Galaxies and stars Books
IOP Publishing VISUAL ASTRONOMY GUIDE UNDERSTANDING PB
Book Synopsis
£23.75
Reaktion Books Galaxy Mapping the Cosmos
£35.00
Reaktion Books Galaxy Mapping the Cosmos
Book SynopsisWritten by an active researcher in the field, Galaxy: Mapping the Cosmos tells the rich scientific story of galaxy evolution and observation. Appealing to all readers interested in astronomy and cosmology, and featuring 100 colour illustrations, Galaxy explores the enigma of our cosmic habitat, chronicling how our home in the universe came to be.
£27.50
Imperial College Press Black Holes: A Student Text (3rd Edition)
Book SynopsisThis book provides an accessible introduction to the fascinating and topical subject of black holes. It bridges the gap between popular non-mathematical expositions and advanced research texts, using simple undergraduate level calculations and the most basic knowledge of relativity to explain current research. This means the theory can be understood by a wide audience of physicists, including those who are not necessarily interested in learning higher-level mathematical techniques.The third edition links more of the current research trends to fundamental aspects of the physics of black holes. Additionally: This new edition introduces a chapter dedicated to a selection of recent results. Existing chapters have been updated and new explanatory material has been added to aid in the understanding of the physics.This book is recommended reading for advanced undergraduate students and first-year postgraduates who will find it a useful stepping-stone to the advanced literature.Table of ContentsBrief Overview of General Relativity; The Schwarzschild Metric; The Kerr Metric; Black Hole Thermodynamics; The Quantum Properties of Black Holes Without a Full Quantum Field Theory Treatment; Wormholes and Time Travel; Black Holes in Higher Dimensions; The Observational Evidence for Black Holes in Nature; Answers to the Problems;
£64.60
World Scientific Europe Ltd Studying Distant Galaxies: A Handbook Of Methods
Book SynopsisDistant galaxies encapsulate the various stages of galaxy evolution and formation from over 95% of the development of the universe. As early as twenty-five years ago, little was known about them, however since the first systematic survey was completed in the 1990s, increasing amounts of resources have been devoted to their discovery and research. This book summarises for the first time the numerous techniques used for observing, analysing, and understanding the evolution and formation of these distant galaxies.In this rapidly expanding research field, this text is an every-day companion handbook for graduate students and active researchers. It provides guidelines in sample selection, imaging, integrated spectroscopy and 3D spectroscopy, which help to avoid the numerous pitfalls of observational and analysis techniques in use in extragalactic astronomy. It also paves the way for establishing relations between fundamental properties of distant galaxies. At each step, the reader is assisted with numerous practical examples and ready-to-use methodology to help understand and analyse research.François Hammer worked initially in general relativity and made the first modelling of gravitational lenses prior to their spectroscopic confirmation. Following this, he became co-leader of the first complete survey of distant galaxies, the Canada-France-Redshift Survey. This led to the discovery of the strong decrease of the cosmic star formation density measured from UV light as z=1, which, alongside Hector Flores, they confirmed as bolometric and dust independent. With Mathieu Puech, they then pioneered the 3D spectroscopy of distant galaxies, leading to a major increase of understanding of the dynamic state of distant galaxies evidenced by the scatter of the Tully-Fisher relation. This led them to propose, with the addition to the team of Myriam Rodrigues, that galactic disks may survive or be rebuilt in gas-rich mergers, a scenario that is consistent with contemporary cosmological simulations. Besides extensive observational experience, the authors have led, or are leading, several instruments implemented or to be implemented at the largest telescopes, including VLT/Giraffe, VLT/X-shooter, VLT/MOONS and E-ELT/MOSAIC. They have also developed several observational techniques in adaptive optics, and in sky subtraction for integral field units and fibre instruments.
£90.00
World Scientific Europe Ltd Studying Distant Galaxies: A Handbook Of Methods
Book SynopsisDistant galaxies encapsulate the various stages of galaxy evolution and formation from over 95% of the development of the universe. As early as twenty-five years ago, little was known about them, however since the first systematic survey was completed in the 1990s, increasing amounts of resources have been devoted to their discovery and research. This book summarises for the first time the numerous techniques used for observing, analysing, and understanding the evolution and formation of these distant galaxies.In this rapidly expanding research field, this text is an every-day companion handbook for graduate students and active researchers. It provides guidelines in sample selection, imaging, integrated spectroscopy and 3D spectroscopy, which help to avoid the numerous pitfalls of observational and analysis techniques in use in extragalactic astronomy. It also paves the way for establishing relations between fundamental properties of distant galaxies. At each step, the reader is assisted with numerous practical examples and ready-to-use methodology to help understand and analyse research.François Hammer worked initially in general relativity and made the first modelling of gravitational lenses prior to their spectroscopic confirmation. Following this, he became co-leader of the first complete survey of distant galaxies, the Canada-France-Redshift Survey. This led to the discovery of the strong decrease of the cosmic star formation density measured from UV light as z=1, which, alongside Hector Flores, they confirmed as bolometric and dust independent. With Mathieu Puech, they then pioneered the 3D spectroscopy of distant galaxies, leading to a major increase of understanding of the dynamic state of distant galaxies evidenced by the scatter of the Tully-Fisher relation. This led them to propose, with the addition to the team of Myriam Rodrigues, that galactic disks may survive or be rebuilt in gas-rich mergers, a scenario that is consistent with contemporary cosmological simulations. Besides extensive observational experience, the authors have led, or are leading, several instruments implemented or to be implemented at the largest telescopes, including VLT/Giraffe, VLT/X-shooter, VLT/MOONS and E-ELT/MOSAIC. They have also developed several observational techniques in adaptive optics, and in sky subtraction for integral field units and fibre instruments.
