Galaxies and stars Books

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 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 Synopsis Jessica Khoury brings her masterful world-building and emotional depth to a brand-new fantasy series. In a world where everyone is born with wings, stone monsters prowl the skies, hunting those who dare to fly too high.In the Clandoms, everyone is born with wings, with tight-knit communities formed around bird types: Jay, Falcon, Crow. Ellie Meadows dreams of growing up to join the Goldwings -- the famed knights who defend all the people of the Clandoms. It was a Goldwing, after all, who saved her life on that terrible day her parents were killed. There''s just one problem: Ellie is a Sparrow, and the Goldwings are almost invariably picked from the higher clans like Eagles and Ospreys. This rigid hierarchy means that Ellie is destined to become a farmer. Determined to honor her parents'' memories and prove herself worthy of the Goldwings, Ellie sets out on her own for the capital. But her journey will be dangerous. Foul creatures called gargols lurk behind every

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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 SynopsisA leading astronomer takes readers behind the scenes of the thrilling science of stellar archaeology and explains how sections of the night sky are "excavated" in the hunt for extremely rare, 13-billion-year-old relic stars and how this quest reveals tantalizing new details about the origins and evolution of the cosmos.Trade Review"Frebel's narrative provides a rich picture of the understandings astronomers have gleaned from studies of the elements in stars."—Laurence A. Marschall, Natural History"A delight."—Matt Sutherland, Foreword Reviews"The core of Frebel's book, and the source of its appeal, is the joy it conveys."—Brian Bethune, Maclean's"An excellent description of how a scientist approaches and works through a research project and how her cutting-edge project fits into the larger view of modern astronomy."—Choice"A gripping account of astronomy and the thrill of scientific discovery."—Dave Pugl, Library Journal

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Book SynopsisRichly illustrated with a luminous and informative collection of maps, photographs, and graphics, this atlas is the perfect companion for exploring the wonders of the universe as viewed from Earth.This expansive illustrated atlas invites readers to roam the night sky for constellations, planets and moons, eclipses, comets and meteor showers, auroras, and deep-sky treasures including nebulae and galaxies—many visible to the naked eye and all with binoculars or a backyard telescope.Beginning with basic space science and including a complete set of night sky maps for all four seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, this fascinating book guides the reader toward the most rewarding observations. A unique chapter on astro-tourism highlights ancient observatories, dark-sky preserves, and other global destinations for the sky-seeking traveller; a final chapter details current and future space missions and what they might discover.Richly illus

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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 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 self-contained astrophysics textbook for advanced undergraduates explores how stars form, what happens to them as they age, and what becomes of them when they die. Students can investigate the physical processes sustaining the energy output of stars during each stage of their evolution and which drive the progression from one stage to the next, and examine the relationship between different stages of stellar evolution and the production of the chemical elements. The textbook contains a wealth of worked examples and exercises with full solutions. Summaries, key facts and equations are clearly identified, and there are full colour illustrations throughout. Drawing on decades of experience in supported learning and independent study, this textbook is an ideal bridging text for astrophysics and physics majors looking to move on from the introductory texts. Accompanying resources to this textbook are available at: http://www.cambridge.org/features/astrophysics.Trade Review'Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis provides a fine, insightful, and remarkably complete introduction to modern astrophysics that is both well written and illustrated. A logical flow, attention to detail, worked examples, and end-of-chapter summaries are especially good in creating an effective learning environment.' Jim Kaler, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy, University of Illinois'This book tackles the complex life-cycles of stars with rigour and economy, putting the astronomy on a firm physical basis. A clear layout and extensive worked problem set make this an ideal starting point for physics students learning about stellar structure and evolution.' Graham Woan, University of Glasgow'… sets a high standard for what I hope will be a series of books for distance learners in the UK and elsewhere pursuing a passion for astronomy.' The Observatory'… an excellently presented pedagogic work written for self-study under the auspices of The Open University … Both authors have wide-ranging experience with OU as offering high-quality instruction in a remote-learning environment … There is a beauty in its subject that is sensitively brought out by the careful preparation, admirable composition and meticulous presentation of its subject matter that reflects most commendably upon the authors and publishers alike. … I can only express my enthusiasm and admiration for a splendid work - on a glorious, enthralling subject.' Contemporary PhysicsTable of Contents1. Main sequence stars; 2. Gravitational contraction; 3. Nuclear fusion; 4. From main-sequence to giant branch; 5. Helium-burning stars; 6. Late stages of stellar evolution; 7. Supernovae, neutron stars and black holes; 8. Star formation; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe contentious history of the idea of the black holethe most fascinating and bizarre celestial object in the heavens For more than half a century, physicists and astronomers engaged in heated dispute over the possibility of black holes in the universe. The weirdly alien notion of a space-time abyss from which nothing escapesnot even lightseemed to confound all logic. This engrossing book tells the story of the fierce black hole debates and the contributions of Einstein and Hawking and other leading thinkers who completely altered our view of the universe. Renowned science writer Marcia Bartusiak shows how the black hole helped revive Einstein's greatest achievement, the general theory of relativity, after decades during which it had been pushed into the shadows. Not until astronomers discovered such surprising new phenomena as neutron stars and black holes did the once-sedate universe transform into an Einsteinian cosmos, filled with sources of titanic energy that can be understood

