Theoretical and mathematical astronomy Books

Book SynopsisA brilliant introductory guide to exploring the night sky, from the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.Offering complete advice from the ground up, Stargazing is the perfect manual for beginners to astronomy introducing the world of telescopes, planets, stars, dark skies and celestial maps.Discover how to tackle light pollution, how to stargaze with just your eyes, and what equipment is best for beginners.Astronomy experts Radmila Topalovic and Tom Kerss explain the best ways to plan your stargazing experience and the key things to look out for on specific dates throughout the year.With seasonal star charts, constellation charts and facts about our Solar System, Stargazing is packed of useful information and guidance for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.Bridging the gap between human curiosity and the need for scientific expertise, Stargazing allows a complete novice to understand our place in the cosmos and enjoy the beautiful and extraordinary wonders of the niTrade Review‘A perfect book for anyone looking to start a new hobby or simply have a better understanding of our Universe.’- Firetrench ‘This accessible and well-presented book would make an ideal gift for any beginner to astronomy – recommended.’ Journal of the British Astronomical Association

Read more less

Book SynopsisA concise textbook for a one-semester course for science and engineering majors who have taken college-level, calculus-based physics. Filling a niche between introductory astronomy books for non-science majors and advanced texts, it presents a quantitative overview of stars, exoplanets, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and big-bang cosmology.Trade Review'Owocki's book is a welcome addition to the handful of good textbooks that cover astrophysics at an introductory level. Building on the typical first year undergraduate STEM curriculum, he makes a thorough quantitative survey of all the important topics in stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astrophysics. Teachable within a one-semester course, this book creates an attractive technical elective in this fascinating field.' Jim Napolitano, Temple University'This much-needed text fills the void for good up-to-date introductions to astrophysics for second or third year undergraduates with a calculus-based intro physics background. I especially like the division in short 'one topic per session' chapters, which makes the text useful for modern active-learning based approaches. The exercises are well designed, and the inclusion of popular subjects such as exoplanets and gravitational wave observations will certainly inspire a broad range of students. I will seriously consider it for our Intro to Astrophysics class.' Francesc Ferrer, Washington University in St Louis'Amateurs looking for a slightly deeper understanding than is afforded by the average astronomy text will also find it accessible, interesting, and informative. Warmly recommended.' Ian D. Howarth, The Observatory'Owocki's book is conversational and supremely readable. Readers will feel both the author's excitement for the material and his depth of experience explaining concepts at the undergraduate level … a welcome addition to the world of undergraduate astronomy textbooks.' Colette Salyk, Vassar College, Physics TodayTable of ContentsPart I. Stellar Properties: 1. Introduction; 2. Astronomical Distances; 3. Stellar Luminosity; 4. Surface Temperature from a Star's Color; 5. Stellar Radius from Luminosity and Temperature; 6. Composition and Ionization from Stellar Spectra; 7. Surface Gravity and Escape/Orbital Speed; 8. Stellar Ages and Lifetimes; 9. Stellar Space Velocities; 10. Using Binary Systems to Determine Masses and Radii; 11. Stellar Rotation; 12. Light Intensity and Absorption; 13. Observational Methods; 14. Our Sun; Part II. Stellar Structure and Evolution: 15. Hydrostatic Balance between Pressure and Gravity; 16. Transport of Radiation from Interior to Surface; 17. Structure of Radiative vs. Convective Stellar Envelopes; 18. Hydrogen Fusion and the Mass Range of Stars; 19. Post-Main-Sequence Evolution: Low-Mass Stars; 20. Post-Main-Sequence Evolution: High-Mass Stars; Part III. Interstellar Medium and Formation of Stars and Planets: 21. The Interstellar Medium (ISM); 22. Star Formation; 23. Origin of Planetary Systems; 24. Water Planet Earth; 25. Extra-Solar Planets; Part IV. Our Milky Way and Other Galaxies: 26. Our Milky Way Galaxy; 27. External Galaxies; 28. Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) and Quasars; 29. Large Scale Structure and Galaxy Formation and Evolution; Part V. Cosmology: 30. Newtonian Dynamical Model of Universe Expansion; 31. Accelerating Universe with a Cosmological Constant; 32. The Hot Big Bang; 33. Eras in the Evolution of the Universe; Part VI. Appendices.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe ideal gift for aspiring astronomers.The sights in our Solar System are dynamic reminders of our planet''s position as part of a larger neighbourhood. Study the ever-changing face of the Moon, watch the steady march of the planets against the stars, witness the thrill of a meteor shower, or the memory of a once-in-a-generation comet.In a few short generations, scientists have taken us from wondering about the nature of the Solar System to exploring every corner of it with advanced robotic probes, and inexpensive but powerful telescopes have become ubiquitous, allowing all of us to follow in the footsteps of Galileo as explorers.In this guide, you will learn how the Solar System came to be understood from ancient theories of its mechanics to the modern age of remote sensing, We''ll then look at the significant targets for amateur astronomers the Moon, Sun and planets to see how they can be explored by eye and with telescopes. We''ll discuss some of the more obscure but fascinatingTrade Review“… such an informative and concise read that any beginner would be wise to grab a copy.” BBC Sky at Night Magazine “High praise must be given for the photographs and diagrams that appear on each page: beautifully clear, accompanied with simple but to-the-point text… How he has packed so much in I do not know, but whatever his secret, it works.” BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis work establishes the independence of the Hindu scientific astronomy of any foreign source specifically the Greek The Present book is an reprint edition of the Calcutta University edition. This has been brought out for the benefit of the interested readers and meet the researchers demand.