Galaxies and stars Books

'A book that will make the night sky your lifelong passion. An invitation to immerse yourself in the nature around you and the universe beyond.' - Professor Brian CoxThe Secret World of Stargazing is the ultimate astronomy book to set you on your epic journey around the cosmos - it's a simple guide to the skies and makes stargazing fun, easy and enjoyable for all - absolutely no equipment is required! Adrian West, AKA the internet sensation VirtualAstro, will take you through the seasons, showing you exactly what you can spot in the sky throughout the year, whether you're in your back garden or sitting on an exotic beach somewhere! While you're learning how to spot constellations, meteors and comets, you will be switching off your busy mind, sitting still in nature and paying attention to the small details that make up the big picture of life. You'll finish reading this beautiful book and come away with a sense of grounding, connection, knowledge and a whole new appreciation of the sky above and the world outside your own - it will soothe your soul.'An excellent, readable, bright guide to the night sky.' - Dara O'Briain'A superb introduction to astronomy.' - Chris Packham

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Book SynopsisFocuses on the astrophysics of the interstellar and intergalactic medium - the gas and dust, as well as the electromagnetic radiation, cosmic rays, and magnetic and gravitational fields, present between the stars in a galaxy and also between galaxies themselves. This title covers radiative processes, fluid dynamics, cosmic rays, and more.Trade Review"This is a comprehensive and richly illustrated textbook on the astrophysics of the interstellar and intergalactic medium... This graduate-level textbook includes references for further reading, and serves as an invaluable resource for working astrophysicists."--Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin

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Book SynopsisIn this Very Short Introduction, Katherine Blundell looks at the seemingly paradoxical, mysterious, and intriguing phenomena of astrophysical black holes. Outlining what a black hole actually is and how they are characterised, she separates the scientific fact from science fiction, and demonstrates the interesting role they play in the cosmos.Trade Reviewwhereas black holes are notorious for not letting go of their contents, Blundell's book makes it as easy to extract information without ever making the subject simplistic. * Andy Sawyers, Astronomy Now *Black holes have to be amongst the most fascinating phenomena of astronomy/cosmology and as such make a perfect topic for a new addition to OUP's vast collection of pocket guides, the 'very short introduction' books. I read my copy on a couple of 45 minute train journeys - it's long enough to give a good grounding in the basics of black holes, without being heavy or over-technical. * Brain Clegg, Popular Science *Table of Contents1. What is a black hole? ; 2. Characterising black holes ; 3. Black holes discovered ; 4. Falling into a black hole... ; 5. How are black holes formed? ; 6. Growing bigger and smaller ; 7. Black holes don't just suck ; References and further reading

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Book SynopsisDiscover the mysteries of the Universe and journey to galaxies beyond our own in this fact-packed companion to space.From icy worlds and hot, fiery giants to the biggest telescopes and latest spacecraft, this book covers more than 40 profiles of the planets, stars, and objects in our universe. Find out all about our neighboring planets, from tiny Mercury to gigantic Jupiter. Discover what lies beyond our solar system and the stars we can see in the night sky. Learn about the latest space technology and when humans may finally land on Mars.Broken down by type, each object is presented in a clear, engaging way, with stunning images and bite-sized chunks of information. Detailed NASA photography brings the mysteries of outer space to life, while pronunciation guides help with tricky names, and a visual index gives a quick overview of all the key objects in the book. Filled with fascinating details for every young stargazer and budding astronaut, My Book of Sta

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Book SynopsisEasily find stars and constellations in the night sky every day of the year.A starfinder that allows visible stars to be identified for any date and time for locations in the Northern Hemisphere. Compiled by astronomical experts, Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion and approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.An easy-to-use practical tool to help any astronomer identify the constellations and stars every day of the year. Just dial in the date and time by rotating the inner disk showing the time until it lines up with the relevant day of the year on the outer ring. The part of the sky appearing on the planisphere shows the arrangement of the stars above you.This star chart is suitable for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Canada and Northern USA. Best viewed as near to latitude 50 degrees north as possible.The moveable disk also comes in a wallet which contains further information about stargazing.Trade Review"This twin set of Guide and Planisphere is ideal for novices to learn their way around the sky visible to observers around latitude 50 degrees North." The Observatory magazine

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Book SynopsisThis book is a simple, non-technical introduction to cosmology, explaining what it is and what cosmologists do. Peter Coles discusses the history of the subject, the development of the Big Bang theory, and more speculative modern issues like quantum cosmology, superstrings, and dark matter.Trade ReviewThere is an embarrassment of books about the universe for the general reader, but few manage to pack so much, so elegantly, into such a compact space as this does. The book is generously illustrated. * The Guardian 09/02/02/ *Coles takes you gently through everything from Blue Shift to parallel Universe in a thoroughly entertaining read * TNT Magazine *a pleasure to read * New Scientist, 29/09/01 *Table of Contents1. A Brief History ; 2. Einstein and All That ; 3. The Big Bang ; 4. In the Beginning ; 5. Cosmology by Numbers ; 6. What's the Matter? ; 7. The Emergence of Structure ; 8. The Future

