Astrophysics Books

Book SynopsisAccretion flows, winds and jets of compact astrophysical objects and stars are generally described within the framework of hydrodynamical and magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) flows. Analytical analysis of the problem provides profound physical insights, which are essential for interpreting and understanding the results of numerical simulations. Providing such a physical understanding of MHD Flows in Compact Astrophysical Objects is the main goal of this book, which is an updated translation of a successful Russian graduate textbook. The book provides the first detailed introduction into the method of the Grad-Shafranov equation, describing analytically the very broad class of hydrodynamical and MHD flows. It starts with the classical examples of hydrodynamical accretion onto relativistic and nonrelativistic objects. The force-free limit of the Grad-Shafranov equation allows us to analyze in detail the physics of the magnetospheres of radio pulsars and black holes, including the Blandford-Znajek process of energy extraction from a rotating black hole immersed in an external magnetic field. Finally, on the basis of the full MHD version of the Grad-Shafranov equation the author discusses the problems of jet collimation and particle acceleration in Active Galactic Nuclei, radio pulsars, and Young Stellar Objects. The comparison of the analytical results with numerical simulations demonstrates their good agreement. Assuming that the reader is familiar with the basic physical and mathematical concepts of General Relativity, the author uses the 3+1 split approach which allows the formulation of all results in terms of physically clear language of three dimensional vectors. The book contains detailed derivations of equations, numerous exercises, and an extensive bibliography. It therefore serves as both an introductory text for graduate students and a valuable reference work for researchers in the field.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: “The volume primarily addresses the Grad-Shafranov approach to describe axisymmetric stationary flows around astrophysical objects, including ones where General Relativity is important. … Each chapter has an abstract and an introduction to the kinds of sources to which its equations apply. … the astrophysics-group … able to make more use of it than I can.” (Viginia Trimble, The Observatory, Vol. 130 (1214), June, 2010)Table of ContentsPreface.............................................................. 5 Introduction......................................................... 9 Chapter 1 Hydrodynamic limit - classical problems of accretion and ejection.... 13 1.1 Astrophysical introduction - accretion onto compact objects.... 13 1 1 1 Accretion disks........................................... 14 1.1.2 Standard model............................................ 17 1.1.3 ADAF, ADIOS, etc.......................................... 20 1.2 Basic properties of transonic hydrodynamical flows............. 22 1.2.1 Basic equations........................................... 22 1.2.2 Spherically symmetric flow................................ 24 1.2.3 Plane potential flow...................................... 27 1.3 Axisymmetric stationary flows - nonrelativistic case........... 34 1.3.1 Basic equations........................................... 34 1.3.2 Mathematical interlude - covariant language............... 35 1.3.3 Structure of the two-dimensional flow..................... 37 1.3.4 Bondi-Hoyle accretion..................................... 45 1.3.5 Ejection from slowly rotating star........................ 49 1.4 Axisymmetric stationary accretion onto black hole.............. 57 1.4.1 Physical interlude - (3+1)-split in the Kerr metric....... 57 1.4.2 Basic equations........................................... 61 1.4.3 Exact solutions........................................... 65 1.4.4 Bondi-Hoyle accretion - relativistic limit................ 67 1.4.5 Accretion onto slowly rotating black hole................. 70 1.4.6 Accretion of a gas with small angular momentum onto nonrotating black hole......... 71 1.4.7 Thin transonic disk....................................... 77 1.5 Conclusion..................................................... 87 1 Chapter 2 Force-free limit - radio pulsar magnetosphere........................ 89 2.1 Astrophysical introduction..................................... 89 2.2 Main physical processes........................................ 92 2.2.1 Vacuum approximation...................................... 92 2.2.2 Particle creation in a strong magnetic field.............. 96 2.2.3 Structure of the magnetosphere............................ 99 2.3 Generation of secondary plasma.................................104 2.3.1 'Internal gap'............................................104 2.3.2 Neutron star surface......................................109 2.3.3 Propagation of gamma-quanta in superstrong magnetic field......................110 2.3.4 Effects of the general relativity.........................111 2.3.5 Particle generation in the magnetosphere................. 113 2.3.6 'Hollow cone' model...................................... 114 2.3.7 Particle generation - 'external gap'..................... 119 2.4 Pulsar equation............................................... 119 2.4.1 Force-free approximation. Magnetization parameter........ 119 2.4.2 Electromagnetic field. Integrals of motion............... 121 2.4.3 Grad-Shafranov equation.................................. 124 2.4.4 Mathematical interlude - quasi stationary approach....... 127 2.5 Energy loss of radio pulsars.................................. 130 2.5.1 Current loss mechanism................................... 130 2.5.2 Braking of inclined and orthogonal rotator............... 133 2.6 Structure of the magnetosphere................................ 141 2.6.1 Exact solutions.......................................... 141 2.6.2 Structure of the magnetosphere with longitudinal currents 158 2.6.3 Models of th

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Book SynopsisThe Ghost in the Telescope is an insiderâs account of the Herschel Space Observatory, which was built to answer the questions of how the stars and galaxies were born.Written in an engaging manner for a general audience, the book tells the stories of the telescope itself, the discoveries it made, and the engineers and astronomers who made and used it.The book, based on the authorâs own experience and interviews with the key astronomers and engineers, tells the story of the mission, from its original concept on a piece of paper in Venice to the moment after the end of the mission when the engineers had to decide whether to crash the spacecraft into the Moon. Containing some of the most spectacular pictures ever taken of the universe, the book describes all the major discoveries made with the telescope. The book also gives an account, accessible to anyone without previous scientific knowledge, of the latest research into the births of stars and galaxies.The book will interest anyone who is curious about astronomy, space missions, and how astronomy is done in practice. It is designed to be easy to read and does not require any previous scientific background.