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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 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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'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 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 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 SynopsisThe ideal gift for all amateur and seasoned astronomers. “This is a great guide to the night sky at a great price” Astronomy Now “A handy and straightforward guide.” British Astronomical Association's 'Journal' “an ideal Christmas stocking-filler” The ObservatoryTrade Review“A handy and straightforward guide.” British Astronomical Association's 'Journal' “an ideal Christmas stocking-filler” The Observatory “This is a great guide to the night sky at a great price” Astronomy Now

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Book SynopsisThis book is an exploration of our Solar System and of distant planetary systems. The author explains what has recently been learned about exoplanets and their habitability, how this is done, and what it means for the search for life.Trade ReviewThe book strikes a delicate balance between conveying complex ideas and remaining accessible to a non-technical reader. There are no equations, but there are extensive bibliographies for each chapter for further reading. I would recommend this book widely for its summarization of the state of many sub-disciplines within exoplanet science and enlightening historical background. * Edward W. Schwieterman, Nature Astronomy *The text is written in a light, narrative and yet scientific style and abstains from mathematical formalism or unnecessary jargon. It is interesting to read at any point, owing also to the view on the subject from different angles, including historical, cultural, technical and scientific aspects. * Manuel Vogel, Contemporary Physics *Schrijver's style is so accessible, almost conversational ... If you are into exoplanets and the possibility of life elsewhere from an astronomy perspective (as opposed to a bio- and geo-science viewpoint) then this could well be this year's choice ... Fascinating stuff. * Jonathan Cowie, Concatenation *Karel Schrijver's lucid, fact-packed primer ranges over everything from the Goldilocks zone and stellar nurseries to disrupted exosystems and the vagaries of living on a pale blue dot. * Barbara Kiser, Nature *A very readable and up-to-date account of the ongoing search and discovery of extra-solar planets throughout the Universe, with emphasis on finding those that resemble Earth to a greater or lesser degree, and those that may harbour some kind of life. * Fred Taylor, University of Oxford *Table of Contents1: From one to astronomical 2: One step short of life 3: Exploring the Solar System 4: Exoplanet systems and their stars 5: The birth of stars and planets 6: Drifting through a planetary system 7: Lone rovers 8: Aged stars and disrupted exosystems 9: The worlds of exoplanets 10: Habitability of planets and moons 11: The long view of planetary systems 12: Living on a pale blue dot