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Book SynopsisGalaxies are the building blocks of the Universe: standing like islands in space, each is made up of many hundreds of millions of stars in which the chemical elements are made, around which planets form, and where on at least one of those planets intelligent life has emerged. Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is just one of several hundred million other galaxies that we can now observe through our telescopes. Yet it was only in the 1920s that we realised that there is more to the Universe than the Milky Way, and that there were in fact other ''islands'' out there. In many ways, modern astronomy began with this discovery, and the story of galaxies is therefore the story of modern astronomy. Since then, many exciting discoveries have been made about our own galaxy and about those beyond: how a supermassive black hole lurks at the centre of every galaxy, for example, how enormous forces are released when galaxies collide, how distant galaxies provide a window on the early Universe, and what the formation of young galaxies can tell us about the mysteries of Cold Dark Matter. In this Very Short Introduction, renowned science writer John Gribbin describes the extraordinary things that astronomers are learning about galaxies, and explains how this can shed light on the origins and structure of the Universe.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. A Very Short Introduction ; 2. The Great Debate ; 3. Our Island ; 4. The Expanding Universe ; 5. Across the Universe ; 6. The Origin of Galaxies ; 7. The Universe at Large ; References & Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT ASTROLOGY GIFT FOR THE ZODIAC LOVER IN YOUR LIFE!Nobody''s future is written in the stars, but we can use the stars to help write our future.For thousands of years people have looked to the night sky for the answers to life''s problems. Today''s practice is a far cry from newspaper horoscopes and fortune-telling, but instead uses the ancient wisdom of astrology to help us better understand our choices and ourselves. It''s not about prescriptive descriptions of personality and fate, but about putting the individual at the centre of decision making.In The Signs, Carolyne Faulkner describes with warmth and humour the qualities associated with each star sign - the good and the bad - and explains how you can use your birth chart (a map of the night sky at the time you were born) to make smarter choices, avoid triggers to stress and forge stronger relationships. This is a clear and simple guide to using the stars to take control of every aspect of your life.Trade ReviewA new constellation of astrology guru * Vogue *The go to life coach for those in the know * InStyle Magazine *A pioneering new self-improvement method based on the stars * Soho House *The coach to get you to where you want to go * Harper's Bazaar *Carolyne is the woman making astrology cool again * Sunday Telegraph Stella Magazine *A new constellation of astrology guru * Vogue *The go to life coach for those in the know * InStyle Magazine *A pioneering new self-improvement method based on the stars * Soho House *The coach to get you where you want to go * Harper’s Bazaar *

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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

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Book Synopsis'A deft, frequently dramatic tour'Nature'A wonderfully clear and readable book . . . Gives a splendid overview of our Sun's planetary system, including its history and exploration'Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell*We have the impression that the solar system is perfectly regular like a clock, or a planetarium instrument. On a short timescale it is. But, seen in a longer perspective, the planets, and their satellites, have exciting lives, full of events - for example, did you know that Saturn's moon, Titan, boasts lakes which contain liquid methane surrounded by soaring hills and valleys, exactly as the earth did before life evolved on our fragile planet? Or that Mercury is the shyest planet? Or, that Mars' biggest volcano is 100 times the size of Earth's, or that its biggest canyon is 10 times the depth of the Grand Canyon, or that it wasn't always red, but blue? The culmination of a lifetime of astronomy and wonder, Paul Murdin's enchanting new book reveals everything you ever wanted to know about the planets, their satellites, and our place in the solar system.

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Book SynopsisWritten by an active researcher in the field, Galaxy: Mapping the Cosmos tells the rich scientific story of galaxy evolution and observation – discoveries of `spiral nebulae’, the nature of galaxies and the current `World Model’. Astronomer James Geach takes us on a tour of what is currently known and unknown, discussing why the ancient science of astronomy continues to fascinate humanity. Appealing to all readers interested in astronomy and cosmology, and featuring 108 superb colour photographs, Galaxy explores the enigma of our cosmic habitat, chronicling how our home in the Universe came to be.Trade Review'Book of the Month . . . an enthralling, detailed and beautiful look at one of the most challenging and exciting areas of modern astronomy, and a great addition to any enthusiast’s library.'-Sky At Night Magazine; '[Galaxy] contains dozens of stunning images of galaxies and nebulas, showing the beauty that lurks among the gas and dust of these complex systems . . . an excellent guide to a world many of us never get to see, both on and off this planet.'-Focus Magazine; 'Gorgeous color photos, coupled with clear and engaging explanations of the science behind them, make this book a winner on every level.'-Publishers Weekly; 'James Geach is actively researching on one of the most exciting frontiers of todays science: extragalactic astronomy. His book conveys his personal enthusiasm, and offers a clear and highly readable survey of the fields progress and prospects.'-Professor Martin Rees FRS, Astronomer Royal, Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge

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Book SynopsisPreviously published as A History of the Universe in 21 Stars.'A delight and triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' talkRADIOLook up on a clear evening, and you'll see thousands of stars shining in the night sky, each telling a story of their own. With star maps to help easily identify key celestial bodies, astronomer Giles Sparrow takes 21 stars (and three imposters) to look at what each pinprick of light can tell us about the birth, life and death of our universe.From red giants to supernovae and from stellar cities to our own Sun, The History of Our Universe in 21 Stars shows how the lights we see in the sky can help us unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.Trade Review'A delight and a triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' -- Mark Dolan * talkRADIO *Table of ContentsPolaris • Mizar • 61 Cygni • Aldebaran • Alcyone/The Pleiades • The Trapezium • T Tauri • The Sun • Proxima Centauri • Tau Ceti • Algol • Mira • Sirius A and B • RS Ophiuchi • Betelgeuse • Eta Carinae • The Crab Pulsar • Cygnus X-1 • Omega Centauri • Delta Cephei • Andromeda Nebula • S2 • 3C 48 • Supernova 1944D.