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1 Himmelskarten.- Die Auswahl der richtigen Himmelskarte.- Wie man die Himmelskarte benutzt.- Die Helligkeit der Sterne.- Die scheinbare Bewegung der Fixsterne.- Der Sternenhimmel in verschiedenen geographischen Breiten.- Kartenteil.- Himmelskarten für geographische Breiten zwischen + 90° und + 60°.- Himmelskarten für geographische Breiten zwischen + 60° und + 30°.- Himmelskarten für geographische Breiten zwischen + 30° und 0°.- Himmelskarten für geographische Breiten zwischen 0° und - 30°.- Himmelskarten für geographische Breiten zwischen - 30° und - 60°.- Himmelskarten für geographische Breiten zwischen - 60° und - 90°.- 2 Himmelskörper.- Fixsterne und Planeten.- Kometen.- Sternschnuppen.- Größe des Sonnensystems.- Unsere Galaxie.- Veränderliche Sterne.- Planetarische Nebel.- Doppelsterne.- Sternhaufen.- Die Größe unserer Galaxie 89 Die anderen Galaxien.- 3 Die Sternbilder.- Kartenteil.- Achterschiff.- Adler.- Altar.- Andromeda.- Bärenhüter.- Becher.- Bildhauerwerkstatt.- Cepheus.- Chamäleon.- Chemischer Ofen.- Delphin.- Drache.- Dreieck.- Eidechse.- Einhorn.- Fernrohr.- Fische.- Fliege.- Fliegender Fisch.- Fluß Eridanus.- Fuchs.- Fuhrmann.- Füllen.- Giraffe.- Goldfisch.- Grabstichel.- Großer Bär.- Großer Hund.- Haar der Berenike.- Hase.- Herkules.- Inder.- Jagdhunde.- Jungfrau.- Kassiopeia.- Kiel des Schiffes.- Kleiner Bär.- Kleiner Hund.- Kleiner Löwe.- Kranich.- Krebs.- Kreuz.- Leier.- Löwe.- Luchs.- Luftpumpe.- Malerstaffelei.- Mikroskop.- Netz.- Nördliche Krone.- Nördliche Wasserschlange.- Oktant.- Orion.- Paradiesvogel.- Pegasus.- Pendeluhr.- Perseus.- Pfau.- Pfeil.- Phönix.- Rabe.- Schiffskompaß.- Schlange.- Schlangenträger.- Schütze.- Schwan.- Segel des Schiffes.- Sextant.- Skorpion.- Sobieskischer Schild.- Steinbock.- Stier.- Südliches Dreieck.- Südlicher Fisch.- Südliche Krone.- Südliche Wasserschlange.- Tafelberg.- Taube.- Tukan.- Waage.- Walfisch.- Wassermann.- Widder.- Winkelmaß.- Wolf.- Zentaur.- Zirkel.- Zwillinge.- Verzeichnisse und Zusammenstellungen.- Verzeichnis der Sternbildnamen.- Verzeichnis der Sternbilder.- Doppelsterne und Mehrfachsysteme.- Veränderliche Sterne.- Offene Sternhaufen, Kugelsternhaufen, Nebel, Galaxien.- Meteorströme.- Schrifttum und Quellen.- Register.- Gesamtregister.- Register der Sternbildnamen.- Register der Sternennamen und der besonderen.- Objekte.

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1 Einführung.- 2 Die beobachteten Eigenschaften der Sterne.- 3 Die Gleichungen des Sternaufbaus.- 4 Die Physik des Sterninneren.- 5 Der Aufbau von Hauptreihensternen.- 6 Die frühe Hauptreihen-Entwicklung und das Alter von Sternhaufen.- 7 Die fortgeschrittenen Entwicklungsphasen.- 8 Die Endstadien der Sternentwicklung: Weiße Zwerge, Neutronensterne und Gravitationskollaps.- 9 Schlußfolgerungen und mögliche zukünftige Entwicklungen.- Ergänzungen anläßlich des vierten Nachdrucks der Originalausgabe.- Anhang Thermodynamisches Gleichgewicht.- Weiterführende Literatur.- Sachwortverzeichnis.

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Book SynopsisEarly in 1958, instruments on the space satellites Explorer I and Explorer III revealed the presence of radiation belts, enormous populations of energetic particles trapped in the magnetic field of the earth. This work tells the story of this dramatic and hugely transformative period in scientific and cold war history.