£46.55
Acc Art Books Out of This World
Book Synopsis
£39.00
Reaktion Books Galaxy: Mapping the Cosmos
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
£13.49
ISTE Ltd Galaxies: Formation and Evolution
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
£124.15
Flying Eye Books Wish Upon a Star
Book Synopsis
£12.74
Batsford Ltd Treasury of Folklore: Stars and Skies
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.
£12.74
Imperial College Press Origin Of Stars, The
Book SynopsisWhere do stars come from and how do they form? These are profound questions which link the nature of our Universe to the roots of mankind. Yet, until a recent revolution in understanding, the proposed answers have been raw speculation. Now, accompanying penetrating observations, a new picture has come into prominence.This book presents the latest astounding observations and scientific ideas covering star formation, star birth and early development. It encompasses all aspects, from the dramatic stories of individual objects, to the collective influence of entire stellar systems.The very first stars to come into existence and the nurturing of planets are discussed to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview. Presenting background information with only the essential mathematics, this book will appeal to scientists wishing to expand their horizons, students seeking solid foundations, and general readers with enquiring minds.Trade Review"This book has a readable style ... it should be accessible to readers with a variety of scientific backgrounds, and to advanced undergraduates. It will be particularly useful as an introduction to the subject for first year research students in astrophysics. The book is recommended reading for anyone with an interest in the subject."Professor David WilliamsUniversity College London"Overall, this is a good read, and as clear a picture of the field as his target readership is likely to get at the moment. I recommend it as ancillary reading in first- and second-year courses, or as an introduction for a junior-honours course."The Observatory MagazineTable of ContentsThe Physics and Chemistry; The Clouds; Cloud Formation, Evolution and Destruction; Turbulence; The Collapse; The Magnetic Mediation; The Birth; The Young Stars; Jets and Outflows; Massive Stars; The Distributions; Cosmological Star Formation.
£77.90
Imperial College Press Black Hole At The Center Of The Milky Way, The
Book SynopsisReviewing the fundamental instrumental techniques and current observational results, this book unveils the mysteries of the physical processes in the central parsec of our Milky Way: the super-massive black hole embedded in a central stellar cluster as well as the gas and dust in the circumnuclear region.The observations described cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum from decimeter radio-waves to high energy X-ray and γ-rays, and a comprehensive summary of up-to-date astrophysical interpretations is given.The emphasis is put on observational techniques, image processing aspects, and a detailed presentation of the most cutting-edge work carried out in the near-infrared wavelength regime. These recent results include both the first orbits of stars around the central black hole and the multiwavelength variability of the central source.Table of Contents# Observational Techniques: # The GC Across the Electromagnetic Spectrum # NIR Imaging Through the Atmosphere # Speckle Imaging # Single Telescope Adaptive Optics # Cleaning and Deconvolution # Future IR Interferometry # Observational Results: # The Discovery of Sagittarius A* # Large-Scale Structures at the Galactic Center # The Circum Nuclear Disk # The Mini- Spiral # Radio Filaments # Near-Infrared Images of the Central Stellar Cluster # The Radio and Infrared Positional Reference Frames # Number Density Counts # Polarization of Filaments and Stars # Stellar Velocities and Orbital Accelerations # Spectroscopy # Star Formation at the Galactic Center? # Sgr A* Across the Electromagnetic Spectrum # Astrophysical Results: # The Stellar Velocity Field # Scenarios for Star Formation at the Galactic Center # The Central Dark Mass # Stability of the Enclosed Dark Mass # Agglomerations of Exotic Particles? # The Central Stellar Cusp # Analysis of Stellar Orbits Near the Central Black Hole # The Central Black Hole # Comparison to Nuclei of Other Galaxies # Massive Black Holes at High Redshifts
£108.00
Imperial College Press Methods In Helio- And Asteroseismology
Book SynopsisThis book discusses the methods used in helio- and asteroseismology for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. It is the first comprehensive discussion of helioseismic and asteroseismic methodology, collecting techniques from over 300 research papers spread out over decades, with a critical discussion and inter-comparison. It enables the reader to follow the path of inference from the collection of the data at the telescope through to the understanding gained in terms of the modeling of solar and stellar physics and stellar evolution.By focusing on how results are obtained, rather than on the results themselves, this book provides the essential background needed to understand this field, which is rapidly advancing due to the availability of modern observing facilities both on the ground and in space. The material is accessible for advanced undergraduates and post-graduates, and provides an essential resource for researchers in the field.Table of ContentsGlobal Helioseismology: The Data; Global Helioseismology: Modeling; Global Helioseismology: Inverse Methods; Local Helioseismology; Asteroseismology; Appendices: Useful Vector Formulas; Explicit Forms of Vector Operations; Useful Constants.
£95.40
David Chandler Company The Night Sky Planisphere Southern Hemisphere
Book Synopsis
£9.45
David Chandler Company Cardboard Night Sky Planisphere Southern
Book Synopsis
£9.45
David Chandler Company The Night Sky Planisphere 5060N Large Plastic
Book Synopsis
£13.46
National Maritime Museum Stars
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
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers The Magic of Astrology: for health, home and
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
£9.49
De Gruyter Mondsüchtig: Das Wechselspiel der Gestirne in
Book SynopsisThe Moon has always been an object of immense fascination for humanity – and not just because of its prominence in the night sky. With its complex orbit, it is far closer to our planet than any other celestial body. Already in ancient Babylon, humans have studied the Moon and its relationship to the planets and constellations. Through incisive texts and illustrations using photos and computer simulations, this book explores the similarities and differences to other planets and their moons, the Moon’s interactions with the Sun and the Earth, and interesting historical associations. In addition to scientifically accurate texts, it contains numerous large-format photographs and graphics that vividly explain the complex phenomenon of the Moon. Richly illustrated, it is designed for anyone interested in astronomy.
