherland, Foreword Reviews"The core of Frebel's book, and the source of its appeal, is the joy it conveys."—Brian Bethune, Maclean's"An excellent description of how a scientist approaches and works through a research project and how her cutting-edge project fits into the larger view of modern astronomy."—Choice"A gripping account of astronomy and the thrill of scientific discovery."—Dave Pugl, Library Journal
£15.19
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Meteorites
Book Synopsis
£23.79
Princeton University Press The Sun Kings
Book SynopsisIn September of 1859, the entire Earth was engulfed in a gigantic cloud of seething gas, and a blood-red aurora erupted across the planet. This title presents the story behind Carrington's observations of a mysterious explosion on the surface of the Sun and how his brilliant insight helped to usher in the modern era of astronomy.Trade ReviewWinner of the 2007 Best Professional/Scholarly Book in Cosmology and Astronomy, Association of American Publishers Shortlisted for the 2008 Royal Society Prizes for Science Books, General Prize In this well-researched and very well-written book, Clark tells the embattled, little-known history of modern astronomy, a spry tale full of intrigue, jealousy, spite, dedication and perseverance."--Publishers Weekly "Here is popular science at its best: accurate, meticulously researched ... and full of adventures."--Simon Mitton, Times Higher Education "The techniques of Carrington and his contemporaries gave birth to the new science of astrophysics, which can probe questions about the structure, function, and origin of the stars, planets, and the universe at large... From Carrington's observations, Clark spins a lively account of seminal discoveries in spectroscopy, photography, and theoretical physics that led to the present-day understanding."--Laurence A. Marschall, Natural History "Science journalist Stuart Clark, in his new book The Sun Kings, places [English amateur astronomer Richard] Carrington at the fulcrum of a century-long debate over the effects of sunspots, because he drew on two very different sorts of scientific observations--studies of sunspots and of the Earth's magnetic field--that together would eventually allow astronomers to see the relation between solar and terrestrial activity."--Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, American Scientist "Well paced and well chosen, Clark's history will delight science readers."--Booklist "Meticulously researched, The Sun Kings chronicles the largely untold story of the inception of modern astrophysics in marvelous detail."--SEED Magazine "We still don't understand the sun, but Clark shows with verve and assurance how it is that we understand so much more than we used to."--Lorien Kaye, The Age "A tale of ongoing speculations and proofs, The Sun Kings reveals, above all, Stuart Clark's passion for all things astronomical."--Brett Josef Grubisic, Vancouver Sun "Stuart Clark's The Sun Kings is a compelling account of how astronomers came to understand solar flares, sunspots, and magnetic storms. It is also a vivid portrait of the scientific climate of a vanished era... The Sun Kings is an excellent and fast-paced read for anyone interested in astronomy, history, or human drama, as well as important context for understanding some of the reasons Earth's climate changes over time."--Melissa A. Barton, BookSlut.com "The Sun Kings uncovers much of the history of how we came to understand how solar flares and associated phenomena can wreak havoc on Earth... This is popular science history told with rare accuracy and enough intrigue to keep the reader entertained."--Neil Bone, Astronomy Now "Each story is told with the clarity required to keep the non-expert engrossed and the stories are entertaining and genuinely fascinating."--Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald "Simply telling the history of scientific solar observations and the beginnings of modern astronomy and making the writing a page-turner would be a difficult feat, but Clark does it superbly. This is not a dry scientific chronology but a story of real men and women who had lives beyond the science they performed... Well-written and well-researched with a thorough bibliography and index."--M.V. Golden, Choice "The all-powerful, infinitely fragile nexus between Earth and its sun drives Stuart Clark's riveting study of astronomer Richard Carrington, dubbed the Sun King by his 19th-century English peers. Carrington's specialty was sunspots and solar flares, but the real drama here is off-telescope."--Tony Maniaty, The Australian "Stuart Clark's The Sun Kings is a lively, informative discourse on the research that led to a discovery that in Victorian times was revolutionary: a cause-and-effect relationship between events on the Sun and Earth. Although the book is biographical, the science is not secondary: The characters and their research are skillfully interwoven in the narrative. The inclusion of the discoveries and personas of so many of the pioneers of Victorian astrophysics will make Clark's book an enjoyable and meaningful read for anyone, professional physicist and layperson alike, who has an interest in the roots of physics and astronomy...Clark is writing for a popular science audience who will enjoy his lively and eminently readable account of the lives and scientific careers of those whose work furthered the understanding of the Sun-Earth connection."--Richard C. Canfield, Physics Today "What a delight! This is an enthralling account of the personal lives of the scientists who first demonstrated the Sun's dominant influence over Earthly affairs and laid the foundation for modern astronomy and astrophysics. This is a fast-moving, accurate, and fascinating story of diverse personalities, their families, ambitions, hopes, and struggles, their passion for knowledge, for awards, positions and recognition, and the inevitable roles that pride, greed, jealousy, and resentments played in deciding the tragedies, fame and fortune of the founders of modern astronomy."--Manuel K. Oliver, Twenty-first Century Science and Technology "Run, don't walk, to your nearest ... store to buy The Sun Kings... It is a remarkable book."--Jeff Kuhn, Nature Physics "This is a fascinating and fast-paced narrative."--Allan Chapman, The Observatory "Clark's engaging and authoritative account of the early years of solar-terrestrial science will he especially valuable as an introduction to space weather for undergraduates and beginning graduate students. It will also appeal more generally as a first-rate scientific detective story involving flesh-and-blood characters."--Edward W. Cliver, Space Weather Quarterly "Clark's style of popular historical storytelling effectively conveys the personal, interpersonal, and political aspects of scientific lives and work. He creates clear and interesting nontechnical explanations for solar phenomena and researchers' methods and analyses. Both general and academic readers should appreciate how his narrative demonstrates the multigenerational nature of solar astronomy and relates the contemporary importance of accurate verbal and artistic descriptions of natural phenomena... [T]here can be little doubt that the history of science and public science education both stand to benefit immensely from hybrid forms of historiography like Clark's."