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Book SynopsisReclaiming Space is an innovative study of space travel''s history, legitimacy, and future. The NewSpace movement that presently dominates spaceflight culture is characterized by distinctly Western, free-market capitalist values and associated with the space ambitions of the super-wealthy. This book exists to incubate, illuminate, and illustrate a more diverse and inclusive conversation about space exploration. Reclaiming Space asks: What would space exploration be like if we prioritized, or even simply acknowledged, the perspectives and value systems of individuals who are disabled, aren''t white, aren''t male, or aren''t characteristically Western in their values? What can these perspectives teach us all about space exploration and its value (or even its potential for harm) that cannot be easily recognized or appreciated under the NewSpace status quo? And what should we be doing differently when it comes to space exploration? The twenty-seven original essays in this volume provide much needed perspective on space exploration by offering counterpoints to mainstream thinking about space. Essays address subjects such as the history and development of spaceflight culture, both within and outside the United States; the impact of science fiction and space art on how we conceptualize space; diverse cultural narratives and responses to space; and the ways space exploration might be leveraged in support of repairing injustices. Reclaiming Space also considers what our responsibilities might be as a spacefaring species in the distant future. Contributors include academics who research space exploration, spaceflight culture, space ethics, and space policy, as well as space artists and authors of award-winning science and speculative fiction. Written for space enthusiasts of all backgrounds, Reclaiming Space is an engaging, provocative volume of essays showcasing the perspectives of women, persons of color, and others who are typically left out of discussions of space exploration.Table of ContentsDedication Table of Contents Foreword. By Lori Garver Preface List of Contributors Chapter 1: An Introduction to Reclaiming Space. By James S.J. Schwartz, Linda Billings, and Erika Nesvold Part 1: The Evolution and History of Spaceflight Chapter 2: Neoliberalism: Problematic. Neoliberal Space Policy? Extremely Problematic. By Linda Billings Chapter 3: Space from Afar: From Africa Across the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. By Mukesh Chiman Bhatt Chapter 4: Cold Warrior Magic, Africana Science, and NASA Space Religion, Part One: Laura Nader's Contrarian Anthropology for Afrofuturist Times. By Edward C. Davis IV Chapter 5: Global Participation in the "Space Frontier." By Alan Marshall Chapter 6: Phrenology in Space: Legacies of Scientific Racism in Classifying Extraterrestrial Intelligence. By William Lempert Part 2: The Art of Envisioning Space Chapter 7: The Language of Space. By Mary Robinette Kowal Chapter 8: Spacefaring for Kinship. By Vandana Singh Chapter 9: Opportunities to Pursue Liberatory, Anticolonial, and Antiracist Designs for Human Societies Beyond Earth. By Danielle Wood, Prathima Muniyappa, and David Colby Reed Chapter 10: African Space Art as a New Perspective on Space Law. By Saskia Vermeylen and Jacque Njeri Chapter 11: Embodiment in Space Imagery: Beyond the Dominant Narrative. By Daniela de Paulis and Chelsea Haramia Chapter 12: Appreciating What's Beautiful About Space. By James S.J. Schwartz Part 3: Cultural Narratives and Spaceflight Chapter 13: Sacred Space: Decolonization Through the Afrofuture. By Ingrid LaFleur Chapter 14: Sherpas on the Moon: The Case for Including "Native Guides" in Space Exploration. By Deana L. Weibel Chapter 15: Indigeneity, Space Expansion, and the Three-Body Problem. By Tony Milligan Chapter 16: On Loving Nonliving Stuff. By Daniel Capper Chapter 17: Reclaiming Space: On Hope in a Jar, a Bear in the Sky, and the Running Red Queen. By Kathryn Denning Part 4: Being Accountable in the Present Chapter 18: Contact Zones and Outer Space Environments: A Feminist Archaeological Analysis of Space Habitats. By Alice Gorman Chapter 19: Occupy Space: Will Disabled People Fly? By Sheri Wells-Jensen Chapter 20: Protecting Labor Rights in Space. By Erika Nesvold Chapter 21: Reclaiming Lunar Resources: Paving the Way for an International Property Rights Regime for Outer Space. By Ruvimbo Samanga Chapter 22: Starlink or Stargazing: Will Commerce Outshine Science? By Tanja Masson-Zwaan Chapter 23: Creating a Culture of Extraterrestrial Environmental Concern. By William R. Kramer Part 5: Visions of the Further Future Chapter 24: Desire, Duty, and Discrimination: Is There an Ethical Way to Select Humans for Noah's Ark? By Evie Kendal Chapter 25: Deconstructing and Re-Privileging the Education System for Space. By Janet de Vigne Chapter 26: Astrobioethics Considerations Regarding Space Exploration. By Octavio Chon-Torres Chapter 27: Greening the Universe: The Case for Ecocentric Space Expansion. By Andrea Owe Chapter 28: Will Posthumans Dream of Humans? A Message to Our Dear Post-Planetary Descendants. By Francesca Ferrando Index