£19.12
De Gruyter Moonstruck: The Interplay of Celestial Bodies in
Book SynopsisThe Moon has always been an object of immense fascination for humanity – and not just because of its prominence in the night sky. With its complex orbit, it is far closer to our planet than any other celestial body. Already in ancient Babylon, humans have studied the Moon and its relationship to the planets and constellations. Through incisive texts and illustrations using photos and computer simulations, this book explores the similarities and differences to other planets and their moons, the Moon’s interactions with the Sun and the Earth, and interesting historical associations. In addition to scientifically accurate texts, it contains numerous large-format photographs and graphics that vividly explain the complex phenomenon of the Moon. Richly illustrated, it is designed for anyone interested in astronomy.
£22.95
de Gruyter Untersuchungen Über Das System Beta Lyrae
Book Synopsis
£134.09
de Gruyter Die Häufigkeit Der Sonnenflecken
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£134.09
de Gruyter Untersuchungen Über Die Äußere Ionosphäre Und
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£134.09
Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH Nuclear Physics of Stars
Book SynopsisMost elements are synthesized, or "cooked", by thermonuclear reactions in stars. The newly formed elements are released into the interstellar medium during a star's lifetime, and are subsequently incorporated into a new generation of stars, into the planets that form around the stars, and into the life forms that originate on the planets. Moreover, the energy we depend on for life originates from nuclear reactions that occur at the center of the Sun. Synthesis of the elements and nuclear energy production in stars are the topics of nuclear astrophysics, which is the subject of this book. It presents nuclear structure and reactions, thermonuclear reaction rates, experimental nuclear methods, and nucleosynthesis in detail. These topics are discussed in a coherent way, enabling the reader to grasp their interconnections intuitively. The book serves both as a textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, with worked examples and end-of-chapter excercises, but also as a reference book for use by researchers working in the field of nuclear astrophysics.Table of ContentsPreface to the Second Edition xii Preface to the First Edition xiii 1 Aspects of Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics 1 1.1 History 1 1.2 Nomenclature 2 1.3 Solar System Abundances 4 1.4 Astrophysical Aspects 7 1.4.1 General Considerations 7 1.4.2 Hertzsprung–Russell Diagram 9 1.4.3 Stellar Evolution of Single Stars 11 1.4.4 Binary Stars 26 1.5 Masses, Binding Energies, Nuclear Reactions, and Related Topics 33 1.5.1 Nuclear Mass and Binding Energy 33 1.5.2 Energetics of Nuclear Reactions 35 1.5.3 Atomic Mass and Mass Excess 37 1.5.4 Number Abundance, Mass Fraction, and Mole Fraction 40 1.5.5 Decay Constant, Mean Lifetime, and Half-Life 41 1.6 Nuclear Shell Model 42 1.6.1 Closed Shells and Magic Numbers 43 1.6.2 Nuclear Structure and Nucleon Configuration 46 1.7 Nuclear Excited States and Electromagnetic Transitions 48 1.7.1 Energy, Angular Momentum, and Parity 48 1.7.2 Transition Probabilities 49 1.7.3 Branching Ratio and Mixing Ratio 52 1.7.4 γ-Ray Transitions in a Stellar Plasma 53 1.7.5 Isomeric States and the Case of 26 Al 54 1.8 Weak Interaction 57 1.8.1 Weak Interaction Processes 58 1.8.2 Energetics 59 1.8.3 β-Decay Probabilities 61 1.8.4 β-Decays in a Stellar Plasma 66 Problems 71 2 Nuclear Reactions 73 2.1 Cross Sections 73 2.2 Reciprocity Theorem 75 2.3 Elastic Scattering and Method of Partial Waves 77 2.3.1 General Aspects 77 2.3.2 Relationship Between Differential Cross Section and Scattering Amplitude 79 2.3.3 The Free Particle 79 2.3.4 Turning the Potential On 81 2.3.5 Scattering Amplitude and Elastic Scattering Cross Section 82 2.3.6 Reaction Cross Section 83 2.4 Scattering by Simple Potentials 86 2.4.1 Square-Well Potential 86 2.4.2 Square-Barrier Potential 93 2.4.3 Transmission Through the Coulomb Barrier 100 2.5 Theory of Resonances 103 2.5.1 General Aspects 103 2.5.2 Logarithmic Derivative, Phase Shift, and Cross Section 105 2.5.3 Breit–Wigner Formulas 108 2.5.4 Extension to Charged Particles and Arbitrary Values of Orbital Angular Momentum 112 2.5.5 R-Matrix Theory 117 2.5.6 Experimental Tests of the One-Level Breit–Wigner Formula 120 2.5.7 Partial and Reduced Widths 124 2.6 Continuum Theory 131 2.7 Hauser–Feshbach Theory 133 Problems 137 3 Thermonuclear Reactions 139 3.1 Cross Sections and Reaction Rates 139 3.1.1 Particle-Induced Reactions 139 3.1.2 Photon-Induced Reactions 142 3.1.3 Abundance Evolution 144 3.1.4 Forward and Reverse Reactions 147 3.1.5 Reaction Rates