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Book SynopsisWhether stargazing with the naked eye or observing deep space with the largest telescopes in the world, humans have a seemingly neverending fascination with the stars. Our ancestors saw patterns in their random arrangement, inventing both tales of legendary heroes and the pastime of dot-to-dot in one fell swoop. But it's only in the last century or so that the natures of these distant lights have been revealed - and it's more incredible than any legend. How are stars born? How long do they live? And just how many times can you read the word 'trillion' before it starts sounding made up? Find out as astronomer Dr Greg Brown of Royal Observatory Greenwich takes a short diversion from obsessing over black holes to illuminate us about the lives of stars - ending in black holes, naturally.Table of ContentsIntroduction Our Sun: A Model Star? So a Failed Analogue? The Nuclear Furnace The Births of Stars The (Mostly Boring) Lives of Stars The (Mostly Exciting) Deaths of Stars Why Nothing in Science is Ever That Easy Glossary

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Book Synopsis''A paean to the beauty and majesty of nature, especially the nature we overlook in our back gardens and local parks... And like all the best books, it makes the world around you a lot more interesting'' - Spectator''Beautifully written... I promise you will feel more in tune with the world around after reading only one chapter of Wild Signs and Star Paths, let alone the book in its entirety'' - Royal Institute of Navigation''A beautifully written almanac of tricks and tips that we''ve lost along the way'' - ObserverTristan Gooley, author of the internationally bestselling How To Read Water and The Walker''s Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs, shows how it is possible to achieve a level of outdoors awareness that will enable you to sense direction from stars and plants, forecast weather from woodland sounds and predict the next action of an animal from its body language - instantly.Although onTrade ReviewA captivating guide to finding one's way in the wild. * Wall Street Journal *Gooley's approach is a refreshing alternative to the encyclopaedic-style of many nature books. * Geographical *What's wonderful about this book is not just that it is full of helpful instructions for decoding the numerous clues the Earth provides to its workings - from the flick of a lizard's tail to a flutter in a bramble hedge - Gooley also communicates and inspires a joyful awe in the countless daily occurrences which offer observant travellers a key to the planet's miraculous system. * Big Issue *It's a thoughtful, lyrical book about the hidden connections between flora and fauna, the landscape and the weather, and most of its wise and wondrous observations are gleaned from the author's rambles around the English countryside. . . It's a paean to the beauty and majesty of nature, especially the nature we overlook in our back gardens and local parks. And so, amid the botany and zoology and meteorology there are snatches of pure poetry. . . And like all the best books, it makes the world around you a lot more interesting. * The Spectator *Gooley offers the reader a chance to recover the outdoorsman's natural sense through 52 "keys", to exchange slow, analytic thinking for the fast thinking that makes connections with nature in a way that few now experience. I recommend turning those keys and seeing what happens. * The Field Magazine *

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Book SynopsisBig Cat Phonics for Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised has been developed in collaboration with Wandle Learning Trust and Little Sutton Primary School. It comprises classroom resources to support the SSP programme and a range of phonic readers that together provide a consistent and highly effective approach to teaching phonics.There are all sorts of stars and constellations that make patterns in the night sky. See if you can spot some of these patterns and maybe you can even find and make up some of your own patterns!