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFree yourself from cosmological tyranny! Everything started in a Big Bang? Invisible dark matter? Black holes? Why accept such a weird cosmos? For all those who wonder about this bizarre universe, and those who want to overthrow the Big Bang, this handbook gives you ''just the facts'': the observations that have shaped these ideas and theories. While the Big Bang holds the attention of scientists, it isn''t perfect. The authors pull back the curtains, and show how cosmology really works. With this, you will know your enemy, cosmic revolutionary - arm yourself for the scientific arena where ideas must fight for survival! This uniquely-framed tour of modern cosmology gives a deeper understanding of the inner workings of this fascinating field. The portrait painted is realistic and raw, not idealized and airbrushed - it is science in all its messy detail, which doesn''t pretend to have all the answers.Trade Review'Overthrowing all of modern cosmology isn't easy, but it could happen. Maybe you will be the one to do it! If you're up for the challenge, Luke A. Barnes and Geraint F. Lewis tell you exactly what you have to accomplish. Even if you don't topple the stodgy edifice of modern science, you'll certainly learn some exciting things about the universe along the way.' Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime'If you are looking for a fun rendezvous with the universe, this is the book for you! Barnes and Lewis help you understand the basics of cosmology with simplicity and clarity - quite a feat given the complexity of our universe.' Priyamvada Natarajan, author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas that Reveal the Cosmos'… a great starting point for budding astronomers or cosmologists who want to be able to 'debunk' would-be revolutionaries - or answer the 'but how do we know …' they're likely to get asked.' Chris North, BBC Sky at Night Magazine'A must-read for anyone interested in better understanding why cosmologists believe all those very strange things about the Universe. Mind you, new Galileo, you will still need a degree in physics and professional research training if you want to overthrow the Big Bang model, but this book might very well be the first step towards your goal.' Sunny Vagnozzi, Nature Astronomy'The general educated public has heard about many key terms of modern science: 'evolution,' 'virus,' 'quantum theory,' and the 'big bang,' for example. But the framework and methodology of science are barely understood by most … Here, Barnes (Western Sydney Univ.) and Lewis (Sydney Institute for Astronomy) inform the general reader about many fascinating aspects of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. The book is full of scientific facts and clarifying figures. More importantly, it clarifies the routes that lead to major scientific results … Readers will gain a more than nodding acquaintance with the basics of astrophysics, including magnetic monopoles, dark matter, the inflationary model, and related key concepts … books like this will inform and educate those who respect science and are willing to learn about good science and how it is done. This should be required reading for all college students, regardless of their major.' V. V. Raman, Choice'The book is well written and includes a bit more 'how' (do we know) in addition to the 'what' of the standard model of cosmology … I enjoyed reading this book; it's a breezy but careful introduction to where we are in our understanding of the Universe and how we got there.' Phillip Helbig, The ObservatoryTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; 1. Understanding science; 2. How dark is the night?; 3. Run for the hills!; 4. Going gently into that good night; 5. An ever-changing universe; 6. The wood for the trees; 7. We are (mostly) made of stars; 8. Ripples in the night sky; Notes; Further reading; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for the previous edition:"A comprehensive, accessible, well-thought-out introduction to the new and burgeoning field of astrostatistics."—Choice "A substantial work that can be of value to students and scientists interested in mining the vast amount of astronomical data collected to date. . . . If data mining and machine learning fall within your interest area, this text deserves a place on your shelf."—Planetarian"This comprehensive book is surely going to be regarded as one of the foremost texts in the new discipline of astrostatistics."—Joseph M. Hilbe, president of the International Astrostatistics Association"In the era of data-driven science, many students and researchers have faced a barrier to entry. Until now, they have lacked an effective tutorial introduction to the array of tools and code for data mining and statistical analysis. The comprehensive overview of techniques provided in this book, accompanied by a Python toolbox, free readers to explore and analyze the data rather than reinvent the wheel."—Tony Tyson, University of California, Davis"The authors are leading experts in the field who have utilized the techniques described here in their own very successful research. Statistics, Data Mining, and Machine Learning in Astronomy is a book that will become a key resource for the astronomy community."—Robert J. Hanisch, Space Telescope Science Institute