--Pamela Gossin, Isis "Stuart Clark's eminently readable book ... although aimed at a broad audience, is also useful for the specialist... The significance of coincidences and chance in research, as well as the personal side of science, is well described for the general public. It is highly recommended reading."--Bela Kalman, Solar Physics "Solar astronomy is truly a multigenerational science and its beginnings are brilliantly summarised in Stuart Clark's story, built around the greatest magnetic storm ever recorded... The tale is lively, informative and often compelling."--Keith Mansfield, Plus MagazineTable of ContentsList of Illustrations ix Acknowledgments xi Prologue: The Dog Years 1 Chapter One: The First Swallow of Summer 9 Chapter Two: Herschel's Grand Absurdity 25 Chapter Three: The Magnetic Crusade 47 Chapter Four: The Solar Lockstep 58 Chapter Five: The Day and Night Observatory 71 Chapter Six: The Perfect Solar Storm 80 Chapter Seven: In the Grip of the Sun 93 Chapter Eight: The Greatest Prize of All 98 Chapter Nine: Death at the Devil's Jumps 117 Chapter Ten: The Sun's Librarian 129 Chapter Eleven: New Flare, New Storm, New Understanding 148 Chapter Twelve: The Waiting Game 168 Chapter Thirteen: The Cloud Chamber 179 Epilogue: Magnetar Spring 188 Bibliography 191 Index 207
£22.50
Princeton University Press From Dust to Life
Book SynopsisTrade Review"[T]here is much solid information to be gleaned from careful reading."--Publishers Weekly "A stellar read"--Nature "In this grand chronicle of the science behind the origins of our 4.6-billion-year-old Solar System, John Chambers and Jacqueline Mitton peruse everything from the giant collision thought to have formed our Moon to the nature of meteorites."--Rosalind Metcalfe, Nature "[This book] provides a truly comprehensive overview of our solar system's origins and is written in plain, jargon-free language."--Marcus Chown, New Scientist "Incredibly thorough and detailed, yet very accessible to non-scientists too... A compelling overview of the evolution of the Solar System."--Katia Moskvitch, BBC Sky at Night "This is not your average tour of our solar system. Using clear, relatively jargon-free language, Chambers and Mitton provide a comprehensive examination of our current understanding of its formation, which should readily appeal to the general reader who enjoys scientific detail without getting into equations."--Library Journal "Chambers and Mitton stay focused on the science in From Dust to Life: unlike other books that create narratives around the scientists, they discuss the science and the history of its development, rather than the individuals who made it possible. That's a worthwhile trade: while there have been, and are today, interesting people studying the formation of the solar system, the science is even more fascinating as we find out just how complex the process is to turn a cloud of gas and dust into a star and planets."--Jeff Foust, Space Review "Read From Dust to Life to gain a fascinating perspective on the current state of the science behind solar system formation."--David Dickinson, Astro Guys blog "This wild ride across the cosmos and through time covers a lot of territory but isn't merely a laundry list of observations. Instead, readers will find one lucid explanation piggybacked onto another... The authors ... make celestial mechanics comprehensible even to readers with more curiosity than scientific background... Best of all, the authors help readers glimpse the why of it all."--Science News "This book ... is accessible to a scientifically literate general reader... The author team is eminently qualified ... one is a well-known planetary scientist and the other an experienced science writer. The result of their efforts is a highly readable book."--Star Formation Newsletter "Chambers and Mitton present a well-researched, detailed, big-picture overview of the solar system that shows how all of people's observations of its contents contribute to a coherent model for its origin. The authors place the modern theory and latest observations in historical context by beginning each chapter with an overview of the development of these scientific ideas from their beginning."--Choice "This book is up-to date, thorough, and authoritative. It revels in the latest discussions and controversies... It is a joy to read and is accessible to any student with a scientific background... Read this book. Join the cosmogonists and help change the cosmogony/cosmology ratio."--David W. Hughes, Observatory "From Dust to Lifefurnishes a comprehensive overview of current models for the formation of the solar system."--Cait MacPhee, Times Higher EducationTable of ContentsList of Illustrations xi Preface xv 1 Cosmic Archaeology 1 A fascination with the past 1 A solar system to explain 3 Real worlds 9 Winding back the clock 12 Putting the pieces together 16 2 Discovering the Solar System 19 Measuring the solar system 19 From wandering gods to geometrical constructions 22 The Sun takes center stage 25 Laws and order 27 Gravity rules 29 The missing planet 31 Asteroids enter the scene 34 Rocks in space 36 Uranus behaving badly 37 Completing the inventory 40 3 An Evolving Solar System 43 A changing world 43 A nebulous idea begins to take shape 44 The nebular hypothesis in trouble 48 A chance encounter? 50 Nebular theory resurrected 54 4 The Question of Timing 56 Reading the cosmic clock 57 Early estimates: ingenious-but wrong 57 Geology versus physics 58 Radioactivity changes everything 61 Hubble and the age of the universe 63 How radioactive timers work 64 Meteorites hold the key 68 Dating the Sun 71 The age of the universe revisited 73 5 Meteorites 75 A dramatic entrance 75 Where do meteorites come from? 76 Irons and stones 80 Identifying the parents 83 Lunar and Martian meteorites 86 A rare and precious resource 87 What meteorites can tell us 88 6 Cosmic Chemistry 92 Element 43: first a puzzle then a clue 92 An abundance of elements 94 The first elements 96 Cooking in the stellar furnace 98 Building heavier elements 104 Supernovae 105 7 A Star Is Born 108 A child of the Milky Way 108 Where stars are born 110 First steps to a solar system 113 The solar system's birth environment 119 Essential ingredients 121 8 Nursery for Planets 123 An excess of infrared 123 Two kinds of disks 125 Inside the solar nebula 129 Getting the dust to stick 131 The influence of gas 134 How to build planetesimals 135 The demise of the disk 137 9 Worlds of Rock and Metal 140 Sisters but not twins 140 The era of planetesimals 141 Planetary embryos take over 144 The final four 147 Earth 148 Mercury 153 Venus 158 Mars 161 10 the Making of the Moon 168 The Moon today 169 What the Moon is made of 170 The Moon's orbit 172 The fission theory 174 The capture hypothesis 175 The coaccretion hypothesis 176 The giant impact hypothesis 177 Encounter with Theia 179 Earth, Moon, and tidal forces 181 Late heavy bombardment 183 11 Earth, Cradle of Life 186 The Hadean era 186 The tree of life 191 The building blocks of life 193 The rise of oxygen 196 A favorable climate 199 Snowball Earth 202 Future habitability 204 12 Worlds of Gas and Ice 205 Giants of the solar system 205 Building giants by core accretion 211 The disk instability model 214 Spin and tilt 215 Masters of many moons 217 Formation of regular satellites 219 The origin of irregular satellites 220 Rings 221 13 What Happened to the Asteroid Belt? 225 The asteroid belt today 225 Ground down by collisions? 