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Book SynopsisThis book is based on the lectures given at the “Euroschool on Exotic Beams” and collects contributions which address topics from the traditional core of the field of exotic nuclei like nuclear structure far from stability, discussing recent theoretical developments and state-of-the-art experimental methods. It provides also new perspectives in nuclear astrophysics and in applied areas such as gamma-ray emission imaging. The contributions are written with a pedagogical approach and carefully edited in order to provide the readership with a clear and fluent reading. The book is intended for PhD students and young researchers who are approaching the new research lines in nuclear physics with exotic nuclei. Only basics concepts on quantum mechanics and nuclear physics are requested to follow and master the covered arguments.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Nuclear structure at the limits of stability. The theory view.Authors: Frederic Nowacki and Alfredo Poves Introduction The Shell Model as Unified View of Nuclear Structure; A primer Shell Evolution and Correlations N=40: from 68Ni to 80Zr N=50: from 78Ni to 100Sn Islands of inversion and their mergings Conclusions Chapter 2: Low-energy Coulomb excitation and nuclear deformation Author: Magda ZielinskaAbstract: Coulomb excitation is one of the rare methods available to obtain information on static electromagnetic moments of short-lived exited nuclear states. In the scattering of two nuclei, the electromagnetic field that acts between them causes their excitation. The process selectively populates low-lying collective states and is therefore ideally suited to study nuclear collectivity. While these experiments used to be restricted to stable isotopes, the advent of new facilities, providing intense beams of short-lived radioactive species has opened the possibility to apply this powerful technique to a much wider range of nuclei. In this chapter, we will discuss observables that can be measured in a Coulomb-excitation experiment, and their relation to nuclear structure parameters and, in particular, nuclear shape. Selected examples of recent low-energy Coulomb excitation studies will be presented to illustrate the potential of this technique to investigate phenomena such as shape coexistence and octupole collectivity.Introduction Semiclassical approximation of low-energy Coulomb excitation Nuclear deformation and quadrupole sum rules Reorientation effect Relative signs of electromagnetic matrix elements Experimental considerations Beam and target requirements Particle detectors for stable and radioactive beam experiments Normalization of experimental Coulomb-excitation cross sections Recent results Shape coexistence Octupole collectivity Summary and outlookChapter 3: Ab Initio Approaches to Nuclear Structure Author: Robert Roth Abstract: I will present an overview of modern ab initio approaches to nuclear structure, focusing on basis expansion methods, such as the no-core shell model. Starting from interactions derived within chiral effective field theory, the individual stages on an ab initio calculation will be discussed, starting from a pre-processing stage based on the similarity renormalization group, followed by the solution of the many-body Schrödinger equation in a finite model space, and completed by a post-processing stage including the quantification of theory uncertainties using Bayesian methods. I will put particular emphasis on the recent advances in the context of hybrid methods that use another many-body scheme, such as many-body perturbation theory or the in-medium similarity renormalization group to accelerate the convergence of the no-core shell model. In order to demonstrate the potential and the perspectives of such ab initio approaches, I will highlight several recent applications. Introduction Nuclear Hamiltonian Pre-Processing: Similarity Renormalization Group Many-Body Solution: No-Core Shell Model Hybrid Methods: In-Medium No-Core Shell Model Post-Processing: Theory Uncertainties Recent Applications Conclusion & Outlook Chapter 4: Nuclear data and experiments for astrophysics Authors: Stephan Goriely and Anu Kankainen Abstract: Nuclear astrophysics aims to understand the origin of elements and the role of astrophysical processes in astrophysical events. Nuclear reactions and reaction rates depend strongly on nuclear properties and on the astrophysical environment. Nuclear inputs for stellar reaction rates involve a variety of nuclear properties, theoretical models and experimental data. Experiments providing data for nuclear astrophysics range from stable ion beam direct measurements to radioactive beam experiments employing inverse kinematics or indirect methods. Many properties relevant for astrophysical calculations, such as nuclear masses and beta decays, have also been intensively studied. This contribution shortly introduces selected astrophysical processes, discusses the related nuclear data needs and gives examples of recent experimental efforts in the field. Introduction: Origin of elements and astrophysical processes Nuclear reactions of astrophysical interest Data needed for various nucleosynthesis processes Experiments for nuclear astrophysics Nuclear reactions Nuclear properties (focus on masses and beta-decay studies) Summary and Outlook Chapter 5: State-of-the-art gamma-ray spectrometers for in-beam measurements Authors: Caterina Michelagnoli and Francesco Recchia Abstract: The nuclear structure of nuclei in different regions of the nuclear chart is a still unresolved puzzle for nuclear theory. The quest for a comprehensive understanding of the structure of all nuclei as well as for precise observables important for nuclear astrophysics needs precise observables. Those have been obtained in the last decades by using the resolution and efficiency of arrays of HPGe detectors. In those Notes a review of the main spectroscopy techniques will be reported. After an historical overview of the main spectrometers that contributed to our nowadays knowledge in nuclear structure, the principles of advanced gamma-ray tracking will be described. The setup and functioning of array based on this technique will be thus reported and some first results introduced.Introduction Generalities History Advanced gamma-ray tracking General Idea Digital signal processing Count-rate capabilities Position resolution and pulse shape analysis Gamma-ray tracking Selected highlights from instrumental point of view Doppler correction capabilities Lifetime measurements with Doppler techniques Chapter 6: Nuclear structure studies with active targets Author: Riccardo Raabe Abstract: The use of gaseous detectors in nuclear structure studies presents several challenges and interesting opportunities. In the last twenty years, active targets have been developed to address those challenges. In this paper we will review the characteristics of these instruments and how they can be used to great effect in a wide range of physics cases. Introduction Principles of active targets Physics cases and examples Chapter 7: Gamma ray emission imaging in the medical and nuclear safeguards fieldsAuthor: Peter Dendooven Abstract: Gamma rays can penetrate through a substantial amount of material. Therefore, the locations within an object from where gamma rays originate can be imaged by measuring the gamma rays escaping from the object. This technique of gamma ray emission imaging is introduced on the basis of its application in three different fields: nuclear medicine, particle beam radiotherapy and nuclear safeguards. To set the stage, the role and power of gamma ray emission imaging in these fields is demonstrated. Next, the principles of gamma ray emission imaging are reviewed. It will become clear how the basic principles lead to the essential instrument design considerations. Iterative image reconstruction will be explained in a non-mathematical way. Implementation of gamma ray emission imaging will be illustrated by discussing in some detail its state-of-the-art application in the three fields considered here.Applications of gamma ray emission imaging Nuclear medicine Particle beam radiotherapy Nuclear safeguards Principles of gamma ray emission imaging Basic principles Essential instrument design considerations Iterative image reconstruction Examples of gamma ray emission imaging Nuclear medicine Particle beam radiotherapy Nuclear safeguards Conclusions