at Elevated Temperatures 150 3.1.6 Reaction Rate Equilibria 156 3.1.7 Nuclear Energy Generation 161 3.2 Nonresonant and Resonant Thermonuclear Reaction Rates 162 3.2.1 Nonresonant Reaction Rates for Charged-Particle-Induced Reactions 163 3.2.2 Nonresonant Reaction Rates for Neutron-Induced Reactions 177 3.2.3 Nonresonant Reaction Rates for Photon-Induced Reactions 180 3.2.4 Narrow-Resonance Reaction Rates 181 3.2.5 Broad-Resonance Reaction Rates 192 3.2.6 Electron Screening 197 3.2.7 Total Reaction Rates 201 Problems 205 4 Nuclear Physics Experiments 207 4.1 General Aspects 207 4.1.1 Charged-Particle Beams 208 4.1.2 Neutron Beams 210 4.2 Interaction of Radiation with Matter 212 4.2.1 Interactions of Heavy Charged Particles 213 4.2.1.1 Stopping Power 214 4.2.1.2 Compounds 220 4.2.1.3 Energy Straggling 221 4.2.2 Interactions of Photons 223 4.2.2.1 Photoelectric Effect 223 4.2.2.2 Compton Effect 225 4.2.2.3 Pair Production 227 4.2.2.4 Photon Attenuation 227 4.2.3 Interactions of Neutrons 230 4.3 Targets and Related Equipment 234 4.3.1 Backings 234 4.3.2 Target Preparation 235 4.3.2.1 Evaporated and Sputtered Targets 235 4.3.2.2 Implanted Targets 236 4.3.2.3 Gas Targets 237 4.3.2.4 Target Thickness and Stability 239 4.3.3 Contaminants 240 4.3.4 Target Chamber and Holder 241 4.4 Radiation Detectors 243 4.4.1 General Aspects 243 4.4.2 Semiconductor Detectors 246 4.4.2.1 Silicon Charged-Particle Detectors 248 4.4.2.2 Germanium Photon Detectors 249 4.4.3 Scintillation Detectors 250 4.4.3.1 Inorganic Scintillator Photon Detectors 252 4.4.3.2 Organic Scintillator Charged-Particle and Neutron Detectors 253 4.4.4 Proportional Counters 255 4.4.5 Microchannel Plate Detectors 256 4.5 Nuclear Spectroscopy 256 4.5.1 Charged-Particle Spectroscopy 257 4.5.1.1 Energy Calibrations 257 4.5.1.2 Efficiencies 258 4.5.1.3 Elastic Scattering Studies 259 4.5.1.4 Nuclear Reaction Studies 260 4.5.2 γ-Ray Spectroscopy 262 4.5.2.1 Response Function 262 4.5.2.2 Energy Calibrations 264 4.5.2.3 Efficiency Calibrations 266 4.5.2.4 Coincidence Summing 271 4.5.2.5 Sum Peak Method 275 4.5.2.6 γ-Ray Branching Ratios 276 4.5.2.7 4π Detection of γ-Rays 279 4.5.3 Neutron Spectroscopy 280 4.5.3.1 Response Function 281 4.5.3.2 Moderated Proportional Counters 282 4.5.3.3 Efficiency Calibrations 283 4.6 Miscellaneous Experimental Techniques 284 4.6.1 Radioactive Ion Beams 285 4.6.2 Activation Method 290 4.6.3 Time-of-Flight Technique 293 4.7 Background Radiation 295 4.7.1 General Aspects 296 4.7.2 Background in Charged-Particle Detector Spectra 298 4.7.3 Background in γ-Ray Detector Spectra 301 4.7.3.1 γγ-Coincidence Techniques 304 4.7.4 Background in Neutron Detector Spectra 309 4.8 Yields and Cross Sections for Charged-Particle-Induced Reactions 311 4.8.1 Nonresonant and Resonant Yields 312 4.8.1.1 Constant σ and ε Over Target Thickness 312 4.8.1.2 Moderately Varying σ and Constant ε Over Target Thickness 315 4.8.1.3 Breit–Wigner Resonance σ and Constant ε Over Resonance Width 316 4.8.2 General Treatment of Yield Curves 319 4.8.2.1 Target of Infinite Thickness 321 4.8.2.2 Target of Finite Thickness 321 4.8.3 Measured Yield Curves and Excitation Functions 325 4.8.4 Determination of Absolute Resonance Strengths and Cross Sections 328 4.8.4.1 Experimental Yields 329 4.8.4.2 Absolute Resonance Strengths and Cross Sections 329 4.8.4.3 Relative Resonance Strengths and Cross Sections 330 4.8.4.4 Determination of Resonance Strengths and Cross Sections Relative to Rutherford Scattering 333 4.9 Transmissions, Yields, and Cross Sections for Neutron-Induced Reactions 337 4.9.1 Resonance Transmission 338 4.9.2 Resonant and Nonresonant Yields 339 4.9.2.1 Constant σ Over Neutron Energy Distribution 340 4.9.2.2 Narrow Resonance with Γ ≪ ΔEn 340 4.9.3 Effective Cross Section 340 4.9.4 Measured Yields and Transmissions 341 4.9.5 Relative and Absolute Cross Sections 343 Problems 346 5 Nuclear Burning Stages and Processes 349 5.1 Hydrostatic Hydrogen Burning 353 5.1.1 pp Chains 353 5.1.2 CNO Cycles 369 5.1.3 Hydrostatic Hydrogen Burning Beyond the CNO Mass Region 383 5.2 Hydrostatic Helium Burning 389 5.2.1 Helium-Burning Reactions 391 5.2.2 Nucleosynthesis During Hydrostatic He Burning 397 5.2.3 Other Helium-Burning Reactions 399 5.3 Advanced Burning Stages 400 5.3.1 Carbon Burning 400 5.3.2 Neon Burning 407 5.3.3 Oxygen Burning 412 5.3.4 Silicon Burning 420 5.3.5 Nuclear Statistical Equilibrium 432 5.4 Explosive Burning in Core-Collapse Supernovae (Type II, Ib, Ic) 438 5.4.1 Core Collapse and the Role of Neutrinos 438 5.4.2 ν-and νp-Processes 441 5.4.3 Explosive Nucleosynthesis 443 5.4.4 Observations 451 5.5 Explosive Burning Involving Binary Stars 452 5.5.1 Explosive Burning in Thermonuclear Supernovae (Type Ia) 452 5.5.2 Explosive Hydrogen Burning and Classical Novae 460 5.5.3 Explosive Hydrogen-Helium Burning