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Book SynopsisThis extensively illustrated book presents the astrophysics of galaxies since their beginnings in the early Universe. It has been thoroughly revised to take into account the most recent observational data, and recent discoveries such as dark energy. There are new sections on galaxy clusters, gamma ray bursts and supermassive black holes. The authors explore the basic properties of stars and the Milky Way before working out towards nearby galaxies and the distant Universe. They discuss the structures of galaxies and how galaxies have developed, and relate this to the evolution of the Universe. The book also examines ways of observing galaxies across the whole electromagnetic spectrum, and explores dark matter and its gravitational pull on matter and light. This book is self-contained and includes several homework problems with hints. It is ideal for advanced undergraduate students in astronomy and astrophysics.Trade Review'Sparke and Gallagher have produced a remarkably comprehensive and easy-to-read account of extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. Aimed at third and fourth year undergraduates, but invaluable for researchers at all levels, frontier topics in this exciting and popular area of astronomy are discussed with admirable clarity, with the physical principles carefully explained and well-illustrated.' Richard Ellis, Steele Professor of Astronomy, California Institute of Technology'The book fills in a critical need in the undergraduate astronomy curriculum. It is a perfect fit to advanced astronomy/physics majors. It also catches the most important and most fascinating current topics and recent discoveries and introduces them in the broad framework of modern extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. Most importantly, the book does an excellent job in showing students how to solve contemporary research problems with the physics they have already learned and how basic physics principles can go a long way in understanding some of the most complex phenomena in the Universe. The Second Edition includes some of the most exciting recent discoveries in astronomy and makes it an extremely timely textbook.' Xiaohui Fan, Steward Observatory, The University of Arizona'Sparke and Gallagher have successfully distilled a large, complex, and rapidly growing subject into a highly readable and self-contained textbook. It skillfully introduces the fundamentals of extragalactic astronomy and stellar dynamics, while engaging the interest of readers with their up-to-date account of the observational and theoretical work in the subject. It will serve as a superb advanced textbook for an undergraduate course in astronomy and astrophysics, as well as a valuable reference source for graduate students and researchers, in astronomy and physics. I will keep it close at hand on my own bookshelf.' Robert Kennicutt, Plumian Professor of Astronomy, University of Cambridge'Galaxies in the Universe is more than its title suggests. It has all the ingredients needed for a comprehensive senior-level course on galaxies, including the necessary background technology, stellar astrophysics and dynamical and cosmological theory. The book is full of interesting problems aimed at broadening the reader's understanding. Galaxies in the Universe is an excellent text: I use it for my senior class and can strongly recommend it.' Ken Freeman, Duffield Professor, The Australian National University'The scope of the book is impressive indeed. It is sure to find its way onto the desks of astronomers and astrophysicists around the world who are looking for key resources to teach senior physics undergraduates and even first-year graduate students. In the intervening years between the first edition of the text and this new one, research on galaxies everywhere and at all redshifts has proliferated enormously. It accurately conveys the present sense of excitement and anticipation at still more advances just around the corner … The writing style is energetic, yet also remarkably compact: single sentences on page after page convey whole trains of embedded logic as if the authors cannot wait to get on to the next point. All in all, this book is a welcome and major accomplishment.' William E. Harris, Professor of Astrophysics, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada'The new edition maintains the high standard set previously, along with the clear style. In summary, this book remains an excellent undergraduate text at a modest price. Highly recommended.' Paul O'BrienTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Mapping our Milky Way; 3. The orbits of the stars; 4. Our backyard: the Local Group; 5. Spiral and SO galaxies; 6. Elliptical galaxies; 7. Galaxy groups and clusters; 8. Large-scale distribution of galaxies; 9. Active galactic nuclei and the early history of galaxies; Appendices; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis textbook offers a modern approach to the physics of stars, assuming only undergraduate-level preparation in mathematics and physics, and minimal prior knowledge of astronomy. It starts with a concise review of introductory concepts in astronomy, before covering the nuclear processes and energy transport in stellar interiors, and stellar evolution from star formation to the common stellar endpoints as white dwarfs and neutron stars. In addition to the standard material, the author also discusses more contemporary topics that students will find engaging, such as neutrino oscillations and the MSW resonance, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, advanced nucleosynthesis, neutron stars, black holes, cosmology, and gravitational waves. With hundreds of worked examples, explanatory boxes, and problems with solutions, this textbook provides a solid foundation for learning either in a classroom setting or through self-study.Trade Review'This is a long-sought after textbook that I very much look forward to owning myself, and using for upper level undergraduate courses as well as in preparing lectures for graduate courses. The author's attention to detail-with-clarity begins in Chapter 1, and continues throughout the text. Most enjoyable are the new modern versions of several classic figures in the field.' Lynne Hillenbrand, California Institute of Technology'A very comprehensive textbook on stellar physics with plenty of up-to-date topics. The only book needed for an advanced undergraduate level stellar physics course.' Stephen Chi-Yung Ng, University of Hong KongTable of ContentsPart I. Stellar Structure: 1. Some properties of stars; 2. The Hertzsprung–Russell diagram; 3. Stellar equations of state; 4. Hydrostatic and thermal equilibrium; 5. Thermonuclear reactions in stars; 6. Stellar burning processes; 7. Energy transport in stars; 8. Summary of stellar equations; Part II. Stellar Evolution: 9. The formation of stars; 10. Life and times on the main sequence; 11. Flavor oscillations of solar neutrinos; 12. Solar neutrinos and the MSW effect; 13. Evolution of lower-mass stars; 14. Evolution of higher-mass stars; 15. Stellar pulsations and variability; 16. White dwarfs and neutron stars; 17. Black holes; Part III. Accretion, Mergers, and Explosions: 18. Accreting binary systems; 19. Nova explosions and X-ray bursts; 20. Supernovae; 21. Gamma-ray bursts; 22. Gravitational waves and stellar evolution; Appendix A: constants; Appendix B: numeral units; Appendix C: mean molecular weights; Appendix D: reaction libraries; Appendix E: a mixing-length model; Appendix F: quantum mechanics; Appendix G: using arXiv and ADS; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisFoundations of Astrophysics provides a contemporary and complete introduction to astrophysics for astronomy and physics majors. With a logical presentation and conceptual and quantitative end-of-chapter problems, the material is accessible to introductory astrophysics students taking a two-semester survey course.Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Early astronomy; 2. Emergence of modern astronomy; 3. Orbital mechanics; 4. The Earth–Moon system; 5. Interaction of radiation and matter; 6. Astronomical detection of light; 7. The Sun; 8. Overview of the solar system; 9. Earth and Moon; 10. The planets; 11. Small bodies in the solar system; 12. The solar system in perspective; 13. Properties of stars; 14. Stellar atmospheres; 15. Stellar interiors; 16. The interstellar medium; 17. Formation and evolution of stars; 18. Stellar remnants; 19. Our galaxy; 20. Galaxies; 21. Active galaxies; 22. Clusters and superclusters; 23. Cosmology; 24. History of the universe.