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Book Synopsis1 Finding Your Way Around the Sky.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 Constellations.- 1.3 Star Hopping.- 1.4 Positions in the Sky.- 1.5 Star Charts and Other Helpful Items.- 2 Your Telescope and How to get the Best Out of It.- 2.1 Telescope Designs.- 2.2 Eyepieces.- 2.3 Collimation.- 2.4 Mountings.- 2.5 Optics.- 2.6 Cleaning and Aluminising.- 2.7 Dewing-up.- 2.8 Observing Techniques.- 2.9 Twinkling.- 2.10 Finder Charts.- 2.11 Keeping a Log Book.- 2.12 Discoveries.- 3 The Sun.- 3.1 Warning.- 3.2 Observing the Sun.- 3.3 Solar Observing Programmes.- 3.4 More Advanced Work.- 4 The Moon.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Naked-eye Work and Binoculars.- 4.3 The Moon through the Telescope.- 4.4 An Optimum Telescope for Lunar Work.- 4.5 More Advanced Investigations.- 5 The Planets and Minor Solar System Objects.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.- 5.3 Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and the Asteroids.- 6 Comets.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Cometary Orbits.- 6.3 The Structure of Comets.- 6.4 Origins.- 6.5 Famous Comets.- 6.6 Nomenclature of Comets.- 6.7 Observing Comets.- 7 Stars.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Brightness.- 7.3 Variable Stars.- 7.4 Visual Double and Binary Stars.- 7.5 Star Clusters.- 8 Nebulae.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Gas and Dust Clouds.- 8.3 Dark Nebulae.- 8.4 Reflection Nebulae.- 8.5 Emission Nebulae.- 8.6 Supernova Remnants.- 8.7 Planetary Nebulae.- 9 Galaxies.- 9.1 Introduction.- 9.2 Spiral Galaxies.- 9.3 Elliptical Galaxies.- 9.4 Irregular Galaxies.- 9.5 Quasars, Seyfert Galaxies and Other Active Galaxies.- 10 Unaided Observations.- 10.1 Introduction.- 10.2 The Moon.- 10.3 The Sun.- 10.4 Meteors.- 10.5 The Milky Way, the Zodiacal Light and Aurorae.- 10.6 Comets and Planets.- 10.7 Spacecraft.- 10.8 UFOs.- 11 Advanced Work.- 11.1 Introduction.- 11.2 Nebular and Light-pollution Filters.- 11.3 Colour Filters.- 11.4 Photography with Your Telescope.- 11.5 CCDs.- 11.6 Photometry.- 11.7 Occultations.- 11.8 Computers in Astronomy.- 11.9 Spectroscopy.- Appendix 1: Astronomical Societies.- Appendix 2: Bibliography.- Appendix 3: Messier and Caldwell Catalogues.- Appendix 4: A Selection of Choice Astronomical Objects for Viewing.- Appendix 5: The Greek Alphabet.- Appendix 6: Constellations.- Appendix 7: Useful World-Wide-Web and Internet Addresses.- Appendix 8: Terminology.Table of Contents1 Finding Your Way Around the Sky.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 Constellations.- 1.2.1 Getting Started.- 1.2.2 Moving Onwards.- 1.3 Star Hopping.- 1.4 Positions in the Sky.- 1.5 Star Charts and Other Helpful Items.- 2 Your Telescope and How to get the Best Out of It.- 2.1 Telescope Designs.- 2.1.1 The Refractor.- 2.1.2 The Newtonian Reflector.- 2.1.3 The Cassegrain Reflector.- 2.1.4 The Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope.- 2.2 Eyepieces.- 2.2.1 Magnification.- 2.2.2 Other Properties of Eyepieces.- 2.2.3 Choosing an Eyepiece.- 2.3 Collimation.- 2.4 Mountings.- 2.4.1 The Equatorial Mounting.- 2.4.2 The Alt-Azimuth Mounting.- 2.5 Optics.- 2.5.1 Light Grasp.- 2.5.2 Resolution.- 2.6 Cleaning and Aluminising.- 2.7 Dewing-up.- 2.8 Observing Techniques.- 2.8.1 Dark Adaption.- 2.8.2 Averted Vision.- 2.8.3 Seeing.- 2.8.4 Finding.- 2.8.5 Guiding.- 2.8.6 Apodisation.- 2.9 Twinkling.- 2.10 Finder Charts.- 2.11 Keeping a Log Book.- 2.12 Discoveries.- 3 The Sun.- 3.1 Warning.- 3.2 Observing the Sun.- 3.2.1 Stopping-down.- 3.2.2 Eyepiece Projection.- 3.2.3 Full-aperture Filters.- 3.2.4 Solar Diagonals.- 3.2.5 Finding the Sun.- 3.3 Solar Observing Programmes.- 3.4 More Advanced Work.- 3.4.1 The Prominence Spectroscope.- 3.4.2 The H-? Filter.- 3.4.3 The Spectrohelioscope.- 3.4.4 The Coronagraph.- 3.4.5 Solar Spectroscopy.- 4 The Moon.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Naked-eye Work and Binoculars.