and Type I X-Ray Bursts 479 5.6 Nucleosynthesis Beyond the Iron Peak 501 5.6.1 The s-Process 505 5.6.2 The r-Process 522 5.6.3 The p-Process 542 5.7 Non-stellar Processes 553 5.7.1 Big Bang Nucleosynthesis 553 5.7.2 Cosmic-Ray Nucleosynthesis 559 5.8 Origin of the Nuclides 564 Problems 566 Appendix A Solutions of the Schrödinger Equation in Three Dimensions 569 A. 1 Zero Orbital Angular Momentum and Constant Potential 571 A. 2 Arbitrary Orbital Angular Momentum and Zero Potential 571 A. 3 Arbitrary Orbital Angular Momentum and Coulomb Potential 572 Appendix B Quantum Mechanical Selection Rules 573 Appendix C Kinematics 579 C.1 Relationship of Kinematic Quantities in the Laboratory Coordinate System 579 C.2 Transformation Between Laboratory and Center-of-Mass Coordinate System 583 Appendix D Angular Correlations 587 D. 1 General Aspects 588 D. 2 Pure Radiations in a Two-Step Process 591 D. 3 Mixed Radiations in a Two-Step Process 593 D. 4 Three-Step Process with Unobserved Intermediate Radiation 598 D. 5 Experimental Considerations 600 D. 6 Concluding Remarks 602 Appendix E Constants, Data, Units, and Notation 605 E. 1 Physical Constants and Data 605 E. 2 Mathematical Expressions 606 E. 3 Prefixes and Units 607 E. 4 Physical Quantities 608 Color Plates 613 References 627 Index 639
£93.50
Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH Pulsating Stars
Book SynopsisThis book surveys our understanding of stars which change in brightness because they pulsate. Pulsating variable stars are keys to distance scales inside and beyond the Milky Way galaxy. They test our understanding not only of stellar pulsation theory but also of stellar structure and evolution theory. Moreover, pulsating stars are important probes of the formation and evolution of our own and neighboring galaxies. Our understanding of pulsating stars has greatly increased in recent years as large-scale surveys of pulsating stars in the Milky Way and other Local Group galaxies have provided a wealth of new observations and as space-based instruments have studied particular pulsating stars in unprecedented detail.Table of ContentsPreface XI 1 Historical Overview 1 1.1 Discovery of the First Pulsating Variable Stars 1 1.1.1 Nomenclature 5 1.2 The Recognition of Pulsation as a Cause of Variability 8 2 Fundamentals of Stellar Variability Observations 11 2.1 Definitions 11 2.1.1 Time and Julian Dates 11 2.1.2 Light Curves 14 2.2 Photometric Bandpasses 16 2.3 Period Determination 16 2.4 Common Observational Techniques 20 2.4.1 Visual Methods 20 2.4.2 Photographic Methods 22 2.4.3 Photoelectric Methods 24 2.4.4 CCD Surveys 25 2.5 Space-Based Versus Ground Observations 27 3 Classification of Variable Stars 29 3.1 Regular, Semi-Regular, and Irregular Variables 29 3.2 Variability: Intrinsic and/or Extrinsic 30 3.3 Extrinsic Variables 30 3.3.1 Algol-Type Eclipsing Binaries (EAs) 30 3.3.2 𝛽 Lyrae-Type Eclipsing Binaries (EBs) 32 3.3.3 WUMa-Type Eclipsing Binaries (EWs) 32 3.3.4 R-Type Binaries 32 3.3.5 Planetary Transits and Asteroid Occultations 33 3.4 Intrinsic Variables 34 3.4.1 Rotational Variables 34 3.4.1.1 Ap Stars (𝛼2 CVn Stars) 34 3.4.1.2 SpottedWUMa, 𝛽 Lyr, and Algol Systems 36 3.4.1.3 RS Canum Venaticorum Stars 36 3.4.1.4 BY Dra Stars 37 3.4.1.5 FK Com Stars 38 3.4.1.6 Ellipsoidal Variables 38 3.4.2 Eruptive Variables 39 3.4.2.1 UV Ceti Stars 39 3.4.2.2 FU Orionis (FUor) Stars 39 3.4.2.3 EX Lupi (EXor) Stars 40 3.4.2.4 T Tauri Stars 40 3.4.2.5 Herbig Ae/Be Stars 40 3.4.2.6 Luminous Blue Variables 41 3.4.2.7 Wolf–Rayet Stars 41 3.4.2.8 R Coronae Borealis (R CrB) Variables 42 3.4.2.9 𝛾 Cassiopeiae (Be) Stars 43 3.4.3 Explosive and Novalike Variables 44 3.4.3.1 Cataclysmic Variables 44 3.4.3.2 Symbiotic Stars 47 3.4.3.3 Supernovae 48 3.4.4 Pulsating Variables and the Scope of this Book 50 4 Stellar Structure and Evolution Theory 53 4.1 The Basic Equations of Stellar Structure and Evolution 53 4.2 The Evolution of Low-Mass Stars 57 4.3 The Evolution of Intermediate-Mass Stars 66 4.4 The Evolution of High-Mass Stars 70 5 Stellar Pulsation Theory 73 5.1 Timescales 73 5.2 Ritter’s (Period–Mean Density) Relation 76 5.3 Basic Equations of (Radial) Stellar Pulsation Theory 78 5.3.1 Generalization of the Energy Conservation Equation 78 5.3.2 Summary 81 5.4 Linearization of the Stellar Pulsation Equations 81 5.4.1 PerturbationTheory 82 5.4.2 The Continuity Equation 83 5.4.3 The Conservation of Momentum Equation 84 5.4.4 The Energy Conservation Equation 85 5.4.5 The Energy Transfer Equation 86 5.4.6 Constitutive Equations 86 5.5 Linear Adiabatic Oscillations: The LAWE 87 5.5.1 Justification of the Adiabatic Approximation 88 5.5.2 The LAWE 90 5.5.3 Boundary Conditions 92 5.6 Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions of the LAWE 95 5.6.1 Examples 98 5.6.1.1 The Homologous Case 99 5.6.1.2 