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Book SynopsisImagine if The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy were a real, practical book about the mysteries of the universe . . .The Universe in Your Hand takes us on a wonder-filled journey to the surface of our dying sun, shrinks us to the size of an atom and puts us in the deathly grip of distant black holes. Along the way you might come to understand, really understand, the mind-bending science that underpins modern life, from quantum mechanics to Einstein's theory of general relativity.Through brilliant storytelling and humour rather than graphs and equations, internationally renowned astrophysicist Christophe Galfard has written an instant classic that brings the astonishing beauty of the universe to life - and takes us deep into questions about the beginning of time and the future of humanity.Trade ReviewWill thrill readers but rarely perplex them . . . Galfard leaves exhilarated readers eager to share in the forthcoming discoveries. * Booklist, Starred Review *Entertaining and comprehensive . . . Readers looking to expand their knowledge of physics and cosmology will find everything they need here. * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review *Part personal conversation, part travelogue, and part science primer for the non-scientist, The Universe in Your Hand is a delightful and highly educational read. -- Jim Bell, author of The Interstellar Age and Postcards from MarsIf Ms. Frizzle were a physics student of Stephen Hawking, she might have written The Universe in Your Hand, a wild tour through the reaches of time and space, from the interior of a proton to the Big Bang to the rough suburbs of a black hole. It's friendly, excitable, erudite, and cosmic. -- Jordan Ellenberg, New York Times bestselling author of How Not To Be WrongA useful book for readers to visualize the complex ideas of modern physics. * Kirkus Reviews *Table of ContentsSection - i: Foreward Chapter - 1: The Cosmos Chapter - 2: Making Sense of Outer Space Chapter - 3: Fast Chapter - 4: A Dive into the Quantum World Chapter - 5: To the Origin of Space and Time Chapter - 6: Unexpected Mysteries Chapter - 7: A Step Beyond What is Known Section - ii: Epilogue Acknowledgements - iii: Acknowledgements Section - iv: Sources Index - v: Index

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from the hugely popular Treasury of Folklore: Seas and Rivers and Woodlands and Forests comes Treasury of Folklore: Stars and Skies, an exploration of the mysteries of the stars, skies and heavens above. People have gazed up at the same stars for millennia, trading stories about them; conjuring gods and goddesses; mapping the constellations; and navigating the complex human world below. The tales, traditions and myths included here traverse countries and continents and have been chosen to highlight how humans are linked through time and place, with shared dreams, fears and ways of rationalising the unknown. Under 'Stars and Heavens' Willow delves into rosy fingered dawn and the hubris of Icarus, the Greek myths surrounding the constellations and the omen of meteors, the trials of the Hawaiian goddess Hina and the legend of the rabbit in the moon. In the section on 'Skies' we are introduced to winged Pegasus and the trials of the Firebird, the Witch of Westray and stories of storms, the mysteries of the Northern Lights and unexplained UFOs. Treasury of Folklore: Stars and Skies is a fascinating portal into a rich history of myths surrounding the sky, an aspect of the natural world that continues to fascinate and confound.

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Book Synopsis An epic, fate-fighting adventure like no other. A stunningly imagined new series. The Nightsilver Promise is a future classic, stunningly imagined. A Game of Thrones for middle-grade that is perfect for fans of Nevermoor, Philip Pullman, and Neil Gaiman.

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Book Synopsis''Athena seized the writhing serpent and hurled it into the sky, and fixed it to the very pole of the heavens.'' The constellations we recognize today were first mapped by the ancient Greeks, who arranged the stars into patterns for that purpose. In the third century BC Eratosthenes compiled a handbook of astral mythology in which the constellations were associated with figures from legend, and myths were provided to explain how each person, creature, or object came to be placed in the sky. Thus we can see Heracles killing the Dragon, and Perseus slaying the sea-monster to save Andromeda; Orion chases the seven maidens transformed by Zeus into the Pleiades, and Aries, the golden ram, is identified flying up to the heavens. This translation brings together the later summaries from Eratosthenes'' lost handbook with a guide to astronomy compiled by Hyginus, librarian to Augustus. Together with Aratus''s astronomical poem the Phaenomena, these texts provide a complete collection of Greek aTrade ReviewHighly recommended. * Anna Maria Polidori, Al Femminile *A useful, inexpensive, and comprehensive vade-mecum of the mythology that surrounds the constellations * Colin Leach, Classics for All *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for The Little Book of String Theory: "Gubser ... does a masterly job of introducing string theory in simple terms and without using math."--Library Journal Praise for The Little Book of String Theory: "Steven Gubser provides a brief introduction to this complicated topic, and condenses an enormous amount of information into this 'little book.'"--ForeWord Praise for The Little Book of String Theory: "You will probably finish the book more confused than when you started, but in the best possible way: with profound questions and a desire to learn more."--New Scientist