226 Emptied by gravity? 229 Asteroid families 231 The missing mantle problem 233 Asteroids revealed as worlds 236 14 The Outermost Solar System 242 Where do comets come from? 242 Centaurs 246 Looking beyond Neptune 247 The Kuiper belt 248 Sedna 251 The nature of trans-Neptunian objects 252 Where have all the Plutos gone? 256 The Nice model 259 15 Epilogue: Paradigms, Problems, and Predictions 263 The paradigm: solar system evolution in a nutshell 264 Unsolved puzzles 267 Searching the solar system for answers 268 Other planetary systems 271 Future evolution of the solar system 273 Afterword to the 2017 edition 277 Glossary 291 Sources and Further Reading 305 Index 307
£19.00
Yale University Press Black Hole
Book SynopsisThe contentious history of the idea of the black holethe most fascinating and bizarre celestial object in the heavens For more than half a century, physicists and astronomers engaged in heated dispute over the possibility of black holes in the universe. The weirdly alien notion of a space-time abyss from which nothing escapesnot even lightseemed to confound all logic. This engrossing book tells the story of the fierce black hole debates and the contributions of Einstein and Hawking and other leading thinkers who completely altered our view of the universe. Renowned science writer Marcia Bartusiak shows how the black hole helped revive Einstein's greatest achievement, the general theory of relativity, after decades during which it had been pushed into the shadows. Not until astronomers discovered such surprising new phenomena as neutron stars and black holes did the once-sedate universe transform into an Einsteinian cosmos, filled with sources of titanic energy that can be understood
£14.99
Inner Traditions Bear and Company Secrets of Antigravity Propulsion: Tesla, UFO's,
Book SynopsisIn SECRETS OF ANTIGRAVITY PROPULSION, physicist Paul LaViolette reveals the secret history of antigravity experimentation - from Nikola Tesla and T. Townsend Brown to the B-2 Advanced Technology Bomber. He discloses the existence of advanced gravity-control technologies, under secret military development for decades, that could revolutionise air travel and energy production. Included among the secret projects he reveals is the research of Project Skyvault to develop an aerospace propulsion system using intense beams of microwave energy similar to that used by the strange crafts seen flying over Area 51. Using subquantum kinetics - the science behind antigravity technology- LaViolette reviews numerous field-propulsion devices and technologies that have thrust-to-power ratios thousands of times greater than that of a jet engine and whose effects are not explained by conventional physics and relativity theory. He then presents controversial evidence about the NASA cover-up in adopting these advanced technologies. He also details ongoing Russian research to duplicate John Searl's self-propelled levitating disc and shows how the results of the Podkletnov gravity beam experiment could be harnessed to produce an interstellar spacecraft. · Reviews numerous field propulsion devices that have thrust-topower ratios thousands of times greater than a jet engine · Shows how NASA is part of a cover-up to block adoption of advanced technologies under military developmentTrade Review“Kudos to Paul LaViolette for disclosing the important new science of electro-magneto-gravitic propulsion. For over fifty years, humanity has continued to use earth-destroying primitive fuels when an ocean of infinite energy teems all around us. It is time that the truth be known!” * Steven M. Greer, M.D., author of Hidden Truth: Forbidden Knowledge *“Paul LaViolette is one of the most interesting and innovative thinkers probing the limits and horizons of contemporary physics. In this book he takes up a challenge that many of us have thought about but could not document: the possibility of propulsion systems that practically defy gravity. His findings merit earnest consideration, debate, and discussion.” * Ervin Laszlo, author of Science and the Akashic Field *“Paul LaViolette’s investigations into this most mysterious of subjects are at once fascinating and prescient.” * Nick Cook, author of The Hunt for Zero Point: Inside the Classified World of Antigravity Technology *“One of the boldest and most exciting books on gravity control to be put forward in our times. Paul LaViolette is an outstanding scientist and the first to reverse engineer the B-2’s highly classified propulsion system.” * Eugene Podkletnov, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, Tampere, Finland *“Paul LaViolette has once again unearthed advanced knowledge that can change our lives. This is a landmark book to be read and discussed by anyone concerned about humanity’s options for the near future.” * Jeane Manning, author of The Coming Energy Revolution: The Search for Free Energy *"If you buy only one book on antigravity/electrogravity, this had better be the one! I have been a fan of Townsend Brown since the early eighties. This book showed me things I DID NOT know! . . . Secrets ARE revealed." * T. Long, reviewer, July 2008 *"Numerous field-propulsion devices and techologies that have huge thrust-to-power ratios are surveyed in chapters which offer new science ideas and theories perfect for any new age library." * The Midwest Book Review, Sept 2008 *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments 1 Antigravity: From Dream to Reality 2 Beyond Rocket Propulsion 3 Onward and Upward 4 An Etheric Explanation 5 The U.S. Antigravity Squadron 6 Gravity Beam Propulsion 7 Project Skyvault 8 Microwave Phase Conjugation 9 Unconventional Flying Objects 10 The Searl Effect 11 Electrogravitic Wave Experiments 12 High-Voltage Electrogravitics Experiments 13 Black Hole Discovered in NASA 14 A Technology That Could Change the World Appendices A. Letters Written by T. Townsend Brown to Thomas Turman B. Aviation Studies International Ltd. Publications C. Electrogravitics Systems D. A Brief Description of Experiments Made in Paris by T. Townsend Brown E. Notes on the Skyvault Antigravity Project F. Secret Government Memos Concerning Operation Majestic Twelve G. Electrogravitics: An Energy-Efficient Means of Space Propulsion H. Beyond Rocket Propulsion I. Correspondence with Charles Morris J. Preventing Another Columbia Disaster Notes Bibliography Index
£20.99
University of Nebraska Press Bold They Rise