The Polytropic Case 99 5.6.1.3 An Actual RR Lyrae Model 102 5.7 Non-Adiabatic Theory: Conditions for Stability 105 5.8 The Linear Non-Adiabatic Wave Equation 109 5.9 Driving Mechanisms 113 5.9.1 The 𝜖 Mechanism 114 5.9.2 The 𝜅 and 𝛾 Mechanisms 117 5.9.3 The “Opacity Bump” Mechanism 120 5.10 Stability Conditions and Instability Strip Edges 123 5.10.1 Other Instability Mechanisms 124 5.10.1.1 Convective Blocking Mechanism 124 5.10.1.2 Convective Driving (𝛿 Mechanism) 124 5.10.1.3 Stochastically Excited Pulsations 125 5.10.1.4 Tidally Excited Pulsations 129 5.10.1.5 GravitationalWaves 129 5.10.1.6 Stellar Mergers 130 5.10.1.7 Sunquakes and Starquakes: Flare-Driven Oscillations 130 5.11 Non-Radial Pulsations 130 5.11.1 Theoretical Framework; Helio- and Asteroseismological Applications 131 5.12 Nonlinear Effects 153 6 RR Lyrae Stars 157 6.1 RR Lyrae Stars as a Class of Pulsating Variable Star 157 6.2 RR Lyrae Stars as Standard Candles 164 6.3 Evolution of RR Lyrae Stars 167 6.4 Pulsation 168 6.5 The Blazhko Effect 169 6.6 RR Lyrae Stars in Globular Clusters 172 6.7 The Oosterhoff Groups 173 6.8 Period Changes 177 6.9 RR Lyrae Stars beyond the MilkyWay 181 7 Cepheid and Related Variable Stars 183 7.1 Classical Cepheids 183 7.1.1 Cepheid Light Curves 185 7.1.2 The Period Luminosity Relation: Leavitt’s Law 189 7.1.3 Evolution and Period Changes 192 7.1.4 Polaris 195 7.2 Type II Cepheids 196 7.2.1 Light Curves 200 7.2.2 Spectra and Chemical Composition 203 7.2.3 Period–Luminosity Relation 204 7.2.4 Evolution and Period Changes 206 7.3 BL Boo Stars or Anomalous Cepheids 208 7.4 RV Tauri Stars 211 8 Red Variable Stars 215 8.1 Convection and Pulsation 217 8.2 Mira and Related Long-Period Variables 219 8.3 Semi-Regular Variables 229 8.4 Irregular Variables 231 9 Pulsating Stars Close to the Lower Main Sequence in the H-R Diagram 233 9.1 𝛿 Scuti and SX Phoenicis Stars 233 9.2 𝛾 Doradus Stars 240 9.3 roAp Stars 242 10 Pulsating Stars Close to the Upper Main Sequence in the H-R Diagram 245 10.1 𝛽 Cephei Stars 248 10.2 SPB (53 Per) Stars 251 11 Pulsating Supergiant Stars 253 11.1 SPBsg Variables 253 11.2 PV Telescopii, V652 Herculis, and R CrB Stars 256 11.3 𝛼 Cygni, S Dor, and Wolf-Rayet Stars 258 12 Hot Subdwarf Pulsators 263 12.1 EC 14026 (V361 Hya, sdBV, sdBVp, sdBVr) Variables 268 12.2 PG 1716+426 (V1093 Her, “Betsy,” sdBVg, sdBVs) Variables 269 12.3 sdOV (V499 Ser) Variables 270 12.4 He-sdBV Stars 272 13 Pulsating Degenerate Stars 275 13.1 GWVir Stars 285 13.2 DBV (V777 Her) Stars 287 13.3 DQV Stars 290 13.4 DAV Stars 292 13.4.1 ELM-DAV Stars 294 13.4.2 Hot DAV Stars 296 13.5 ELM-HeV Stars 298 13.6 GWLibrae Stars: AccretingWD Pulsators 300 13.7 Pulsations in Neutron Stars and Black Holes 302 Glossary 305 References 311 Index 411
£116.41
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd From Quarks To Black Holes - Interviewing The
Book SynopsisThis book presents a series of delightful interviews in which natural objects such as an electron, a black hole, a galaxy, and even the vacuum itself, reveal their innermost secrets — not only what they are but also how they feel. A hydrogen atom tells us about quantum mechanics and why we live in a non-deterministic world; a black hole explains curved space and naked singularities; and a uranium atom talks of its life on a meteor, its tremendous collision with Earth, and properties of radioactivity — all while grappling with its own mortality. A neutron star gives a personal account of its creation and goes on to discuss quasars and other extraordinary astronomical objects, while an iron atom describes its birth in a remote supernova explosion and its series of adventures on Earth, from its early use in wrought iron processes to its time in a human body, and then to its latest misadventures.The book discusses many fundamental issues in physics and, at times, examines the philosophical and moral issues of society. For example, the interview with the quark reveals the nature of color gauge symmetry, which is interwoven with a discussion on truth and beauty, and shows how these concepts play an integral part in physics and nature, while the uranium atom expresses its horror of the development and use of the atomic bomb.Table of ContentsInterview with a Carbon Atom; Interview with an Electron; Interview with Jupiter; Interview with a Black Hole; Interview with a Uranium Atom; Interview with a Fermion and a Boson; Interview with a Star; Interview with a Wimp; Interview with a Comet; Interview with a Spiral Galaxy; Interview with a Neutrino; Interview with a Hydrogen Atom; Interview with a Neutron; Interview with a Quark; Interview with a Tachyon; Interview with a Quasar; Interview with Antimatter; Interview with Iron; Interview with a Muon; Interview with a Neutron Star; Interview with a String; Interview with Vacuum.