- 4.3 The Moon through the Telescope.- 4.4 An Optimum Telescope for Lunar Work.- 4.5 More Advanced Investigations.- 5 The Planets and Minor Solar System Objects.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.- 5.2.1 Mercury.- 5.2.2 Venus.- 5.2.3 Mars.- 5.2.4 Jupiter.- 5.2.5 Saturn.- 5.3 Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and the Asteroids.- 6 Comets.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Cometary Orbits.- 6.2.1 Long-period Comets.- 6.2.2 Short-period Comets.- 6.2.3 Orbital Inclinations.- 6.3 The Structure of Comets.- 6.3.1 Composition.- 6.3.2 Coma and Tail.- 6.3.3 The View from Earth.- 6.4 Origins.- 6.5 Famous Comets.- 6.5.1 Halley’s Comet.- 6.5.2 Kohoutek’s Comet.- 6.5.3 Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9.- 6.6 Nomenclature of Comets.- 6.7 Observing Comets.- 6.7.1 Observing Information.- 6.7.2 What You Can Observe.- 6.7.3 Discovering Comets.- 7 Stars.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Brightness.- 7.2.1 Magnitudes.- 7.2.2 Estimating Visual Magnitudes.- 7.3 Variable Stars.- 7.3.1 Observing Variable Stars.- 7.3.2 Types of Variable Star.- 7.4 Visual Double and Binary Stars.- 7.5 Star Clusters.- 7.5.1 Galactic Clusters.- 7.5.2 Globular Clusters.- 8 Nebulae.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Gas and Dust Clouds.- 8.3 Dark Nebulae.- 8.3.1 Introduction.- 8.3.2 Nebulae.- 8.4 Reflection Nebulae.- 8.4.1 Introduction.- 8.4.2 Nebulae.- 8.5 Emission Nebulae.- 8.5.1 Introduction.- 8.5.2 The Spectra of Emission Nebulae and Planetary Nebulae.- 8.5.3 Nebulae.- 8.6 Supernova Remnants.- 8.6.1 Introduction.- 8.6.2 Nebulae.- 8.7 Planetary Nebulae.- 8.7.1 Introduction.- 8.7.2 Nebulae.- 9 Galaxies.- 9.1 Introduction.- 9.2 Spiral Galaxies.- 9.2.1 Observing Spiral Galaxies.- 9.3 Elliptical Galaxies.- 9.4 Irregular Galaxies.- 9.5 Quasars, Seyfert Galaxies and Other Active Galaxies.- 10 Unaided Observations.- 10.1 Introduction.- 10.2 The Moon.- 10.3 The Sun.- 10.4 Meteors.- 10.5 The Milky Way, the Zodiacal Light and Aurorae.- 10.6 Comets and Planets.- 10.7 Spacecraft.- 10.8 UFOs.- 11 Advanced Work.- 11.1 Introduction.- 11.2 Nebular and Light-pollution Filters.- 11.2.1 Introduction.- 11.2.2 Nebular Filters.- 11.2.3 Light-pollution Filters.- 11.2.4 Comet Filters.- 11.2.5 Practical Considerations.- 11.3 Colour Filters.- 11.3.1 Introduction.- 11.3.2 Types and Fittings.- 11.3.3 Planetary Observations.- 11.3.4 Imaging.- 11.3.5 Tri-colour Imaging.- 11.4 Photography with Your Telescope.- 11.4.1 Introduction.- 11.4.2 Piggyback Photography.- 11.4.3 Cameras for Telescopes.- 11.4.4 Focal Plane Photography through the Telescope.- 11.4.5 Using Telecompressors.- 11.4.6 Use of a Tele-extender for Eyepiece Projection.- 11.4.7 Guiding.- 11.4.8 Choice of Film and Processing.- 11.4.9 Projects.- 11.5 CCDs.- 11.5.1 Introduction.- 11.5.2 Camcorders.- 11.5.3 Purpose-designed CCD Cameras.- 11.5.4 CCD Chips.- 11.5.5 Sensitivity to Light.- 11.5.6 Astrometric Measurements.- 11.6 Photometry.- 11.6.1 Introduction.- 11.6.2 Photographic Photometry.- 11.6.3 Photometers.- 11.6.4 Filter Sets.- 11.6.5 CCD Photometry.- 11.6.6 Observing Projects.- 11.7 Occultations.- 11.7.1 Introduction.- 11.7.2 Lunar Occultations.- 11.7.3 Asteroid Occultations.- 11.7.4 Satellite Eclipses and Mutual Events.- 11.8 Computers in Astronomy.- 11.8.1 Introduction.- 11.8.2 Choice of Computer.- 11.8.3 “Planetarium” Programs.- 11.8.4 Databases.- 11.8.5 Ephemerides.- 11.8.6 Images and Image Processing.- 11.8.7 Data Processing.- 11.8.8 The Internet.- 11.9 Spectroscopy.- 11.9.1 Introduction.- 11.9.2 Objective Prisms.- 11.9.3 The Direct Vision Spectrograph.- 11.9.4 Slit Spectrographs.- 11.9.5 Observing Projects in Spectroscopy.- Appendix 1: Astronomical Societies.- Appendix 2: Bibliography.- Appendix 3: Messier and Caldwell Catalogues.- Appendix 4: A Selection of Choice Astronomical Objects for Viewing.- Appendix 5: The Greek Alphabet.- Appendix 6: Constellations.- Appendix 7: Useful World-Wide-Web and Internet Addresses.- Appendix 8: Terminology.