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Book SynopsisAlbert Einstein is often viewed as the icon of genius, and his theories are admired for their beauty and correctness. Yet the final judge of any theory is the rigorous test of experiment, not the fame of its inventor or the allure of its mathematics. For decades, general relativity has passed test after test with flying colors, including some remarkable new tests using the recently detected gravitational waves. Still, there are reasons for doubt. Einstein''s theory of gravity, as beautiful as it is, seems to be in direct contradiction with another theory he helped create: quantum mechanics. Until recently, this was considered to be a purely academic affair. But as more and more data pour in from the most distant corners of the universe, hinting at bizarre stuff called dark energy and dark matter, some scientists have begun to explore the possibility that Einstein''s theory may not provide a complete picture of the cosmos. This book chronicles the latest adventures of scientists as theyTrade ReviewI strongly recommend it to all those interested in general relativity. Although non-specialist readers may find it challenging, they will surely be rewarded by its compelling descriptions and fascinating narrative. * Roberto Lalli, Physics Today *Will and Yunes provide an entertaining overview of the many tests that general relativity has been put to over the past 100 years or so... In fact, the book contains a lot more interesting stuff - and nice personal anecdotes... than the title suggests... the authors strike the perfect balance between depth and accessibility, using helpful metaphors wherever is necessary. * Govert Schilling, BBC Sky at Night *The two authors have not only the broad spectrum of knowledge and personal experience necessary to master the subject, but also the writing skills needed to provide a fresh and witty narrative that is comprehensible to a wide audience... I strongly recommend it to all those interested in general relativity. * Roberto Lalli, Physics Today *[Will and Yunes] succeed superbly in describing the history and personalities ... and work diligently ... to explain the science ... Solid insights into Einstein's dazzling discoveries. * Kirkus Reviews *Physicists Will and Yunes take readers on an intellectually challenging but invigorating tour of experiments involving Einstein's theory of general relativity ... A valuable treatise on a foundational topic in modern physics. * Publishers Weekly *Clifford Will and Nicolás Yunes are celebrating the effectiveness of the general theory of relativity... a genuinely interesting book. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *Table of Contents1: A Very Good Summer 2: Wrinkles in Time 3: How Light Sheds Light on Gravity 4: Does Gravity Do the Twist? 5: Celestial Lighthouses for Testing Relativity 6: How to Use a Black Hole to Test General Relativity 7: Gravitational Waves Detected at Last! 8: What do Gravitational Waves Tell Us? 9: A Loud Future for Gravitational Wave Science 10: A Dialogue

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis bookexplores and explains the structural evolution of galaxies, how we measure it,how these measurements change with time, and how observing this revealsimportant information about galaxy formation and evolution. It also explains the future of the field, including through the use of machine learning tools.

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Book SynopsisNeutron stars, the most extreme state of matter yet confirmed, are responsible for much of the high-energy radiation detected in the universe. Meszaros provides a general overview of the physics of magnetized neutron stars, discusses in detail the radiation processes and transport properties relevant to the production and propagation of high-energy radiation in the outer layers of these objects, and reviews the observational properties and theoretical models of various types of neutron star sources.

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Book SynopsisA deck of cards to show you how and when to spot 40 constellations across the sky, explaining the key features to look out for as well as the myths and legends behind each one.