£40.85
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Cosmic Pinwheels: Spiral Galaxies And The
Book Synopsis'It is strongly biased towards the author's speciality of galaxy morphology, and particularly to bars and rings. To be fair, these are often given fairly short shrift in other textbooks, so this is a useful source of detail on such topics from an expert. In addition, references to original technical papers are given throughout which makes the book a handy introduction to the literature (which students may well find useful).'The Observatory MagazineThe main goal of the book is to introduce the reader to the world of spiral galaxies, how spirals were discovered, what they represent from a physical point of view, and what people have learned about the universe and the nature of galaxies in general from the study of spirals. Topics include early discoveries of nebulae, the island universe concept, the structure of spirals as seen both visually with telescopes and in images obtained with different filters, the role of spirals in the discovery of interstellar dust and dark matter, the different kinds of spiral galaxies and the importance of bars and rings, how different non-spiral galaxy types such as elliptical galaxies and S0 galaxies connect to spirals, and how spirals have contributed to our understanding of star formation and evolution, galaxy formation and evolution, the cosmological distance scale, and the universal expansion. The Milky Way as a spiral galaxy is also discussed.The book is profusely illustrated and not only a discourse on the spirals, but is also a personal reminiscence based on the author's studies of spiral galaxies over the past 45 years.
£90.00
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Cosmic Pinwheels: Spiral Galaxies And The
Book Synopsis'It is strongly biased towards the author's speciality of galaxy morphology, and particularly to bars and rings. To be fair, these are often given fairly short shrift in other textbooks, so this is a useful source of detail on such topics from an expert. In addition, references to original technical papers are given throughout which makes the book a handy introduction to the literature (which students may well find useful).'The Observatory MagazineThe main goal of the book is to introduce the reader to the world of spiral galaxies, how spirals were discovered, what they represent from a physical point of view, and what people have learned about the universe and the nature of galaxies in general from the study of spirals. Topics include early discoveries of nebulae, the island universe concept, the structure of spirals as seen both visually with telescopes and in images obtained with different filters, the role of spirals in the discovery of interstellar dust and dark matter, the different kinds of spiral galaxies and the importance of bars and rings, how different non-spiral galaxy types such as elliptical galaxies and S0 galaxies connect to spirals, and how spirals have contributed to our understanding of star formation and evolution, galaxy formation and evolution, the cosmological distance scale, and the universal expansion. The Milky Way as a spiral galaxy is also discussed.The book is profusely illustrated and not only a discourse on the spirals, but is also a personal reminiscence based on the author's studies of spiral galaxies over the past 45 years.
£52.25
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Dark Matter In The Universe - 4th Jerusalem
Book SynopsisIf standard gravitational theory is correct, then most of the matter in the universe is in an unidentified form which does not emit enough light to have been detected by current instrumentation. This book is the second editon of the lectures given at the 4th Jerusalem Winter School for Theoretical Physics, with new material added. The lectures are devoted to the “missing matter” problem in the universe, the search to understand dark matter. The goal of this volume is to make current research work on unseen matter accessible to students without prior experience in this area and to provide insights for experts in related research fields. Due to the pedagogical nature of the original lectures and the intense discussions between the lecturers and the students, the written lectures included in this volume often contain techniques and explanations not found in more formal journal publications.Table of ContentsDark Matter in the Solar Vincinity: Dark Matter Near the Sun (J Bahcall); K-giants and the Total Amount of Matter Near the Sun (J Bahcall); Some Possible Regularities in Missing Mass (J Bahcall & S Casertano); Distribution of Dark Matter in the Spiral Galaxy NGC 3198 (T S van Albada et al.); I. Evolution of Globular Clusters and the Globular Cluster System, II. Positive Energy Perturbations in Cosmology (J P Ostriker & C Thompson); Dark Matter in Galaxies and Galaxy Systems (S Tremaine & H M Lee); Gravitational Lenses (R D Blandford & C S Kochanek); WIMPs in the Sun and in the Lab; An Introduction to Inflation; An Introduction to Cosmic Strings (W H Press & D N Spergel); A Departure from Newtonian Dynamics at Low Accelerations as an Explanation of the Mass Discrepancy in Galactic Systems (M Milgrom); Dark Energy (A Aguirre).
£108.00
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Stardust From Meteorites: An Introduction To
Book SynopsisThe study of presolar meteoritic grains is a new inter-disciplinary field that brings together topics from nuclear physics to astronomy and chemistry. Traditionally, most of the information about the cosmos has been gathered by observing light through telescopes. However, with the recent discovery that some dust grains extracted from primitive meteorites were produced in stellar environments, we now have the opportunity to gather information about stars and our Galaxy from the laboratory analysis of tiny pieces of stardust. Stellar grains represent a unique and fascinating subject of study. Their analysis is a breakthrough in research on stellar nucleosynthesis and the origin of the elements.While a number of specialized reviews exist on the topic, this book is the first work that brings together in a unified and accessible manner the background knowledge necessary for the study of presolar grains together with up-to-date discoveries in the field.The book includes exercise questions and answers, an extensive glossary for easy reference, and more than 40 figures and tables — from schematic diagrams to electron microscope images and graphs of results from stellar grain measurements and theoretical stellar models.Table of ContentsMeteoritic Presolar Grains and Their Significance; Basics of Stellar Nucleosynthesis; Laboratory Analysis of Presolar Grains; The Origin of Presolar Silicon Carbide Grains; Heavy Elements in Silicon Carbide Grains; Presolar Diamond, Graphite and Oxide Grains.