Book SynopsisBold They Rise recounts the golden age of the Space Shuttle—from its first to its twenty-fifth launch, ending with the tragic flight of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Trade Review"This book is a welcome addition to the spectacular Outward Odyssey series and any space enthusiast's collection that does not carry it—is missing something vital. . . . [Bold They Rise] is at times gripping with the thrill found only in the "firsts" involved with anything to do with space exploration . . . a solid read which provides important information regarding NASA's program of record for more than thirty years."—Jason Rhian, spaceflightinsider.com"Bold They Rise is one of those works that will allow the memory of the Space Shuttle to remain alive, conveying the beauty and difficult of flying and working in space."—Davide Sivolella, Florida Historical Quarterly“Although the shuttle program has now run its course, this wonderful book brings back the awe, the inspiration, the promise, and the sadness associated with the early history of those magnificent vehicles and the teams of ground and flight crews that flew them.”—Jerry L. Ross (Col., USAF, Ret.), NASA astronaut, STS-61B, -27, -37, -55, -74, -88, and -110, and author of Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA’s Record-Setting Frequent Flyer"This book is essential reading and perhaps the perfect companion to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's recently opened Atlantis exhibit."—Emily Carney, americaspace.com“Read this book to experience the Space Shuttle as it matured. Smith and Hitt tap sources that made this aerospace wonder’s early history. You’ll feel the needs and wants of those involved; the joys and sadness that came with conceiving, building, and flying this vehicle. It’s a trip—I know.”—Charles D. Walker, engineer, corporate executive, first commercial industry astronaut, STS-41D, STS-51D, STS-61B"Space enthusiasts will enjoy this work."—CHOICE“A rich, engaging account of the first years of the Space Shuttle era, Bold They Rise recounts the development and pioneering missions of a truly magnificent flying machine that helped open the door to space for scientists such as myself.”—Donald A. Thomas, NASA astronaut, STS-65, STS-70, STS-83, and STS-94Table of ContentsList of IllustrationsForewordPrefaceAcknowledgments1. The Feeling of Flying2. In the Beginning3. TFNG4. Getting Ready to Fly5. First Flight6. The Demonstration Flights7. Open for Business8. The Next Steps9. Science on the Shuttle10. Secret Missions11. People and Payloads12. The Golden Age13. To Touch the Face of GodSourcesIndex
£27.54
PHI Learning An Introduction to Astrophysics
Book SynopsisThis second edition astrophysics book covers a wide range of topics, including stellar phenomena, galaxies, clusters, and more. It incorporates recent advancements in Astronomy and Astrophysics, such as L and T dwarfs, solar models, cosmic background radiation, and more. Each chapter ends with problems and suggested readings.
£20.89
Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG Special Relativity in General Frames: From Particles to Astrophysics
Book SynopsisSpecial relativity is the basis of many fields in modern physics: particle physics, quantum field theory, high-energy astrophysics, etc. This theory is presented here by adopting a four-dimensional point of view from the start. An outstanding feature of the book is that it doesn’t restrict itself to inertial frames but considers accelerated and rotating observers. It is thus possible to treat physical effects such as the Thomas precession or the Sagnac effect in a simple yet precise manner. In the final chapters, more advanced topics like tensorial fields in spacetime, exterior calculus and relativistic hydrodynamics are addressed. In the last, brief chapter the author gives a preview of gravity and shows where it becomes incompatible with Minkowsky spacetime. Well illustrated and enriched by many historical notes, this book also presents many applications of special relativity, ranging from particle physics (accelerators, particle collisions, quark-gluon plasma) to astrophysics (relativistic jets, active galactic nuclei), and including practical applications (Sagnac gyrometers, synchrotron radiation, GPS). In addition, the book provides some mathematical developments, such as the detailed analysis of the Lorentz group and its Lie algebra. The book is suitable for students in the third year of a physics degree or on a masters course, as well as researchers and any reader interested in relativity. Thanks to the geometric approach adopted, this book should also be beneficial for the study of general relativity. “A modern presentation of special relativity must put forward its essential structures, before illustrating them using concrete applications to specific dynamical problems. Such is the challenge (so successfully met!) of the beautiful book by Éric Gourgoulhon.” (excerpt from the Foreword by Thibault Damour)Table of ContentsMinkowski Spacetime.- Worldlines and Proper Time.- Observers.- Kinematics 1: Motion with Respect to an Observer.- Kinematics 2: Change of Observer.- Lorentz Group.- Lorentz Group as a Lie Group.- Inertial Observers and Poincaré Group.- Energy and Momentum.- Angular Momentum.- Principle of Least Action.- Accelerated Observers.- Rotating Observers.- Tensors and Alternate Forms.- Fields on Spacetime.- Integration in Spacetime.- Electromagnetic Field.- Maxwell Equations.- Energy-Momentum Tensor.- Energy-Momentum of the Electromagnetic Field.- Relativistic Hydrodynamics.- What about Relativistic Gravitation?.- A Basic Algebra.- B Web Pages.- C Special Relativity Books.
£39.99
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group Space Oddities
Book SynopsisExperimental physicist at CERN and acclaimed science presenter Harry Cliff offers an eye-opening account of the inexplicable phenomena that science has only recently glimpsed, and that could transform our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality.Something strange is going on in the cosmos. Scientists are uncovering a catalogue of weird phenomena that simply can’t be explained by our long-established theories of the universe. Particles with unbelievable energies are bursting from beneath the Antarctic ice. Unknown forces seem to be tugging on the basic building blocks of matter. Stars are flying away from us far faster than anyone can explain. After decades of fruitless searching, could we finally be catching glimpses of a profound new view of our physical world? Or are we being fooled by cruel tricks of the data? In Space Oddities, Harry Cliff, a physicist who does cutting-edge work on the Large Hadron Collider, provides a riveting look at the universe’s most confounding puzzles. In a journey that spans continents, from telescopes perched high above the Atacama Desert to the subterranean caverns of state-of-the-art particle colliders to balloons hovering over the frozen icesheets of the South Pole, he meets the men and women hunting for answers—who have staked their careers and reputations on the uncertain promise of new physics. The result is a mind-expanding, of-the-moment look at the fields of physics and cosmology as they transform before us. With wonder, clarity, and a dose of humor, Cliff investigates the question: Are these anomalies accidents of nature, or could they be pointing us toward vast, hidden worlds?