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"James Peebles, Co-Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics"

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE PHENOMENAL BESTSELLER FROM THE AUTHOR OF WHITE HOLESOne of the Best Books of the 21st Century according to The Guardian''The perfect antidote to the fluff and nonsense around right now. Learn how the world is and how you might just fit in'' Simon MayoThese seven short lessons guide us, with simplicity and clarity, through the scientific revolution that shook physics in the twentieth century and still continues to shake us today. In this mind-bending overview of modern physics, Carlo Rovelli explains Einstein''s theory of general relativity, quantum mechanics, black holes, the complex architecture of the universe, elementary particles, gravity, and the nature of the mind. Not since Richard Feynman''s celebrated Six Easy Pieces has physics been so vividly, intelligently and entertainingly revealed.Translated by Simon Carnell and Erica SegreTrade ReviewA sensation... The new cult book -- Katie Law * Evening Standard *There's a book I've been carrying around like a small Bible, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics -- Benedict CumberbatchAbsolutely fascinating... explains the entire universe in 79 pages -- Steve Wright * BBC Radio 2 *The man who makes physics sexy... The new Hawking... His writing is luminous. By the time I had finished reading I was in serious awe of the author -- David Aaronovitch * The Times *Honestly I cannot recommend it too strongly... One of the fastest selling science titles of all time because it is so clear -- Jeremy Vine * BBC Radio 2 *The perfect antidote to the fluff and nonsense around right now. Learn how the world is and how you might just fit in -- Simon Mayo * Daily Mirror *The essays in Seven Brief Lessons on Physics arrive like shots of espresso, which you can consume the way the Italians do, quickly and while standing up -- Dwight Garner * New York Times *The most fun physicist to be with -- as well as the greatest explainer of physics -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *With the publication of his million-selling Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, Carlo Rovelli took his place with Stephen Hawking and Richard Feynman as one of the great popularisers of modern theoretical physics -- Sam Leith * Spectator *A global superstar... Professor Rovelli is making the grammar of the universe accessible to a new generation * Channel 4 News *The physicist transforming how we see the universe * Financial Times *Surely Rovelli deserves the title 'world's most inspiring physics teacher' * Daily Telegraph *An amuse bouche for some of the ideas that are wrapped up in 20th-century astrophysics where it borders on philosophy. Millions have digested this little treat -- Adam Rutherford * Guardian *If you've ever wanted to understand physics better, read Carlo Rovelli's masterful book, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics. One of the world's leading scientists, he explains concepts like relativity, quantum mechanics and black holes with an elegance and clarity that reminded me of Richard Feynman... You will probably find yourself coming back to it again and again -- Fareed ZakariaWonderfully clear and vivid. Carlo Rovelli manages to convey the mystery of very large things and very small things with brilliant effect -- Philip Pullman, author of His Dark MaterialsA sublime read... The triumph of this book is that it educates you, guides you, and brings you bang up to date with the central issues in theoretical physics today... Intriguing, captivating and magical -- Ivor Mason * I Newspaper *If you want to understand what gets physicists out of