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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 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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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 SynopsisCircumstellar disks are vast expanses of dust that form around new stars in the earliest stages of their birth. This work covers a range of scientific knowledge that helps in understanding circumstellar disks, including chemical processes, the properties of dust and gases, hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, and stellar evolution.Trade Review"Garcia provides a deep, insightful presentation of the key theoretical issues relevant to understanding the protoplanetary disks that are likely sites for future planet formation. This volume will certainly be a fundamental contribution to astrophysical literature." (Suzan Edwards, Smith College)"

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Book SynopsisCircumstellar disks are vast expanses of dust that form around new stars in the earliest stages of their birth. This work covers a range of scientific knowledge that helps in understanding circumstellar disks, including chemical processes, the properties of dust and gases, hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, and stellar evolution.Trade Review"Garcia provides a deep, insightful presentation of the key theoretical issues relevant to understanding the protoplanetary disks that are likely sites for future planet formation. This volume will certainly be a fundamental contribution to astrophysical literature." (Suzan Edwards, Smith College)"

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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 SynopsisBlack holes and neutron stars are generally recognized as key components of many astrophysical systems. Based on a symposium held in honour of S. Chandrasekhar, these papers provide a comprehensive summary of progress made in the 1990s on the theory of black holes and relativistic stars.Table of ContentsContributors Preface 1: Gravitational Waves, Stars and Black Holes Valeria Ferrari 2: Rotating Relativistic Stars John L. Friedman 3: Probing Black Holes and Relativistic Stars with Gravitational Waves Kip S. Thorne 4: Astrophysical Evidence for Black Holes Martin J. Rees 5: The Question of Cosmic Censorship Roger Penrose 6: Black Hole Collisions, Toroidal Black Holes, and Numerical Relativity Saul A. Teukolsky 7: The Internal Structure of Black Holes Werner Israel 8: Black Holes and Thermodynamics Robert M. Wald 9: The Statistical Mechanics of Black Hole Thermodynamics Rafael D. Sorkin 10: Generalized Quantum Theory in Evaporating Black Hole Spacetimes James B. Hartle 11: Is Information Lost in Black Holes? Stephen W. Hawking 12: Quantum States of Black Holes Gary T. Horowitz Chandra: A Tribute Kameshwar C. Wali Our Song Lalitha Chandrasekhar