£23.20
Cambridge University Press The Discovery of Cosmic Voids
Book SynopsisThe large-scale structure of the Universe is dominated by vast voids with galaxies clustered in knots, sheets, and filaments, forming a great ''cosmic web''. In this personal account of the major astronomical developments leading to this discovery, we learn from Laird A. Thompson, a key protagonist, how the first 3D maps of galaxies were created. Using non-mathematical language, he introduces the standard model of cosmology before explaining how and why ideas about cosmic voids evolved, referencing the original maps, reproduced here. His account tells of the competing teams of observers, racing to publish their results, the theorists trying to build or update their models to explain them, and the subsequent large-scale survey efforts that continue to the present day. This is a well-documented account of the birth of a major pillar of modern cosmology, and a useful case study of the trials surrounding how this scientific discovery became accepted.Trade Review'… a very readable book, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to know about the universe at large scales.' Ingemar Bengtsson, Contemporary Physics'Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.' S. P. Maran, ChoiceTable of ContentsForeword; Preface; List of Abbreviations; 1. Understanding the Foundations of Modern Cosmology; 2. Preview of the Discovery of Cosmic Voids; 3. Homogeneity of the Universe: Great Minds Speak Out; 4. All-Sky Surveys in the Transition Years 1950–1975; 5. The Early Redshift Surveys from Arizona Observatories; 6. Galaxy Mapping Attempt at Tartu Observatory; 7. Theoretical Models of Galaxy Formation: East versus West; 8. Priority Disputes and the Timeline of Publications; 9. Impact of Cosmic Voids: Cosmology, Gravity at the Weak Limit, and Galaxy Formation; Appendix A. KPNO Observing Proposal; Appendix B. Gregory and Thompson (1978) reprint; References; Index.
£41.79
Profile Books Ltd Out of this World and into the Next
Book SynopsisHumanity has always looked up at the night sky and wondered what lies beyond our world. Now, we are on the precipice of stepping out among the stars, not just as lone astronauts or billionaire tech bros, but as a civilization. Our story is one of curiosity and an innate desire to explore and understand not only the world around us, but the world within us, and the worlds above us, from extremophiles to extraterrestrials, technosignatures to terraforming, DNA to Dyson Spheres. In this sweeping treatise on exploration, innovation and human ingenuity, theoretical physicist Adriana Marais explores the questions that stand at the heart of scientific endeavour: What are the building blocks of life and how does life emerge? Are we alone in the universe and if so, why? How did we get here - and where are we going next?
£15.29
PublicAffairs,U.S. Proving Einstein Right: The Daring Expeditions
Book SynopsisIn 1916, a nearly unknown German-born theoretical physicist named Albert Einstein had developed his theory of relativity, but hadn't yet been able to prove it. The only way to do that was through the clear view and measurement of a solar eclipse. In May of 1919, one of the longest total solar eclipses of the 20th century was visible for almost seven minutes in the Southern Hemisphere. And so, two teams of intrepid astronomers set out on a treacherous journey-one to a remote town in Brazil, the other to the small African island of Principe. Their task was to answer the question: during the eclipse, would the stars' light waves follow Newton's law of gravitation, or Einstein's new theory of relativity?Proving Einstein Right is an epic chronicle of this decade-long mission. Hindered by everything from cloudy weather to world war, and travelling halfway around the globe, four men observed a solar eclipse that would catapult Albert Einstein to fame, set the framework for the Big Bang theory, and forever change the way we look at the universe.
£22.50
Princeton University Press At the Edge of Time
Book SynopsisTaking readers into the remarkable world of cosmology, Hooper describes many of the extraordinary and perplexing questions that scientists are asking about the origin and nature of the world.Trade Review"Beginning with Carl Sagan’s Cosmos in 1980, Big Bang books have become a genre that curious readers should check out every few years to keep up with breakthroughs (gravity waves being the latest). They can’t go wrong with Hooper’s. A lucid account that is neither dumbed down nor overly difficult." * Kirkus, starred review *"I found myself getting wonderfully lost in this book, and swapping my usual pre-bedtime read for this. This is not something that has ever happened to me before with a popular science book!. . . I love that the book does not shy away from controversial or tough concepts. . . . This is essential reading for any cosmology enthusiast."---Dr. Laura Nuttall, BBC Sky at Night"[At the Edge of Time]’s enthusiasm for its subject is contagious. From Einstein’s theories and Edwin Hubble’s discoveries to the Large Hadron Collider, the text presents scientific advancement as an exciting odyssey—if one that is, for the time being, often characterized by questions, to be answered at a future date to the satisfaction of all."---Rebecca Foster, Foreword Reviews"[An] informed introduction to 'the mysteries of our universe’s first seconds'."---Andrew Robinson, Nature"Hooper takes the reader on a tour of our collective ignorance about the early universe. . . . Science is a messy endeavor, with dead ends and false alarms and backtracking; that can still be an interesting story, and this book succeeds in explaining both what we do know about the universe’s origins and what remains unknown."---Jeff Foust, The Space Review"Scientists know precious little about what happened when the universe got its start: many cosmologists think space and time underwent an extremely rapid expansion called inflation, yet this theory raises as many questions as it answers. . . . Hooper takes readers on a mind-bending expedition through these questions and shows how they all connect to the beginning."---Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American"If you're mystified and curious about the mysteries of the Universe, including dark matter, dark energy, and cosmic inflation, and want a unique take on all of these puzzles with a peek behind how science-in-action works, you won't want to miss this book."---Ethan Siegel, Forbes"Hooper's writing style has an almost palpable sense of excitement, which creates an incredibly engaging read as we travel back in time."---Matthew Hodgson, Astronomy Now"This is definitely a book that will leave you musing on what might be the next big cosmological discovery."---Deb Farkas, California Classroom Science"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. . . . [At the Edge of Time is] a brief but comprehensive account of the general development of current cosmological knowledge, written by an enthusiastic expert in the field and easy for the layman to follow."---Colin Cooke, The Observatory
£18.00
Oxford University Press Relativity Made Relatively Easy Volume 2 General