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Book Synopsis This textbook introduces the current astrophysical observations of black holes, and discusses the leading techniques to study the strong gravity region around these objects with electromagnetic radiation. More importantly, it provides the basic tools for writing an astrophysical code and testing the Kerr paradigm. Astrophysical black holes are an ideal laboratory for testing strong gravity. According to general relativity, the spacetime geometry around these objects should be well described by the Kerr solution. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the gas in the inner part of the accretion disk can probe the metric of the strong gravity region and test the Kerr black hole hypothesis. With exercises and examples in each chapter, as well as calculations and analytical details in the appendix, the book is especially useful to the beginners or graduate students who are familiar with general relativity while they do not have any background in astronomy or astrophysics.<Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Black Hole Solutions.- Motion around Black Holes.- Astrophysical Black Holes.- Thin Accretion Disks.- Thermal Spectrum of Thin Disks.- Relativistic Iron Line.- Quasi-Periodic Oscillations.- Parametrization of the Background Metric.- Observational Constraints.

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Book SynopsisThis textbook expounds the major topics in the special theory of relativity. It provides a detailed examination of the mathematical foundation of the special theory of relativity, relativistic mass, relativistic mechanics, and relativistic electrodynamics. As well as covariant formulation of relativistic mechanics and electrodynamics, the text discusses the relativistic effect on photons. A new chapter on electromagnetic waves as well as several new problems and examples have been included in the second edition of the book. Using the mathematical approach, the text offers graduate students a clear, concise view of the special theory of relativity. Organized into 15 chapters and two appendices, the content is presented in a logical order, and every topic has been dealt with in a simple and lucid manner. To aid understanding of the subject, the text provides numerous relevant worked-out examples in every chapter. The mathematical approach of the text helps students in their independent study and motivates them to research the topic further.Table of ContentsPre-Relativity and Galilean Transformations.- Michelson-Morley Experiment and Velocity of Light.- Lorentz Transformations.- Mathematical Properties of Lorentz Transformations.- More mathematical Properties of Lorentz Transformations.- Geometrical Interpretation of spacetime.- Relativistic Velocity and Acceleration.- Four Dimensional World.- Mass in Relativity.- Relativistic Dynamics.- Photon in Relativity.- Relativistic Lagrangian and Hamiltonian.- Electrodynamics in Relativity.- Electromagnetic waves.- Relativistic Mechanics of Continua.

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Book SynopsisWritten for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this book provides physical explanations of twelve fundamental astrophysical processes underlying a wide range of phenomena in astronomy. It contains tutorial figures, review exercises, and step-by-step mathematical and physical development, providing a stepping stone to more specialized books and primary literature.Trade Review'The author's engaging writing style makes this a very enjoyable book. Each topic starts with interesting observational material, then goes to a discussion of the physical concepts, amplified by mathematics, and very good figures, and then ties it up by finishing with more observational applications, either solving the problem posed at the beginning of the chapter or presenting new ones. This is a perfect book for seniors.' Marc L. Kutner, author of Astronomy: A Physical Perspective'A lucid introduction to a selection of basic topics in astronomy, explaining the physics behind the astrophysics. Radiative processes are treated with just the right level of rigor that students learn how to carry out useful computations while developing their physical intuition. I have successfully used portions of this book for my first-year graduate class.' Eugene Chiang, Associate Professor of Astronomy, University of California, Berkeley'This excellent book takes 12 areas of astrophysics, starting with Newton and Kepler and ending with gravitational lensing and sets out the underlying physics in clear fashion. … Highly recommended.' Guy Pooley, The ObservatoryReview of Astronomy Methods, also by Hale Bradt: '… a brilliant addition to the pedagogy. It is timely, focused, well written, and at the appropriate level … Astronomy Methods will be useful to all students of astronomy and astrophysics, irrespective of whether they intend to specialize in observational astronomy. The material can be adapted easily for various related courses, which makes the book even more valuable.' Physics TodayTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Kepler, Newton, and the mass function; 2. Equilibrium in stars; 3. Equations of state; 4. Stellar structure and evolution; 5. Thermal bremsstrahlung radiation; 6. Blackbody radiation; 7. Special theory of relativity in astronomy; 8. Synchrotron radiation; 9. Compton scattering; 10. Hydrogen spin-flip radiation; 11. Dispersion and Faraday rotation; 12. Gravitational lensing; References; Acronyms; Appendix; Index.