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Book SynopsisExperience the drama of the explosive cosmos and the astonishing discoveries being made about the universe's wildest phenomena. The violent birth of the universe was only the first bang of a very bumpy ride. This unfathomably cacophonous beginning has spawned blasts, implosions, cosmic cannibalism, collisions, and countless other fleeting energetic events punctuating the cosmos. Although often brief, these transient phenomena pack a powerful punch. Armed with decades of theoretical progress, unrivaled computing power, and cutting-edge technology, astronomers find themselves at the cusp of understanding not just the events themselves, but also how those events reveal the story of the entire cosmos. In Things That Go Bump in the Universe, astronomer and science writer C. Renée James introduces us to her colleagues around the world, who are using pioneering research techniques to explore everything from the very first explosions in the universe to the dark energy that could destroy it aTrade ReviewLike a pulsar, the book is at times dense, but it also dazzles. It recasts modern astronomy as the search for transient, explosive events, and the messages they contain if only we can decode them.—New York Times Book ReviewTable of ContentsPrologue. Flashes of InsightChapter 1. Catching Cosmic FirefliesChapter 2. Out of the QuestionChapter 3. Putting the "Super" in SupernovaChapter 4. Star-Shattering EnergyChapter 5. The Search for Smoking GunsChapter 6. Detecting Cosmic HeartbeatsChapter 7. Stellar ArrhythmiaChapter 8. (Almost) No Star Is an IslandChapter 9. The Making of a SuperstarChapter 10. Cloudy with a Chance of NeutrinosChapter 11. Not "The End"Chapter 12. Collision CourseChapter 13. Fallen StarsChapter 14. Don't BlinkChapter 15. Point BlankChapter 16. Cats, Rats, and Fantastic Beasts, and How to Tell Them Apart Chapter 17. Cosmic TremorsChapter 18. The Return of the FurbiesChapter 19. LIGO, We Have a ProblemChapter 20. Impeccable TimingChapter 21. All Together NowChapter 22. Multiple Eyewitness AccountsChapter 23. Furbies—A New HopeChapter 24. The First Bumps in the Universe Chapter 25. The Last HurrahEpilogue. EphemeraAcknowledgmentsBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisGalaxies are vast ensembles of stars, gas and dust, embedded in dark matter halos. They are the basic building blocks of the Universe, gathered in groups, clusters and super-clusters. They exist in many forms, either as spheroids or disks. Classifications, such as the Hubble sequence (based on mass concentration and gas fraction) and the colormagnitude diagram (which separates a blue cloud from a red sequence) help to understand their formation and evolution. Galaxies spend a large part of their lives in the blue cloud, forming stars as spiral or dwarf galaxies. Then, via a mechanism that is still unclear, they stop forming stars and quietly end in the red sequence, as spheroids. This transformation may be due to galaxy interactions, or because of the feedback of active nuclei, through the energy released by their central super-massive black holes. These mechanisms could explain the history of cosmic star formation, the rate of which was far greater in the first half of the Universe�s life. Galaxies delves into all of these surrounding subjects in six chapters written by dedicated, specialist astronomers and researchers in the field, from their numerical simulations to their evolutions.Table of ContentsIntroduction xi Chapter 1. The Classification of Galaxies 1Ronald BUTA 1.1. Introduction 1 1.2. Classes of galaxies 3 1.3. Elliptical galaxies 7 1.4. Spiral galaxies 12 1.5. S0 galaxies 22 1.6. Magellanic spiral and irregular galaxies 25 1.7. Dwarf elliptical, S0, and spheroidal galaxies 26 1.8. Edge-on galaxies 27 1.9. Morphology of interacting and merging galaxies 30 1.10. General properties along the CVRHS sequence 31 1.10.1. Morphological systematics 31 1.10.2. Astrophysical systematics 33 1.11. Other approaches to galaxy classification 34 1.12. Interpretations of morphology 35 1.13. Artificial galaxies and the future of galaxy classification 42 1.14. References 44 Chapter 2. Our Galaxy, the Milky Way 49Paola Di MATTEO 2.1. Introduction 49 2.2. Baryonic discs and their spiral structure 52 2.2.1. Neutral, ionized and molecular gas 52 2.2.2. Thin and thick stellar discs 54 2.2.3. Spiral structure from gaseous and stellar tracers 59 2.3. The central kiloparsecs: the bar and the bulge 60 2.4. The stellar halo 63 2.5. On the dark matter content and shape, as inferred from rotation curves and stellar streams 67 2.6. Dissecting the global structure: stellar kinematics, abundances and ages 69 2.6.1. Setting the scene: the solar vicinity 70 2.6.2. Zooming out on a several kpc scale 76 2.6.3. Digging into the bulge 80 2.7. Reconstructing the Milky Way evolution 84 2.8. Perspectives 86 2.9. References 86 Chapter 3. Early-type Galaxies 93Eric EMSELLEM 3.1. Introduction 93 3.2. General properties: components and morphology 95 3.2.1. Discs and bars 96 3.2.2. Gas and dust content 96 3.2.3. Dark matter and halo 97 3.2.4. Globular clusters 99 3.2.5. Light and mass profiles 99 3.2.6. Extreme cases: brightest cluster galaxies and ultra-diffuse galaxies 100 3.3. Zoom on the stellar component 101 3.3.1. Scaling relations: Faber–Jackson, fundamental plane and virial plane 102 3.3.2. Age and metallicity 104 3.3.3. Initial mass function 105 3.4. Dynamics of ETGs 108 3.4.1. Observations 109 3.4.2. Toward a kinematic classification of ETGs 110 3.4.3. Modeling 113 3.4.4. Supermassive black holes 119 3.5. Formation and evolution processes 119 3.5.1. Perspective at z = 0: the mass–radius plane 119 3.5.2. Growth, mergers and transformations 121 3.5.3. Ex situ versus in situ 123 3.5.4. Environment 124 3.6. Conclusion 126 3.7. References 127 Chapter 4. Spiral Galaxies 137Françoise COMBES 4.1. Introduction 137 4.2. Blue and red galaxies: quenching star formation 142 4.2.1. Definition of bimodality 142 4.2.2. The parameters that determine the red sequence 146 4.2.3. Mechanisms for quenching star formation 148 4.3. Spiral galaxies: density waves or not? 152 4.3.1. The winding problem 152 4.3.2. The theory of density waves 155 4.3.3. Role of gas and star formation 159 4.4. Bars: drivers of evolution 160 4.4.1. Formation of bars 162 4.4.2. Orbits in a barred galaxy 164 4.4.3. Response of gas to a barred potential 166 4.4.4. Vertical resonances and peanuts 168 4.4.5. Dark matter and bars 171 4.5. Environment of spiral galaxies 173 4.5.1. Morphological segregation 173 4.5.2. The problem of bulgeless galaxies 174 4.6. Conclusion 176 4.7. References 177 Chapter 5. Galaxy Mergers and Interactions through Cosmic Time 181Christopher J. CONSELICE 5.1. Introduction 182 5.2. The physics of merging 185 5.3. The merger history of galaxies 188 5.3.1. Defining mergers and merging 188 5.3.2. Merger rates in the nearby universe 190 5.3.3. Galaxy merger fraction evolution to z = 6 191 5.3.4. Galaxy merger rates 196 5.4. The added value of mergers 199 5.4.1. Galaxy and black hole assembly through interactions and mergers 199 5.4.2. Cosmological relevance 201 5.4.3. Future uses and methods 202 5.5. Summary 203 5.6. Acknowledgments 204 5.7. References 205 Chapter 6. Cosmic Evolution of Galaxies 209David ELBAZ and Emeric Le FLOC’H 6.1. Introduction 209 6.2. Characteristics of galaxies used to define their cosmic evolution 211 6.2.1. Decoding multi-wavelength radiation 211 6.2.2. Populations of galaxies 216 6.3. Starbursts, secular evolution and universality of star formation 218 6.3.1. Definition of a starburst 218 6.3.2. The SFMS and the secular evolution of galaxies 220 6.3.3. Origin of starbursts 221 6.3.4. Secular evolution and the influence of the galactic environment 223 6.4. Detection of distant galaxies 225 6.4.1. Deep surveys of the Universe 227 6.4.2. Large samples of distant galaxies 229 6.4.3. K correction 232 6.5. Cosmic history of galaxies 234 6.5.1. History of star formation 234 6.5.2. Evolution of the stellar mass function and formation of the red galaxy sequence 237 6.5.3. Evolution of the metallicity and of the average size of galaxies 239 6.5.4. Evolution of the galaxy merger and starburst rates 241 6.6. Origin of the cosmic history of galaxies 244 6.6.1. The diffuse cosmic background as a signature of the cosmic history of galaxies 245 6.6.2. Unraveling the origin of the cosmic history of galaxies by studying their reservoirs of interstellar matter 249 6.7. Conclusion 251 6.8. References 252 List of Authors 257 Author Biographies 259 Index 261