Book SynopsisAimed at advanced undergraduate or graduate physics students, the book aims to give a working understanding of astronomy and gravitational waves, as well as introducing the reader to the key concepts in cosmology and classical field theory.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition As Albert Einstein once emphasized, one should make things as simple as possible, but not simpler. Andrew Steane follows the master's recommendation and presents a relatively easy tour through the wonderful worlds of Special and General Relativity. He guides the reader patiently and pedagogically through the fundamental concepts as well as their main applications. This book is of great value for both students and lecturers. * Claus Kiefer, Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne *Steane's book provides a physically oriented introduction to Special Relativity and its consequences, which does not compromise rigour in its exposition. I do not know of any other textbook on the topic covering such a breadth of topics at a detailed, but at the same time accessible and insightful level. In particular, the discussion of electromagnetism in the context of Special Relativity - where Relativity really comes into life - is excellent. The book contains an interesting and original selection of exercises which will help the dedicated reader to gain mastery in the details of the theory. * Juan A. Valiente Kroon, School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London *Offering a uniquely broad and thorough coverage of one of the standard tools of modern physics, Andrew Steane's Relativity Made Relatively Easy is an approachable and comprehensive coverage of Einstein's most famous contribution to science. It is sure to become a favorite resource for students and researchers alike. * Warren Anderson, Center for Gravitation and Cosmology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee *The book truly has the potential to become a pivotal part of scholarship in physics. This lucid and thoughtful approach to taking the reader pedagogically through how Einsteinian relativity works, and how it supersedes the Newtonian construction with respect to explaining the basic principles of physical law, is comprehensive, thorough, innovative, challenging, and in many cases original. Steane's approach fills a gap in what in many university undergraduate courses has become a topic considered rather too briefly and in a rather too stereotyped manner, and which thereby has always denied physics graduates of the deeper insight into how Lorentz invariance is at the root of almost everything. * John Dainton, Sir James Chadwick Professor of Physics, University of Liverpool *Table of Contents1: Preface 2: Terminology and notation 3: The elements of general relativity 4: An introductory example: the uniform static field 5: Life in a rotating world 6: Linearized general relativity 7: Slow stationary sources 8: Gravitational waves 9: Manifolds 10: Vectors on manifolds 11: The affine connection 12: Further useful ideas 13: Tensors 14: Parallel transport and geodesics 15: Physics in curved spacetime 16: Curvature 17: The Einstein field equation 18: Schwarzschild-Droste solution 19: Further spherically symmetric solutions 20: Rotating bodies; the Kerr metric 21: Black holes 22: Black hole thermodynamics 23: Cosmology 24: Cosmological dynamics 25: The growth of structure 26: Observational cosmology 27: The very early universe 28: First steps in classical field theory 29: Lagrangian mechanics for fields 30: Conclusion Free
£999.99
Oxford University Press The Cosmic Mystery Tour
Book SynopsisThe Cosmic Mystery Tour takes us on a lightning tour of the mysteries of the universe enlivened by brief stories of the colourful characters who created modern science. It explores hot topics in physics and astronomy, including the recent discovery of gravitational waves; the quest for the origin of dark matter; the study of the supermassive black hole at the centre of the galaxy; the ongoing search for Earth-like exoplanets; the search for signals from extraterrestrials; and the development of technologies to send spacecraft to the stars.The first part of the book explores the laws that govern the universe. Physics is a spiritual quest to find deep meaning in the cosmos. Its goal is to provide a concise, but accurate description of the world that accounts for all the amazing features that it contains. The second part takes a look at the history of the cosmos, studies its geography and explores some of its architectural highlights such as red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars and the ultimate cosmic mysteries-supermassive black holes. The last part considers the possibility that life might exist elsewhere in the universe, and explores the cosmos from the outer fringes of science fiction to the ongoing search for alien civilizations.Trade ReviewAmbitious in scope and easy to read, this book is a small guide to that largest of subjects ... the many pictures are not just the usual beautiful scientific images from NASA and ESA that we've come to expect in popular science, but include relevant artistic and cultural references ... Mee is an experienced science communicator and this shows in his confident and engaging tone ... enjoyable, fast-paced account... It would be ideal for anyone wanting to know more about the underlying physics of the pretty pictures we see in the media. * Pippa Goldschmidt, BBC Sky at Night *... high-quality, small-format hardback ... The Cosmic Mystery Touris aimed at beginners looking for an easy-to-read introduction to the modern view of the Universe. It's an engaging read and provides a good springboard to further investigation of any topic that captures the reader's imagination. For those of us with a more rigorous academic background in physics, it is still an entertaining diversion for a couple of hours. * Astronomy Now *An accessible introduction to all things cosmos... * Maren Ostergard, Booklist *The book does an admirable job of following the developments and groundwork of classical physics through the latest in quantum physics and recent discoveries including gravity waves in a very comprehensible way using excellent diagrams and images. * Amateur Astronomy Magazine *Mee has a knack for introducing the reader to some of the colourful characters... His explanations are spot on, just enough to make sense of key discoveries without ever becoming overwhelming. There are also lots of colourful images photos of scientists, concept art and even movie stills that help break up the text. * Katrina Kramer, Chemistry World *Every so often a book comes along that attempts to introduce the universe to a reader in as short a context as possible. Some work, others don't. The Cosmic Mystery Tour does ... In a very small, readable format, with way over a hundred illustrations, most of which are in color, the author has given us a handy, portable collection of the cosmos. And, the reader doesnt have to read from cover to cover: Anywhere you open it up, and start to read, you will be fascinated with the study of our universe - past, present, and future. * Francine Jackson, theskyscrapers.org *Nicholas Mee, in his brilliant The Cosmic Mystery Tour: A High-Speed Journey through Space & Time, offers a chapter-by-short-chapter assemblage of the theories, discoveries, and general relativity-type great leaps of inspiration that account for the impressive amount of knowledge we have about the universe... Refreshingly comprehensible, for the subject matter, this project is a delight. * Matt Sutherland, Foreword Reviews *Packed with a wealth of scientific snippets. * David C. Barber, Contemporary Physics *Table of ContentsPart 1: The Laws of The Cosmos1: The Path to Immortality2: The Rosetta Stone and Quantum Waves3: We're Having a Field Day!4: Cosmic Ripples5: Lovely LISA6: Animated Atom Boy7: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star8: Forces of the World Unite!9: Most of the Universe is Missing!Part II: The History, Geography and Architecture of the Cosmos10: From Genesis to Revelation!11: The Battle for the Cosmos12: Alchemical Furnaces of the Cosmos13: Diamonds in the Sky14: From the Leviathan to the Behemoth15: The Crab and the Jellyfish16: The Ultimate Heavy Metal Space Rock17: Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster18: Cosmic Spacequakes19: Doctor Atomic and the Black Hole20: Supermassive Black HolesPart III: The Biology of the Cosmos21: The Gorgon's Head!22: Raise Your Glasses to the Skies!23: Life, But Not as We Know It!24: To Boldly Go...25: Somewhere Over the Rainbow26: Where is Everybody?