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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 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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Book SynopsisFundamental to our understanding of the universe, stellar astrophysics deals with observations, theoretical understanding, classification, computer simulations and modeling of stars and their evolution.Trade Review"An Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics is a welcome addition to existing books on this subject . . .Overall, a very good book. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers/faculty. " (Choice, 1July 2011)Table of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgments. Chapter 1: Basics Concepts. 1.1 Introduction. 1.2 The Electromagnetic Spectrum. 1.3 Blackbody Radiation. 1.4 Luminosity, Effective Temperature, Flux and Magnitudes. 1.5 Boltzmann and Saha Equations. 1.6 Spectral Classification of Stars. 1.7 The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram. Chapter 2: Stellar Formation. 2.1 Introduction. 2.2 Hydrostatic Equilibrium. 2.3 The Virial Theorem. 2.4 The Jeans Criteria. 2.5 Free-Fall Times† . 2.6 Pre-Main-Sequence Evolution† . Chapter 3: Radiative Transfer in Stars. 3.1 Introduction. 3.2 Radiative Opacities. 3.3 Specific Intensity and Radiative Moments. 3.4 Radiative Transfer Equation. 3.5 Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium. 3.6 Solution of the Radiative Transfer Equation. 3.7 Radiative Equilibrium. 3.8 Radiative Transfer at Large Optical Depths. 3.9 Rosseland and Other Mean Opacities. 3.10 Schwarzschild-Milne Equations†† . 3.11 Demonstration of the Radiative Transfer Equation† . 3.12 Radiative Acceleration of Matter And Radiative Pressure† . Chapter 4: Stellar Atmospheres. 4.1 Introduction. 4.2 The Grey Atmosphere. 4.3 Line Opacities and Broadening. 4.4 Equivalent Width and Formation Of Atomic Lines. 4.5 Atmospheric Modelling. Chapter 5: Stellar Interiors. 5.1 Introduction. 5.2 Equations of Stellar Structure. 5.3 Energy Transport in Stars. 5.4 Polytropic Models. 5.5 Structure of The Sun. 5.6 Equation of State. 5.7 Variable Stars and Asteroseismology. Chapter 6: Nucleosynthesis and Stellar Evolution. 6.1 Introduction. 6.2 Generalities Concerning Nuclear Fusion. 6.3 Models of the Nucleus† . 6.4 Basic Physics of Nuclear Fusion. 6.5 Main-Sequence Burning. 6.6 Helium Burning Phase. 6.7 Advanced Nuclear Burning. 6.8 Evolutionary Tracks in the H.-R. Diagram. 6.9 Stellar Clusters. 6.10 Stellar Remnants. 6.11 Novae and Supernovae† . 6.12 Heavy Element Nucleosynthesis: s, r and p Processes† . 6.13 Nuclear Reaction Cross-Sections and Rates†† . Chapter 7: Chemically Peculiar Stars and Diffusion†. 7.1 Introduction and Historical Background. 7.2 Chemically Peculiar Stars. 7.3 Diffusion Theory†† . 7.4 Radiative Accelerations†† . 7.5 Other Transport Processes†† . Answers to Selected Exercises. Appendix A: Physical Constants. Appendix B: Units in the cgs. and SI Systems. Appendix C: Astronomical Constants. Appendix D: Ionization Energies (in eV) for the First Five Stages of Ionization for the Most Important Elements. Appendix E: Solar Abundances for the Most Important Elements. Appendix F: Atomic Masses. Appendix G: Physical Parameters for Main-Sequence Stars. Appendix H: Periodic Table of the Elements. References. Bibliography. Index.

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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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Book SynopsisThis authoritative volume provides a comprehensive review of the origin and evolution of planetary nebulae. It covers all the stages of their evolution, carefully synthesizes observations from across the spectrum, and clearly explains all the key physical processes at work. Particular emphasis is placed on observations from space, using the Hubble Space Telescope, the Infrared Space Observatory, and the ROSAT satellite. This book presents a thoroughly modern understanding of planetary nebulae, integrating developments in stellar physics with the dynamics of nebular evolution. It also describes exciting possibilities such as the use of planetary nebulae in determining the cosmic distance scale, the distribution of dark matter and the chemical evolution of galaxies. This book provides graduate students with an accessible introduction to planetary nebulae, and researchers with an authoritative reference. It can also be used as an advanced text on the physics of the interstellar medium.Trade Review'… an accessible account of the origin and evolution of these enigmatic shells of gas. the generous, colourful images are the best feature of the book, but the text reveals the speedy evolution of ideas - matching the increase in data - in this complex field, as a microcosm of the way in which modern astronomy is developing.' Astronomy & Geophysics'The book addresses three aspects of planetary nebula (PN) research: radiation mechanisms and PN evolution and the associated spin-offs in laboratory spectroscopy. Kwok's book is now the standard reference.' Irish Astronomical Journal'This book presents a thoroughly modern understanding of planetary nebulae, integrating new developments in stellar physics with the dynamics of nebular evolution.' Europe & Astronomy'… a valuable contribution … It offers the most complete and accessible entry to this subject for the newcomer with a strong general background in physics and astronomy at the advanced undergraduate level or above.' Physics Today'… it was a sheer pleasure to read this new book by Sun Kwok. The book is slim and stylish, characteristic of the Cambridge Astrophysics Series.' Dr X.-W. Lou, Contemporary PhysicsTranslation: 'In sum, The Origin and Evolution of Planetary Nebulae is a technical book undeniably rich demonstrations, quantitative data and mathematical formulas, which is primarily intended for researchers and graduate students in astronomy and astrophysics.' Yves Laberge, Physics in CanadaTable of ContentsPreface; 1. History and overview; 2. Ionization structure of planetary nebulae; 3. Nebular line radiation; 4. Nebular continuum radiation; 5. The neutral gas component; 6. The dust component; 7. Observations of the central star of planetary nebulae; 8. Morphologies of planetary nebulae; 9. Problems and questions; 10. Asymptotic giant branch stars - progenitors of planetary nebulae; 11. Evolution of the central stars; 12. Formation of planetary nebulae; 13. Dynamical evolution of planetary nebulae; 14. Proto-planetary nebulae - the transition objects; 15. Evolution to the white dwarf stage; 16. Distances to planetary nebulae; 17. Comparison between evolutionary models and observations; 18. PN in the galactic context; 19. Chemical abundances; 20. Planetary nebulae in other galaxies; 21. Concluding remarks; References; Appendix: list of symbols and abbreviations; Subject index.