bed in the morning, there is no better guide than Rovelli... Seven Brief Lessons on Physics is an absorbing, lovely book... This is physics as romantic poetry and, by God, it's beguiling -- Michael Brooks * New Statesman *A startling and illustrative distillation of centuries of science... The book's triumph lies not only in presenting some of the headiest stuff science has produced in so few pages, but also in giving real insight into how science treats those ideas * Economist *There have been plenty of attempts in recent years to explain the basic concepts of physics to us, but few as elegant and concise as Carlo Rovelli's... there's enough food for thought here to last a lifetime -- Nick Rennison * Daily Mail *Sparse, elegant and most of all readable... at the end of it you feel more clever. Rovelli has achieved something unheard of in books about theoretical physics: most of the people who have started his book have also probably finished it -- Tom Whipple * The Times *A surprise bestseller... the most interesting of the year's science books * Daily Telegraph *It is amazing that such a short book can dig to such satisfying depths -- Stephen Curry * Guardian *The slim volume is stereotypically the province of poetry, but this beautifully designed little book shows that science, with its curiosity, its intense engagement with what there really is, its readiness to jettison received ways of seeing, is a kind of poetry too * Financial Times *Rovelli has a rare knack for conveying the top line of scientific theories in clear and compelling terms without succumbing to the lure of elaborate footnotes... a breath of fresh air -- Nicola Davis * Observer *A slim poetic meditation... Rovelli belongs to a great Italian tradition of one-culture science writing that encompasses the Roman poet Lucretius, Galileo, Primo Levi and Italo Calvino. The physics here is comprehensible and limpid, and Rovelli gives it an edge through his clear-eyed humanistic interpretations -- Best science books * Independent *The book to read if you know very little about modern physics but want to begin to grasp its wonder, and the potential it has to enrich our understanding of the universe and our place in it -- Nicholas Lezard * Guardian *Totally gripping. . . full of thought-provoking ideas. . . very beautiful -- Harriet Gilbert * A Good Read Radio 4 *If you only ever read one book on physics, read this. Beautifully written and engaging -- Rowan Coleman, author of We Are All Made of StarsThe rare book about physics that can be ingested in a single sitting -- Alexandra Alter * New York Times *Utterly blown away by the concise beauty of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli. Science as poetry. Awe inspiring -- Michael Bhaskar, author of The Content MachineNo one should hold office unless they have read Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons on Physics -- Nick Harkaway, author of The Gone-Away World and AngelmakerBrilliant... Rovelli writes with clarity and verve, vividly bringing to life concepts that can often appear incomprehensible, and inviting readers to see the world anew. Few writers, let alone physicists, capture the beauty of nature and the excitement of its discovery in such clear, rich prose... It's hard to imagine a more coherent, inspiring introduction to modern physics. It really is an enchanting little volume * New Scientist *Carlo Rovelli has never been afraid to challenge the status quo -- Morgan Freeman * Science Channel *A love letter to physics. You can't believe everyone isn't reading this, and you want to tell everyone about it... thrilling -- Felicity WardI loved this book. The final chapter is filled with breathless amazement and humble awe... it's almost trippy -- Harriet Gilbert