£999.99
Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH Nuclear Physics of Stars
Book SynopsisMost elements are synthesized, or "cooked", by thermonuclear reactions in stars. The newly formed elements are released into the interstellar medium during a star's lifetime, and are subsequently incorporated into a new generation of stars, into the planets that form around the stars, and into the life forms that originate on the planets. Moreover, the energy we depend on for life originates from nuclear reactions that occur at the center of the Sun. Synthesis of the elements and nuclear energy production in stars are the topics of nuclear astrophysics, which is the subject of this book. It presents nuclear structure and reactions, thermonuclear reaction rates, experimental nuclear methods, and nucleosynthesis in detail. These topics are discussed in a coherent way, enabling the reader to grasp their interconnections intuitively. The book serves both as a textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, with worked examples and end-of-chapter excercises, but also as a reference book for use by researchers working in the field of nuclear astrophysics.Table of ContentsPreface to the Second Edition xii Preface to the First Edition xiii 1 Aspects of Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics 1 1.1 History 1 1.2 Nomenclature 2 1.3 Solar System Abundances 4 1.4 Astrophysical Aspects 7 1.4.1 General Considerations 7 1.4.2 Hertzsprung–Russell Diagram 9 1.4.3 Stellar Evolution of Single Stars 11 1.4.4 Binary Stars 26 1.5 Masses, Binding Energies, Nuclear Reactions, and Related Topics 33 1.5.1 Nuclear Mass and Binding Energy 33 1.5.2 Energetics of Nuclear Reactions 35 1.5.3 Atomic Mass and Mass Excess 37 1.5.4 Number Abundance, Mass Fraction, and Mole Fraction 40 1.5.5 Decay Constant, Mean Lifetime, and Half-Life 41 1.6 Nuclear Shell Model 42 1.6.1 Closed Shells and Magic Numbers 43 1.6.2 Nuclear Structure and Nucleon Configuration 46 1.7 Nuclear Excited States and Electromagnetic Transitions 48 1.7.1 Energy, Angular Momentum, and Parity 48 1.7.2 Transition Probabilities 49 1.7.3 Branching Ratio and Mixing Ratio 52 1.7.4 γ-Ray Transitions in a Stellar Plasma 53 1.7.5 Isomeric States and the Case of 26 Al 54 1.8 Weak Interaction 57 1.8.1 Weak Interaction Processes 58 1.8.2 Energetics 59 1.8.3 β-Decay Probabilities 61 1.8.4 β-Decays in a Stellar Plasma 66 Problems 71 2 Nuclear Reactions 73 2.1 Cross Sections 73 2.2 Reciprocity Theorem 75 2.3 Elastic Scattering and Method of Partial Waves 77 2.3.1 General Aspects 77 2.3.2 Relationship Between Differential Cross Section and Scattering Amplitude 79 2.3.3 The Free Particle 79 2.3.4 Turning the Potential On 81 2.3.5 Scattering Amplitude and Elastic Scattering Cross Section 82 2.3.6 Reaction Cross Section 83 2.4 Scattering by Simple Potentials 86 2.4.1 Square-Well Potential 86 2.4.2 Square-Barrier Potential 93 2.4.3 Transmission Through the Coulomb Barrier 100 2.5 Theory of Resonances 103 2.5.1 General Aspects 103 2.5.2 Logarithmic Derivative, Phase Shift, and Cross Section 105 2.5.3 Breit–Wigner Formulas 108 2.5.4 Extension to Charged Particles and Arbitrary Values of Orbital Angular Momentum 112 2.5.5 R-Matrix Theory 117 2.5.6 Experimental Tests of the One-Level Breit–Wigner Formula 120 2.5.7 Partial and Reduced Widths 124 2.6 Continuum Theory 131 2.7 Hauser–Feshbach Theory 133 Problems 137 3 Thermonuclear Reactions 139 3.1 Cross Sections and Reaction Rates 139 3.1.1 Particle-Induced Reactions 139 3.1.2 Photon-Induced Reactions 142 3.1.3 Abundance Evolution 144 3.1.4 Forward and Reverse Reactions 147 3.1.5 Reaction Rates at Elevated Temperatures 150 3.1.6 Reaction Rate Equilibria 156 3.1.7 Nuclear Energy Generation 161 3.2 Nonresonant and Resonant Thermonuclear Reaction Rates 162 3.2.1 Nonresonant Reaction Rates for Charged-Particle-Induced Reactions 163 3.2.2 Nonresonant Reaction Rates for Neutron-Induced Reactions 177 3.2.3 Nonresonant Reaction Rates for Photon-Induced Reactions 180 3.2.4 Narrow-Resonance Reaction Rates 181 3.2.5 Broad-Resonance Reaction Rates 192 3.2.6 Electron Screening 197 3.2.7 Total Reaction Rates 201 Problems 205 4 Nuclear Physics Experiments 207 4.1 General Aspects 207 4.1.1 Charged-Particle Beams 208 4.1.2 Neutron Beams 210 4.2 Interaction of Radiation with Matter 212 4.2.1 Interactions of Heavy Charged Particles 213 4.2.1.1 Stopping Power 214 4.2.1.2 Compounds 220 4.2.1.3 Energy Straggling 221 4.2.2 Interactions of Photons 223 4.2.2.1 Photoelectric Effect 223 4.2.2.2 Compton Effect 225 4.2.2.3 Pair Production 227 4.2.2.4 Photon Attenuation 227 4.2.3 Interactions of Neutrons 230 4.3 Targets and Related Equipment 234 4.3.1 Backings 234 4.3.2 Target Preparation 235 4.3.2.1 Evaporated and Sputtered Targets 235 4.3.2.2 Implanted Targets 236 4.3.2.3 Gas Targets 237 4.3.2.4 Target Thickness and Stability 239 4.3.3 Contaminants 240 4.3.4 Target Chamber and Holder 241 4.4 Radiation Detectors 243 4.4.1 General Aspects 243 4.4.2 Semiconductor Detectors 246 4.4.2.1 Silicon Charged-Particle Detectors 248 4.4.2.2 Germanium Photon Detectors 249 4.4.3 Scintillation Detectors 250 4.4.3.1 Inorganic Scintillator Photon Detectors 252 4.4.3.2 Organic Scintillator Charged-Particle and Neutron Detectors 253 4.4.4 Proportional Counters 255 4.4.5 Microchannel Plate Detectors 256 4.5 Nuclear