£65.55
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Open Issues In Core Collapse Supernova Theory
Book SynopsisEfforts to uncover the explosion mechanism of core collapse supernovae and to understand all of their associated phenomena have been ongoing for nearly four decades. Despite this, our theoretical understanding of these cosmic events remains limited; two- and three-dimensional modeling of these events is in its infancy. Most of the modeling efforts over the past four decades have, by necessity, been constrained to spherical symmetry, with the first two-dimensional, albeit simplified, models appearing only during the last decade. Simulations to understand the complex interplay between the turbulent stellar core fluid flow, its magnetic fields, the neutrinos produced in and emanating from the proto-neutron star, the stellar core rotation, and the strong gravitational fields have yet to be performed. Only subsets of these fundamental ingredients have been included in the models thus far, often with approximation.The purpose of this volume is to identify the outstanding issues that remain in order to come to a complete understanding of these important astrophysical events. As the book focuses on open issues rather than the current state of the art in the field — although the latter will certainly be discussed — it will remain relevant for some time.Table of Contents# Fundamental Issues in Radiation Magnetohydrodynamics # The Core Collapse Supernova Mechanism # Neutrino Mixing # Neutrino Interactions # The Equation of State # Nucleosynthesis and Light Curves
£195.30
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Star Formation
Book Synopsis'Krumholz has a strong writing style, didactic to be sure, but also fairly conversational within the limits of the material. While hardly casual reading, this text would be a good resource for a stellar astrophysicist, or any individual seeking to become one.'CHOICEThis book provides a modern introduction to the study of star formation, at a level suitable for graduate students or advanced undergraduates in astrophysics. The first third of the book provides a review of the observational phenomenology and then the basic physical processes that are important for star formation. The remainder then discusses the major observational results and theoretical models for star formation on scales from galactic down to planetary. The book includes recommendations for complementary reading from the research literature, as well as five problem sets with solutions.
£101.70
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Star Formation
Book Synopsis'Krumholz has a strong writing style, didactic to be sure, but also fairly conversational within the limits of the material. While hardly casual reading, this text would be a good resource for a stellar astrophysicist, or any individual seeking to become one.'CHOICEThis book provides a modern introduction to the study of star formation, at a level suitable for graduate students or advanced undergraduates in astrophysics. The first third of the book provides a review of the observational phenomenology and then the basic physical processes that are important for star formation. The remainder then discusses the major observational results and theoretical models for star formation on scales from galactic down to planetary. The book includes recommendations for complementary reading from the research literature, as well as five problem sets with solutions.
£69.30
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Formation Of The First Black Holes
Book SynopsisThe formation of the first supermassive black holes is one of the main open questions in our understanding of high-redshift structure formation. In this book, we aim to provide a summary of state-of-the-art modern research on this topic, exploring the formation of massive black holes from a fluid-dynamical, stellar-dynamical and chemical perspective. The book thus presents a solid theoretical foundation, a comparison with current observations and future observational perspectives with upcoming missions such as the Square Kilometre Array, the European Extremely Large Telescope, the Euclid satellite as well as possible detections via gravitational waves.
£112.50
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd On The Pulsar
Book SynopsisThis book serves as a good introduction to the physics of pulsars by explaining the subject matter in simple terms which are understandable to both undergraduate physics students and also the general public. On the Pulsar links together ideas about physics, informatics and biology, and contains many original examples, problems and solutions. It starts with simple examples about the regular structures that are possible in strong magnetic fields and the author then suggests that special conditions on the pulsar can result in some forms of self-organization. It will also make a valuable teaching guide.Table of ContentsUnexpected Encounter; What is a Pulsar?; Mischievous Ball; Misha and Sasha; Playing Billiards; Stubborn Fountains; In the Country of Anisotropic Masses; Matter in a Superstrong Magnetic Field; Neutron Star; Physics of the Pulsar; Non-linearity and Self-organization; On the Pulsar.
£21.85
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd From Black Clouds To Black Holes (Third Edition)
Book SynopsisThis book presents in a simple style the success story of modern astrophysics — how the application of known physics to models of stars can, together with the observational data, help us understand what stars are made of, how they live and how they die. The account is non-technical but scientifically accurate. It is interspersed with anecdotes and analogies to make the subject matter readable and understandable even to a lay reader with some basic scientific background.Table of ContentsStars and Humans/Light The Storehouse of Information; The Vital Statistics of Stars; How Far are the Stars; A Star is Born; The Secret of Stellar Energy; Stars as Fusion Reactors; When Stars Explode; Very Dense Stars; Black Holes; Future Challenges.
£45.60
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Birth, Evolution And Death Of Stars
Book SynopsisIt has been known for a long time that stars are similar to our Sun. But it was only in 1810 that they were shown to be made of an incandescent gas. The chemical composition of this gas began to be determined in 1860. In 1940, it was demonstrated that the energy radiated by the stars is of thermonuclear origin. How stars form from interstellar matter and how they evolve and die was understood only recently, with our knowledge still incomplete. It was also realized recently that close double stars present a wide variety of extraordinary phenomena, which are far from being completely explored.This book explains all these aspects, and also discusses how the evolution of stars determine that of galaxies. The most interesting observations are illustrated by spectacular images, while the theory is explained as simply as possible, without however avoiding some mathematical or physical developments when they are necessary for a good understanding of what happens in stars. Without being a textbook for specialists, this book can be profitably read by students or amateurs possessing some basic scientific knowledge, who would like to be initiated in-depth to the fascinating world of stars.The author, an emeritus astronomer of the Paris Observatory, worked in various domains of astronomy connected with the subject of this book: interstellar matter and evolution of stars and galaxies. He directed the Marseilles observatory from 1983 to 1988 and served for fifteen years as Chief Editor of the professional European journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. He has written many articles and books about physics and astronomy at different levels.Table of ContentsFormation of Stars from Interstellar Matter; Stellar Physics in General; Evolution of Isolated Stars; Death of Low-Mass Stars; Death of High-Mass Stars as Supernovae; Close Binaries, Their Evolution; Close Binaries as X-ray and Gamma-ray Sources; Brown Dwarfs, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars and Black Holes; Stellar Nucleosynthesis; Chemical and Photometric Evolution of Galaxies.
£20.90