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to become a major reference text for gravitational-wave physics, covering in detail both the experimental and the theoretical aspects. It is the only existing book on gravitational waves to date, and it will likely remain unique for its broadness and scope. It brings the reader to the forefront of present-day research, both theoretical and experimental, assuming no previous knowledge of gravitational-wave physics. Part I of Volume 1 is devoted to the theory of gravitational waves. Here we have re-derived - in a coherent way - most of the results that we present, clarifying or streamlining existing derivations. Part II of Volume 1 is devoted to a description of experimental gravitational-wave physics. We discuss in great detail existing and planned experiments, as well as data analysis techniques.Trade ReviewThe book covers a staggering breadth of material and is extremely useful as a bird's-eye overview of the field... From now on I will recommend it as the best entry point for students who want to join this blooming research field * Emanuele Berti, Physics Today *The presentation of the material, including the notation and layout, is very clear. The book is written at a level that will appeal to advanced students and active researchers. [...] The book clearly fills a gap in the literature. It deserves to become a standard textbook in gravitation and to be on the book-shelf of everybody who is seriously interested in gravitational wave astronomy. * General Relativity and Gravitation *The need for a textbook that treats the production and detection of GWs systematically is clear. Michele Maggiore has succeeded in doing this in a way that is fruitful not only for the young physicist starting to work in the field, but also for the experienced scientist needing a reference book for everyday work. * CERN Courier *For its comprehensive coverage of the theoretical and experimental aspects of gravitational waves, and for the high quality of its writing, this book is a truly remarkable achievement. I recommend it with great enthusiasm to anyone interested in this exciting topic. * Classical and Quantum Gravity *Students and experienced researchers will welcome Michele Maggiore's timely and authoritative new text book. * Nature *...excellent and useful material...on an important new frontier of astronomy and of fundamental physics. I look forward to Volume 2, and even more so to the dawn of gravitational-wave astronomy. * Nature *A very good book, and it fills a gap in the literature. [...] It is an ideal textbook for a monographic introductory course on gravitational waves, for graduates or advanced undergraduates, [and] it could also be the basic reference text for researchers, both experimentalists and theoreticians. * The Gravitational Voice *Table of ContentsPART I; PART II

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe two-volume book Gravitational Waves provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the physics of gravitational waves. While Volume 1 is devoted to the theory and experiments, Volume 2 discusses what can be learned from gravitational waves in astrophysics and in cosmology, by systematizing a large body of theoretical developments that have taken place over the last decades. The second volume also includes a detailed discussion of the first direct detections of gravitational waves. In the author''s typical style, the theoretical results are generally derived afresh, clarifying or streamlining the existing derivations whenever possible, and providing a coherent and consistent picture of the field. The first volume of Gravitational Waves , which appeared in 2007, has established itself as the standard reference in the field. The scientific community has eagerly awaited this second volume. The recent direct detection of gravitational waves makes the topics in this book particularly tTrade ReviewThe book covers a staggering breadth of material and is extremely useful as a bird's-eye overview of the field... From now on I will recommend it as the best entry point for students who want to join this blooming research field * Emanuele Berti, Physics Today *Michele Maggiore's textbook spends equal effort reviewing the astrophysical and cosmological theories behind the production of cosmic gravitational waves and discussing the observational constraints that could be gleaned from the handful of LIGO/Virgo detections, the pulsar timing arrays and upcoming facilities like LISA. * Nature Astronomy *Table of ContentsIII: Astrophysical Sources of GWs 10: Stellar collapse 11: Neutron stars 12: Black-hole perturbation theory 13: Properties of dynamical space-times 14: GWs from coalescing compact binaries. Theory IV: Cosmology and Gravitational Waves 17: Basics of FRW cosmology 18: Helicity decomposition of the metric perturbations 19: Evolution of cosmological perturbations 20: The imprint of GWs on the CMB 21: Inflation and primordial perturbations 22: Stochastic backgrounds of cosmological origin 23: Stochastic backgrounds and pulsar timing arrays

Read more less

Book SynopsisWriting for the general reader or student, Wald has completely revised and updated this highly regarded work to include recent developments in black hole physics and cosmology. Nature called the first edition a very readable and accurate account of modern relativity physics for the layman within the unavoidable constraint of almost no mathematics...A well written, entertaining and authoritative book.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn exciting new title in the vein of Hidden Figures, which tells the inspiring stories of long-overlooked women physicists and astronomers who discovered the fundamental rules of the universe and reshaped the rules of society.Women physicists and astronomers from around the world have transformed science and society, but the critical roles they played in their fields are not always well-sung. Her Space, Her Time, authored by award-winning quantum physicist Shohini Ghose, brings together the stories of these remarkable women to celebrate their indelible scientific contributions.In each chapter of the book, Ghose explores a scientific topic and explains how the women featured in that chapter revolutionized that area of physics and astronomy. In doing so, she also addresses particular aspects of women?s experiences in physics and astronomy: in the chapter on time, for instance, we learn of Henrietta Leavitt andMargaret Burbidge, who helped discover the big bang and the cosmic calendar; in the chapter on space exploration, we learn of Anigaduwagi (Cherokee) aerospace scientist Mary Golda Ross,who helped make the Moon landings possible; and in the chapter on subatomic particles, we learn of Marietta Blau, Hertha Wambacher, and Bibha Chowdhuri, who contributed to the discovery of the building blocks of the universe, and, in doing so, played a crucial role in determining who gets to do physics today.Engaging, accessible, and timely, Her Space, Her Time is a collective story of scientific innovation, inspirational leadership, and overcoming invisibility that will leave a lasting impression on any reader curious about the rule-breakers and trendsetters who illuminated our understanding of the universe.Some of the featured women scientists in the book Williamina Fleming Annie Jump Cannon Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin Antonia Maury Henrietta Leavitt Margaret Burbidge Mary Golda Ross Dilhan Eryurt Claudia Alexander Joyce Neighbors Navajo women of Shiprock Harriet Brooks Marie Curie Lise Meitner Marietta Blau Hertha Wambacher Bibha Chowdhuri Wu Chien-Shiung Women of the Manhattan Project Vera Rubin