Spectroscopy 256 4.5.1 Charged-Particle Spectroscopy 257 4.5.1.1 Energy Calibrations 257 4.5.1.2 Efficiencies 258 4.5.1.3 Elastic Scattering Studies 259 4.5.1.4 Nuclear Reaction Studies 260 4.5.2 γ-Ray Spectroscopy 262 4.5.2.1 Response Function 262 4.5.2.2 Energy Calibrations 264 4.5.2.3 Efficiency Calibrations 266 4.5.2.4 Coincidence Summing 271 4.5.2.5 Sum Peak Method 275 4.5.2.6 γ-Ray Branching Ratios 276 4.5.2.7 4π Detection of γ-Rays 279 4.5.3 Neutron Spectroscopy 280 4.5.3.1 Response Function 281 4.5.3.2 Moderated Proportional Counters 282 4.5.3.3 Efficiency Calibrations 283 4.6 Miscellaneous Experimental Techniques 284 4.6.1 Radioactive Ion Beams 285 4.6.2 Activation Method 290 4.6.3 Time-of-Flight Technique 293 4.7 Background Radiation 295 4.7.1 General Aspects 296 4.7.2 Background in Charged-Particle Detector Spectra 298 4.7.3 Background in γ-Ray Detector Spectra 301 4.7.3.1 γγ-Coincidence Techniques 304 4.7.4 Background in Neutron Detector Spectra 309 4.8 Yields and Cross Sections for Charged-Particle-Induced Reactions 311 4.8.1 Nonresonant and Resonant Yields 312 4.8.1.1 Constant σ and ε Over Target Thickness 312 4.8.1.2 Moderately Varying σ and Constant ε Over Target Thickness 315 4.8.1.3 Breit–Wigner Resonance σ and Constant ε Over Resonance Width 316 4.8.2 General Treatment of Yield Curves 319 4.8.2.1 Target of Infinite Thickness 321 4.8.2.2 Target of Finite Thickness 321 4.8.3 Measured Yield Curves and Excitation Functions 325 4.8.4 Determination of Absolute Resonance Strengths and Cross Sections 328 4.8.4.1 Experimental Yields 329 4.8.4.2 Absolute Resonance Strengths and Cross Sections 329 4.8.4.3 Relative Resonance Strengths and Cross Sections 330 4.8.4.4 Determination of Resonance Strengths and Cross Sections Relative to Rutherford Scattering 333 4.9 Transmissions, Yields, and Cross Sections for Neutron-Induced Reactions 337 4.9.1 Resonance Transmission 338 4.9.2 Resonant and Nonresonant Yields 339 4.9.2.1 Constant σ Over Neutron Energy Distribution 340 4.9.2.2 Narrow Resonance with Γ ≪ ΔEn 340 4.9.3 Effective Cross Section 340 4.9.4 Measured Yields and Transmissions 341 4.9.5 Relative and Absolute Cross Sections 343 Problems 346 5 Nuclear Burning Stages and Processes 349 5.1 Hydrostatic Hydrogen Burning 353 5.1.1 pp Chains 353 5.1.2 CNO Cycles 369 5.1.3 Hydrostatic Hydrogen Burning Beyond the CNO Mass Region 383 5.2 Hydrostatic Helium Burning 389 5.2.1 Helium-Burning Reactions 391 5.2.2 Nucleosynthesis During Hydrostatic He Burning 397 5.2.3 Other Helium-Burning Reactions 399 5.3 Advanced Burning Stages 400 5.3.1 Carbon Burning 400 5.3.2 Neon Burning 407 5.3.3 Oxygen Burning 412 5.3.4 Silicon Burning 420 5.3.5 Nuclear Statistical Equilibrium 432 5.4 Explosive Burning in Core-Collapse Supernovae (Type II, Ib, Ic) 438 5.4.1 Core Collapse and the Role of Neutrinos 438 5.4.2 ν-and νp-Processes 441 5.4.3 Explosive Nucleosynthesis 443 5.4.4 Observations 451 5.5 Explosive Burning Involving Binary Stars 452 5.5.1 Explosive Burning in Thermonuclear Supernovae (Type Ia) 452 5.5.2 Explosive Hydrogen Burning and Classical Novae 460 5.5.3 Explosive Hydrogen-Helium Burning and Type I X-Ray Bursts 479 5.6 Nucleosynthesis Beyond the Iron Peak 501 5.6.1 The s-Process 505 5.6.2 The r-Process 522 5.6.3 The p-Process 542 5.7 Non-stellar Processes 553 5.7.1 Big Bang Nucleosynthesis 553 5.7.2 Cosmic-Ray Nucleosynthesis 559 5.8 Origin of the Nuclides 564 Problems 566 Appendix A Solutions of the Schrödinger Equation in Three Dimensions 569 A. 1 Zero Orbital Angular Momentum and Constant Potential 571 A. 2 Arbitrary Orbital Angular Momentum and Zero Potential 571 A. 3 Arbitrary Orbital Angular Momentum and Coulomb Potential 572 Appendix B Quantum Mechanical Selection Rules 573 Appendix C Kinematics 579 C.1 Relationship of Kinematic Quantities in the Laboratory Coordinate System 579 C.2 Transformation Between Laboratory and Center-of-Mass Coordinate System 583 Appendix D Angular Correlations 587 D. 1 General Aspects 588 D. 2 Pure Radiations in a Two-Step Process 591 D. 3 Mixed Radiations in a Two-Step Process 593 D. 4 Three-Step Process with Unobserved Intermediate Radiation 598 D. 5 Experimental Considerations 600 D. 6 Concluding Remarks 602 Appendix E Constants, Data, Units, and Notation 605 E. 1 Physical Constants and Data 605 E. 2 Mathematical Expressions 606 E. 3 Prefixes and Units 607 E. 4 Physical Quantities 608 Color Plates 613 References 627 Index 639
£999.99
Cambridge University Press Gammaray Bursts
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£96.90
Cambridge University Press Physics and Chemistry of Circumstellar Dust Shells
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£999.99
Oldcastle Books Ltd The Universe
Book SynopsisA witty, accessible and entertaining journey through teh philosophies of time and space.Trade ReviewIf it's true that very few of the many thousands who bought Stephen Hawkins' A Brief History of Time actually read it, then Osborne's may be the book to catch up with. Certainly, this reviewer ended the book a good deal wiser * Financial Times *the perfect introduction for those who would like to understand the vast space that is our universe * The Good Book Guide *
£7.19
Cambridge University Press Resolving the Rise and Fall of Star Formation in Galaxies Iau S373
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£999.99