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Book SynopsisHow can we test if a supermassive black hole lies at the heart of every active galactic nucleus? What are LINERS, BL Lacs, N galaxies, broad-line radio galaxies and radio-quiet quasars and how do they compare? This timely textbook answers these questions in a clear, comprehensive and self-contained introduction to active galactic nuclei - for graduate students in astronomy and physics. The study of AGN is one of the most dynamic areas of contemporary astronomy, involving one fifth of all research astronomers. This textbook provides a systematic review of the observed properties of AGN across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, examines the underlying physics, and shows how the brightest AGN, quasars, can be used to probe the farthest reaches of the Universe. This book serves as both an entry point to the research literature and as a valuable reference for researchers in the field.Trade Review'… Bradley Peterson's An Introduction to Active Galactic Nuclei takes us to the strange world of supermassive black holes and the surounding accretion discs … The clarity and pace of his descriptions of these fascinating objects will inspire students.' David Hughes, New Scientist'This is a very reasonably priced textbook for astrophysics students interested in AGNs.' Irish Astronomical Journal'Brad Peterson is a well known and prolific research scientist working on AGN … he has written an excellent introductory text for students and fellow researchers alike … This is an excellent textbook. Well written, well produced, and, in paperback … reasonably priced. Highly recommended for undergraduates and research students, and for those who want to know what all that telescope time is being used for.' Paul O'Brien, The ObservatoryTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; 1. Basic properties and a brief historical perspective; 2. Taxonomy of active galactic nuclei; 3. The black hole paradigm; 4. Continuum emission; 5. The broad-line region; 6. The narrow-line region; 7. Unified models of AGNs; 8. The environment of AGNs; 9. The geometry of the expanding universe; 10. Quasar surveys; 11. The quasar luminosity function and evolution; 12. Quasar absorption lines; References; Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive account of quasars and active galactic nuclei (AGN). The latest observations and theoretical models are combined in this clear, pedagogic textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Researchers will also find this wide-ranging and coherent review invaluable. Throughout, detailed derivations of important results are provided to ensure the book is self-contained. Theories and models are critically compared with detailed and often puzzling observations from across the spectrum. We are led through all the key topics, including quasar surveys, continuum radiation, time variability, relativistic beaming, accretion disks, jet sidedness, gravitational lensing, unification and detailed, multi-wavelength studies of individual objects. Particular emphasis is placed on radio, X- and gamma-ray observations - not covered in depth in any previous book. All those entering into this exciting and dynamic area of astronomy research will fTrade Review'Refreshingly, both the observational and theoretical aspects are discussed with equal competence, which, along with the many fine illustrations and diagrams, makes for an interesting read. The authors have done an excellent job of presenting a great deal of complex information succinctly. The test should be required reading for anyone involved in, or about to be involved in, research on AGN or quasars.' A. D. Andrews, Irish Astronomical Journal'A quiet revolution has been occurring in the field of extragalactic astronomy … Following these strides in AGN research, new books that seek to summarize the state of current research are welcome. Ajit Kembhavi and Jayant Narlikar's Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei is one such book … Within a historical background and cosmological framework, and with an easy-to-read style, the authors state their ideas clearly, introduce important physical and astronomical concepts, and explain their relevance to AGN … This book serves well as an introductory text for the advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate student who wishes general knowledge of the field of AGN research.' Physics TodayTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Acronyms and abbreviations; 1. Historical background; 2. The cosmological framework; 3. Radiative processes - I; 4. Radiative processes - II; 5. The standard model; 6. Surveys; 7. Luminosity functions; 8. The continuum; 9. Radio properties; 10. X-ray emission; 11. X-ray and gamma-ray spectra; 12. Unification; 13. Quasar absorption lines; 14. Gravitation lensing; 15. Problems and controversies; References; Books, reviews and proceedings; Author index; Subject index.