Read more less

Book SynopsisFormulation for Observed and Computed Values of Deep Space Network Data Types for Navigation documents the formation of the Regres of the Orbit Determination Program (ODP) of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Program Regres calculates the computed values of observed quantities (e.g.Table of ContentsForeword. Preface. Acknowledgments. Introduction. Time Scales and Time Differences. Planetary Ephemeris, Small-Body Ephemeris, and Satellite Ephemerides. Spacecraft Ephemeris and Partials File. Geocentric Space-Fixed Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Vectors of Tracking Station. Space-Fixed Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Vectors of a Landed Spacecraft Relative to Center of Mass of Planet, Planetary System, or the Moon. Algorithms for Computing ET-TAI. Light-Time Solution. Angles. Media and Antenna Corrections. Calculation of Precision Light Times and Quasar Delays. Partial Derivatives of Precision Light Times and Quasar Delays. Observables. References. Acronyms. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIncreasingly, researchers in many branches of science are coming into contact with Bayesian statistics or Bayesian probability theory. This book provides a clear exposition of the underlying concepts with large numbers of worked examples and problem sets. Background material is provided in appendices and supporting Mathematica notebooks are available.Trade Review'As well as the usual topics to be found in a text on Bayesian inference, chapters are included on frequentist inference (for contrast), non-linear model fitting, spectral analysis and Poisson sampling.' Zentralblatt MATH'The examples are well integrated with the text and are enlightening.' Contemporary Physics'The book can easily keep the readers amazed and attracted to its content throughout the read and make them want to return back to it recursively. It presents a perfect balance between theoretical inference and a practical know-how approach to Bayesian methods.' Stan Lipovetsky, TechnometricsTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; 1. Role of probability theory in science; 2. Probability theory as extended logic; 3. The how-to of Bayesian inference; 4. Assigning probabilities; 5. Frequentist statistical inference; 6. What is a statistic?; 7. Frequentist hypothesis testing; 8. Maximum entropy probabilities; 9. Bayesian inference (Gaussian errors); 10. Linear model fitting (Gaussian errors); 11. Nonlinear model fitting; 12. Markov Chain Monte Carlo; 13. Bayesian spectral analysis; 14. Bayesian inference (Poisson sampling); Appendix A. Singular value decomposition; Appendix B. Discrete Fourier transforms; Appendix C. Difference in two samples; Appendix D. Poisson ON/OFF details; Appendix E. Multivariate Gaussian from maximum entropy; References; Index.

Read more less

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.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis 2004 textbook provides the advanced student with practical tools for the computation of many physically interesting quantities in general relativity and gravitational physics. The context is provided by the mathematical theory of black holes, one of the most elegant, successful and relevant applications of general relativity.Trade Review'… an elegant, thoughtful, useful and altogether commendable publication.' Contemporary Physics'The author puts emphasis on training the readers and equipping them with the relevant skills of a working relativist. The text reaches a high pedagogical standard … In this way the author succeeds in closing a gap in the existing text book literature especially for a readership mainly oriented towards physics.' Monatshefte für MathematikTable of ContentsPreface; Notation and conventions; 1. Fundamentals; 2. Geodesic congruences; 3. Hypersurfaces; 4. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity; 5. Black holes; References; Index.