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Book SynopsisDescribing the processes in stars which produce the chemical elements for planets and life, this book shows how similar processes may be reproduced in laboratories using exotic beams, and how these results can be analyzed. The associated reaction program Fresco is described, and is available at www.cambridge.org/9780521856355.Trade Review"The effort of the authors, both highly regarded experts in their respective fields, is certainly to be lauded and I am confident that the book will become essential reading for the experienced researchers in the field." Marialuisa Aliotta, The ObservatoryTable of Contents1. Nuclei in the cosmos page; 2. Reactions of nuclei; 3. Scattering theory; 4. Reaction mechanisms; 5. Connecting structure with reactions; 6. Solving the equations; 7. Approximate solutions; 8. Breakup; 9. Three-body nuclei; 10. R-matrix phenomenology; 11. Compound nucleus averaging; 12. Stellar reaction rates and networks; 13. Connection to experiments; 14. Spectroscopy; 15. Fitting data; Appendixes; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisMagnetic fields permeate space and affect many major astrophysical phenomena, but they are often ignored due to their perceived complexity. This self-contained introduction to astrophysical magnetic fields provides both a comprehensive review of the current state of the subject and a critical discussion of the latest research. It presents our knowledge of magnetic fields from the Early Universe, their evolution in cosmic time through to their roles in present-day galaxies, galaxy clusters and the wider intergalactic medium, with attention given to both theory and observations. This volume also contains an extensive introduction into magnetohydrodynamics, numerous worked examples, observational and mathematical techniques and interpretations of the observations. Its review of our current knowledge, with an emphasis on results that are likely to form the basis for future progress, benefits a broad audience of advanced students and active researchers, including those from fields such as cTable of ContentsPreface. 1. Introduction; 2. Elements of magnetohydrodynamics; 3. Observational signatures of magnetic fields; 4. Polarization and depolarization; 5. The concept of hydromagnetic dynamo; 6. The fluctuation dynamo; 7. The mean-field dynamo; 8. The fluctuation and mean-field dynamos unified; 9. Seed magnetic fields; 10. Interstellar and intergalactic medium; 11. Kinematic dynamos in galaxies; 12. Non-linear mean-field galactic dynamos; 13. Theory and observations put together; 14. Magnetohydrodyanmics of galaxy clusters; 15. Magnetic fields in the early universe; 16. Signatures of primordial magnetic fields; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisCovering all aspects of gravitation in a contemporary style, this advanced textbook is ideal for graduate students and researchers. Its modular structure allows different sections to be combined to suit a variety of courses. There are more than 200 exercises and over 30 in-depth projects.Trade Review'This book is immensely impressive. It is full of insights and derivations that do not appear in other books. The serious student will appreciate the extensive coverage of advanced topics, notably of actions. One might say, the book is action-packed.' Andrew J. S. Hamilton, Professor of Astrophysics, University of Colorado, Boulder'… well written throughout … presents its material with admirable clarity and patience. It contains many topics that are not easily found in other relativity textbooks, at least not in the detail presented here … The book is a valuable contribution to the textbook literature on general relativity and will remain up-to-date for many years to come. It contains 225 exercises (without solutions), many of them highly original, and presents thirty projects that can be used to build a bridge between the exercise level and research work at the level of a master thesis and beyond. It is certainly not possible to cover the whole material in a 1-year course, but its modular structure enables the lecturer to make the selection that is needed for his or her purpose. I plan to use and test the book myself in my next course on relativity and cosmology.' General Relativity and Gravitation'Every topic is extremely well referenced and current … This book is likely to be an essential reference for any galaxy-formation-research student or professor. In the coming years I can see myself dipping into this treasure trove on a very regular basis.' Shaun Cole, The Observatory'Within minutes of opening the rich, heavy, full, yet succinctly written 728 pages I realised that this is a new and personal view on general relativity, which leads beyond many excellent standard textbooks and offers a challenging training ground for students with its original exercises and study topics … [I] highly recommend it to anyone interested in general relativity and related fields because it offers a modern update … if you are a bookworm like me, you must have it, because it is a great read from start to finish.' Cern Courier'The book is well written throughout and presents its material with admirable clarity and patience. It contains many topics that are not easily found in other relativity textbooks, at least not in the detail presented here … The book is a valuable contribution to the textbook literature on general relativity and will remain up-to-date for many years to come … I plan to use and test the book myself in my next course on relativity and cosmology.' Institut für Theoretische Physik'… a comprehensive textbook containing both the fundamental and the frontier aspects of gravitation theory. The book is a real pleasure to read by a reader with basic knowledge in mathematics and physics.' Contemporary PhysicsTable of Contents1. Special relativity; 2. Scalar and electromagnetic fields in special relativity; 3. Gravity and spacetime geometry: the inescapable connection; 4. Metric tensor, geodesics and covariant derivative; 5. Curvature of spacetime; 6. Einstein's field equations and gravitational dynamics; 7. Spherically symmetric geometry; 8. Black holes; 9. Gravitational waves; 10. Relativistic cosmology; 11. Differential forms and exterior calculus; 12. Hamiltonian structure of general relativity; 13. Evolution of cosmological perturbations; 14. Quantum field theory in curved spacetime; 15. Gravity in higher and lower dimensions; 16. Gravity as an emergent phenomenon; Notes; Index.

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Book SynopsisHeliophysics is a fast-developing scientific discipline that integrates studies of the Sun's variability, the surrounding heliosphere, and the environment and climate of planets. This volume, the fourth in the Heliophysics collection, explores what makes the conditions on Earth 'just right' to sustain life, by comparing Earth to other solar system planets, by comparing solar magnetic activity to that of other stars, and by looking at the properties of evolving exoplanet systems. By taking an interdisciplinary approach and using comparative heliophysics, the authors illustrate how we can learn about our local cosmos by looking beyond it, and in doing so, also enable the converse. Supplementary online resources are provided, including lecture presentations, problem sets and exercise labs, making this ideal as a textbook for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, as well as a foundational reference for researchers in the many subdisciplines of helio- and astrophysics.Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction Carolus J. Schrijver, Frances Bagenal and Jan J. Sojka; 2. Solar explosive activity throughout the evolution of the Solar System Rachel Osten; 3. Astrospheres, stellar winds, and the interstellar medium Brian Wood and Jeffrey L. Linsky; 4. Effects of stellar eruptions throughout astrospheres Ofer Cohen; 5. Characteristics of planetary systems Debra Fischer and Ji Wang; 6. Planetary dynamos: updates and new frontiers Sabine Stanley; 7. Climates of terrestrial planets David Brain; 8. Upper atmospheres of the giant planets Luke Moore, Tom Stallard and Marina Garland; 9. Aeronomy of terrestrial upper atmospheres David E. Siskind and Stephen W. Bougher; 10. Moons, asteroids, and comets interacting with their surroundings Margaret G. Kivelson; 11. Dusty plasmas Mihály Horányi; 12. Energetic-particle environments in the Solar System Norbert Krupp; 13. Heliophysics with radio scintillation and occultation Mario M. Bisi; Appendix 1. Authors and editors; List of illustrations; List of tables; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the radiation left over from the Big Bang, is arguably the most important topic in modern cosmology. Its theory and observation have revolutionized cosmology from an order-of-magnitude science to a precision science. This graduate textbook describes CMB physics from first principles in a detailed yet pedagogical way, assuming only that the reader has a working knowledge of General Relativity. Among the changes in this second edition are new chapters on non-Gaussianities in the CMB and on large-scale structure, and extended discussions on lensing and baryon acoustic oscillations, topics that have developed significantly in the last decade. Discussions of CMB experiments have been updated from WMAP data to the new Planck data. The CMB success story in estimating cosmological parameters is then treated in detail, conveying the beauty of the interplay of theoretical understanding and precise experimental measurements.Table of Contents1. The homogeneous and isotropic universe; 2. Perturbation theory; 3. Initial conditions; 4. CMB anisotropies; 5. CMB polarization and the total angular momentum approach; 6. Non-Gaussianities; 7. Lensing and the CMB; 8. Observations of large scale structure; 9. Cosmological parameter estimation; 10. The frequency spectrum of the CMB.