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Book SynopsisAre you an emotional Scorpio who needs to pour out your latest drama to your friends and relatives? Perhaps you’re an uptight Capricorn who keeps all your feeling to yourself? Are you a flirtatious Libran, a brave but thoughtless Arian or a careful Cancerian? Whatever your characteristics are, The Magic of Astrology will help explain the unexplainable in your life, give advice on your relationships, careers and much, much more. Since the dawn of humanity, we have always looked up to the stars for guidance, whether we are lost at sea or lost in life. Astrology is an ancient science, with tried and tested advice from various cultures all across the world over thousands of years. Are you anxious in a new relationship? Are you stuck in an unsatisfying job? Has an opportunity arisen, but you find it hard to make a decision? Astrology can show you the way. This book shows you how you can unlock your hidden potential and reveal your true personality. It offers an engaging, in-depth analysis of every zodiac sign, so you can compare with your friends and family, and it also explains how astrology can influence and improve every area of your life. Packed with detailed compatibility charts and advice, this practical guide channels the secret of the starts to help you to live life to the fullest.Table of ContentsIntroduction Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces Domestic Compatibility Adventure Compatibility Passion Compatibility

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Book SynopsisPart of the reissued Oxford Classic Texts in the Physical Sciences series, this book was first published in 1983, and has swiftly become one of the great modern classics of relativity theory. It represents a personal testament to the work of the author, who spent several years writing and working-out the entire subject matter.The theory of black holes is the most simple and beautiful consequence of Einstein''s relativity theory. At the time of writing there was no physical evidence for the existence of these objects, therefore all that Professor Chandrasekhar used for their construction were modern mathematical concepts of space and time. Since that time a growing body of evidence has pointed to the truth of Professor Chandrasekhar''s findings, and the wisdom contained in this book has become fully evident.Trade ReviewThere is no doubt in my mind that this book is a masterpiece...beautifully written and well-presented. * Roger Penrose in Nature *"Chandrasekhar has provided us with a magisterial text on the classical black holes, outstanding in the depth and detail of its coverage...Throughout, a wealth of mathematical ideas is explained and employed in the process of extracting the properties of these space-times, and the similarities and differences between the different black hole space-times are thoroughly treated. This book is an undoubted classic, and wil remain a standard reference work on black holes for many years." Mathematics Today, October 1999Table of Contents1. Mathematical preliminaries ; 2. A space-time of sufficient generality ; 3. The Schwarzchild space-time ; 4. The perturbations of the Schwarzchild black hole ; 5. The Reissner-Nordstrom solution ; 6. The Kerr metric ; 7. The geodesics in the Kerr space-time ; 8. Electromagnetic waves in Kerr geometry ; 9. The gravitational perturbations of the Kerr black hole ; 10. Spin-1/2 particles in Kerr geometry ; 11. Other solutions ; 12. Other methods

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Book SynopsisIn less than a century, the accepted picture of the universe transformed from a stagnant place, comprised entirely of our own Milky Way galaxy, to a realm inhabited by billions of individual galaxies, hurtling away from one another. In this title, the author describes his principal observations and conclusions.Trade Review"This enduring work is the closest we can get to Edwin Hubble’s personal thoughts as he broke open the boundaries of the universe in the early twentieth century. In this compelling summary of his historic observations of myriad galaxies swiftly moving outward in space-time, we see both his awe—and his doubts—over the new and surprising cosmos he had revealed. A true classic of scientific literature."—Marcia Bartusiak, MIT, author of The Day We Found the Universe -- Marcia Bartusiak

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the theory of the electrodynamic phenomena which occur in the magnetosphere of a pulsar. It also provides a clear picture of the formation and evolution of neutron stars. The authors address the basic physical processes of electron-positron plasma production, the generation of electric fields and currents, and the emission of radio waves and gamma rays. The book also reviews observational data, and devotes a complete chapter to a detailed comparison of this data with accepted theory and with some recent theoretical predictions. Tables containing the values of the physical parameters of all observed radio pulsars are also provided. The book is illustrated throughout and is fully referenced. Graduate students and researchers in astrophysics and plasma physics working in the field of radio pulsars will find this book of great value.Trade Review'I hope that other plasma physicists will take up the story; if they do, they should start with this seminal work.' The Observatory'… accessible for students in their 3rd year and also researchers in astrophysics and plasma physics.' La Recherche'… an important contribution to the literature and will be an essential addition to the libraries of all those active in either observations or modeling of pulsars.' American Review of ScienceTable of ContentsIntroduction; List of notation; Constants and quantities; 1. Basic observational characteristics of radio pulsars; 2. Neutron stars; 3. Physical processes in the pulsar magnetosphere; 4. Electrodynamics of the pulsar magnetosphere; 5. Generation of electron-positron plasma in the pulsar magnetosphere; 6. Pulsar radio emission; 7. Comparison of theory with observational data; Conclusion; Appendix; References; Additional literature; Author index; Subject index.

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