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Book SynopsisThis second volume of a comprehensive three-volume course on theoretical astrophysics deals with stellar physics. Covering the key physical processes governing stars and stellar systems, it also offers an in-depth understanding of advanced topics. This volume can be used alone or in conjunction with Volumes I and III.Trade Review'… written with exceptional clarity … the hallmark of Padmanabhan's work … The mathematical derivations are elegant often starting from action principles, and readers may be enlightened by some which differ from standard approaches … it is a magnificent achievement and a superb book.' Alan Heavens, The Observatory'… the book develops a solid understanding of central concepts including stellar structure and evolution, the physics of stellar remnants such as while dwarfs and black holes, pulsars, binary stars, the sun and planetary systems, interstellar medium and globular clusters … This indispensable volume provides graduate students with a self-contained introduction to stellar physics, and will allow them to master the material sufficiently to read and engage in research with heightened understanding.' Europe & Astronomy'The book should not be missing in any astrophysical library.' Claudia-Veronika Meister, Zbl. MATHTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Overview: stars and stellar systems; 2. Stellar structure; 3. Stellar evolution; 4. Supernova (Type II); 5. White dwarfs, neutron stars and blackholes; 6. Pulsars; 7. Binary stars and accretion; 8. Sun and the solar system; 9. Interstellar medium; 10. Globular clusters; References; Index.

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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 SynopsisA stimulating introduction for undergraduates in astronomy, physics and applied mathematics, this second edition contains two new chapters and several new exercises. Clear and methodical, it explains processes in simple terms, while maintaining mathematical rigour, and leads students step-by-step to a global, comprehensive understanding of the subject.Trade Review'The unique feature of this book is the emphasis it places, throughout, on the basic physical principles governing stellar evolution. The processes are always explained in the simplest terms, while maintaining full mathematical rigour … This textbook provides a stimulating introduction for undergraduates in astronomy, physics, planetary science, and applied mathematics who are taking a course on the physics of stars. Because this book requires only basic undergraduate physics and mathematics and no prior knowledge of astronomy it may be read by advanced amateurs as well.' Orion'Here we have a first-class textbook that spells out in a clear and methodical way the principles that underlie the life cycles of stars and the physics of their interiors. … The host of student exercises in this book, plus the useful worked answers, ensure that any dedicated physics or mathematics undergraduate can, with some effort, understand what is going on.' David Hughes, New Scientist'To my mind, this is the first book to be both a candidate for the title of classic and at the same time suitable for undergraduates … The approach is very different from that of most textbooks on stars … Throughout the book, the emphasis is on understanding physical principles, and there are well-designed exercises scattered through the text, relating to material that has just been covered; full solutions are clearly set out in an appendix … This … is a book that I can strongly recommend as a suitable textbook to anyone teaching a course in stellar structure, at advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level … Any undergraduate who masters this book will not only be well prepared to undertake graduate work in the area but will also understand his/her other physics courses better. An excellent book, which certainly deserves to become a classic.' Robert Connon Smith, The Observatory'… a stimulating introduction for students of astronomy, physics and applied mathematics, taking a course on the physics of stars. It uniquely emphasises the basic physical principles governing stellar structure and evolution.' Spaceflight'… second edition of a very popular textbook on stellar structure and evolution … The coverage is very comprehensive and well-explained with clear illustrations and interesting historical side notes … this textbook is an excellent buy for most students interested in the basic physical properties of stars.' Contemporary PhysicsTable of Contents1. Observations and assumptions; 2. Equations of stellar evolution; 3. Physics of gas and radiation; 4. Nuclear processes; 5. Equilibrium - simple models; 6. Stability of stars; 7. Evolution of stars - schematic picture; 8. Mass loss from stars; 9. The evolution of stars - a detailed picture; 10. Exotic stars: supernovae, pulsars, black holes; 11. Interacting binary stars; 12. The stellar life cycle; Appendixes; References; Index.

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