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Book SynopsisThis 2007 book provides a concise overview of variable stars, including a historical perspective, an introduction to stars in general, the techniques for discovering and studying variable stars, and a description of the main types of variable stars. It is especially suitable for undergraduate students and experienced amateur astronomers.Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'If you want a comprehensive guide to the science of variable stars, you can't go wrong with a book written by John Percy, a world authority on variable star observation.' BBC Sky at Night MagazineReview of the hardback: '… tightly written, and frequently interspersed with figures and graphs, the book contains an enormity of fact and discussion … a foremost authority on Variable Stars, and is a marvellous repository of information. As such it is an ideal textbook for a serious student, or a reference book for the amateur astronomer.' Astronomy & SpaceReview of the hardback: '… the book achieves its aim of providing an overview of variable-star astronomy, and given the size of the field this is no mean feat. It comes with an excellent index …' The ObservatoryReview of the hardback: 'It seems likely to me that Understanding Variable Stars was written with the American Association of Variable Star Observers members in mind. …It is certainly the most up-to-date readable description of the various types of starts and what is known about each. …Basically, if you observe variable starts, you should read and probably own this book. Thank you, Dr. Percy!' American Association of Variable Star Observers BookstoreReview of the hardback: 'In this beautiful book, John Percy, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Toronto, describes in detail the wide range of variable stars and their study. After a touching memory of Janet Mattei (1943–2004), director of the AAVSO for thirty years (and G. B. Lacchini UAI Award 1995), with whom Percy shared a long season of collaborations, the author describes the … development of the variable stars, doing well to understand how technology has, over time, changed the conditions of observation, accuracy, and reduced mass of data. … The book is well documented and full of charts, drawings and images. Each chapter has a specific and very accurate bibliography.' AstronomiaTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Stars in general; 3. Rotating variable stars; 4. Eclipsing variable stars; 5. Pulsating variable stars; 6. Cataclysmic variable stars; 7. Young variable stars; 8. Miscellaneous variable stars; 9. Applications of variable stars; 10. Epilogue; Appendices.

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Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive overview of planet formation, this book is a clear introduction and valuable reference for students and researchers in astronomy, cosmochemistry, laboratory astrophysics and planetary sciences. Following the evolution of solids, astronomers, cosmochemists and laboratory astrophysicists jointly discuss the latest insights.Trade Review'Protoplanetary Dust is a terrific edition (No. 12) to the Cambridge Planetary Science Series. … This book should be required reading for all cosmochemists (and astronomers), and it would serve as a excellent text for an interesting graduate course on the origin of solar systems.' Geochemical News'… an excellent read, very much at the research edge in the field, and very up to date in the sources used. I would recommend it highly to graduate students, but also for the bookshelves of professionals in the field.' The Observatory'… can be recommended not only to planetary scientists working in the field of planet formation but also to students who seek an introduction to this enormously challenging topic. The organization of the contents makes it possible to concentrate on certain aspects, as few people will be experts in all topics. Having the book on your shelf gives you the confidence that the comprehensive overview of the history of solids in our solar system from a simple grain to the beautiful planet we live on is just a move away.' Ruth Ziethe, European Space Research and Technology Centre, European Space AgencyTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Planet formation and protoplanetary dust Daniel Apai and Dante Lauretta; 2. The origins of protoplanetary dust and the formation of accretion disks Hans-Peter Gail and Peter Hope; 3. Evolution of protoplanetary disk structures Fred Ciesla and Cornelius P. Dullemond; 4. Chemical and isotopic evolution of the solar nebula and protoplanetary disks Dmitry Semenov, Subrata Chakraborty and Mark Thiemens; 5. Laboratory studies of simple dust analogs in astrophysical environments John R. Brucato and Joseph A. Nuth III; 6. Dust composition in protoplanetaty dust Michiel Min and George Flynn; 7. Dust particle size evolution Klaus M. Pontoppidan and Adrian J. Brearly; 8. Thermal processing in protoplanetary nebulae Daniel Apai, Harold C. Connolly Jr. and Dante S. Lauretta; 9. The clearing of protoplanetary disks and of the protosolar nebula Ilaira Pascucci and Shogo Tachibana; 10. Accretion of planetesimals and the formation of rocky planets John E. Chambers, David O'Brien and Andrew M. Davis; Appendixes; Glossary; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a study of the various feelings of awe and wonder experienced by astronauts during space flight. It summarizes the results of two experimental, interdisciplinary studies that employ methods from neuroscience, psychology, phenomenology and simulation technology, and it argues for a non-reductionist approach to cognitive science.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction: How to study subjective experiences PART I: STUDYING AWE AND WONDER Chapter 2: Hermeneutical explorations Chapter 3: Awe and wonder in a simulated space flight: Experiment 1 Chapter 4: Neurophenomenology and simulation: Philosophical ground control and a sharpening of our tools Chapter 5: Redesigning Plato's cave: Experiment 2 PART II: INSIGHTS AND EXTENSIONS Chapter 6: The phenomenology of unprecedented experience: Ontological and cognitive wonder Chapter 7: Science and science fiction: How popular culture shapes our expectations about space Chapter 8: The very idea of non-reductionist science

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Book SynopsisCovers the areas in the physics of the solar system, with emphasis on gravitational dynamics. This work's gist is the rational, in particular mathematical, understanding of the main processes at work. It focusses on the variety of objects in the planetary system and their long-term evolution.

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