Read more less

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.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis clear and authoritative book has been designed to help graduate students and researchers to develop a solid understanding of a wide range of physical processes. It can be used alone, or in conjunction with the accompanying two volumes (covering stars and stellar systems, and galaxies and cosmology, respectively).Trade Review'This welcome volume provides graduate students with an indispensable introduction to and reference on all the physical processes they will need to successfully tackle … research in astrophysics and cosmology.' Europe & AstronomyTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Order-of-magnitude astrophysics; 2. Dynamics; 3. Special relativity, electrodynamics and optics; 4. Basics of electromagnetic radiation; 5. Statistical mechanics; 6. Radiative processes; 7. Spectra; 8. Neutral fluids; 9. Plasma physics; 10. Gravitational dynamics; 11. General theory of relativity; 12. Basics of nuclear physics; Notes and References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis 2004 textbook provides the advanced student with practical tools for the computation of many physically interesting quantities in general relativity and gravitational physics. The context is provided by the mathematical theory of black holes, one of the most elegant, successful and relevant applications of general relativity.Trade Review'… an elegant, thoughtful, useful and altogether commendable publication.' Contemporary Physics'The author puts emphasis on training the readers and equipping them with the relevant skills of a working relativist. The text reaches a high pedagogical standard … In this way the author succeeds in closing a gap in the existing text book literature especially for a readership mainly oriented towards physics.' Monatshefte für MathematikTable of ContentsPreface; Notation and conventions; 1. Fundamentals; 2. Geodesic congruences; 3. Hypersurfaces; 4. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity; 5. Black holes; References; Index.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA multi-disciplinary approach to Copernicus’s momentous transformation from geocentric to heliocentric cosmology.Trade Review" Before Copernicus is of potentially great importance to the larger field of the history of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century science and the interaction between the Islamic and Western intellectual worlds. Although many books have been written about individual parts of this story no one has tried to put this all together before." Lesley Cormack, University of Alberta " These scholars are the best in their fields. Their essays are well-researched, up-to-date historiographically, and interestingly written. This volume could prove controversial, but by exposing the contested issues more clearly, it will greatly enhance th

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTreating the classical problem of gravitational physics, this book presents basic principles, deals with analytically tractable limiting cases, and considers the general case using powerful numerical methods. A valuable reference for researchers in general relativity, mathematical physics and astrophysics, it is accompanied by a website containing code.Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: '… this book is a very valuable tool for anybody wishing to learn more about relativistic rotating bodies in equilibrium. … overall it is an excellent reference on this topic.' Classical and Quantum GravityReview of the hardback: 'This is an advanced and specialised book, presenting the state of the art in this field, with emphasis on the authors' own expertise and approaches. It contains an extensive discussion of the analytical handling of limiting cases on the one hand and the numerical treatment of the general case on the other, thus providing a complete picture of the subject. … pleasant to read …This book is a standard reference for this subject every researcher in relativity theory should know.' General Relativity and GravitationReview of the hardback: 'Nicely produced by Cambridge University Press, this rather specialized book rich in analytical and numerical methods is of value to students and professional researchers in general relativity, mathematical physics and astrophysics.' Mathematical ReviewsTable of ContentsPreface; Notation; 1. Rotating fluid bodies in equilibrium: fundamental notions and equations; 2. Analytical treatment of limiting cases; 3. Numerical treatment of the general case; 4. Remarks on stability and astrophysical relevance; Appendixes; References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFree yourself from cosmological tyranny! Everything started in a Big Bang? Invisible dark matter? Black holes? Why accept such a weird cosmos? For all those who wonder about this bizarre universe, and those who want to overthrow the Big Bang, this handbook gives you ''just the facts'': the observations that have shaped these ideas and theories. While the Big Bang holds the attention of scientists, it isn''t perfect. The authors pull back the curtains, and show how cosmology really works. With this, you will know your enemy, cosmic revolutionary - arm yourself for the scientific arena where ideas must fight for survival! This uniquely-framed tour of modern cosmology gives a deeper understanding of the inner workings of this fascinating field. The portrait painted is realistic and raw, not idealized and airbrushed - it is science in all its messy detail, which doesn''t pretend to have all the answers.Trade Review'Overthrowing all of modern cosmology isn't easy, but it could happen. Maybe you will be the one to do it! If you're up for the challenge, Luke A. Barnes and Geraint F. Lewis tell you exactly what you have to accomplish. Even if you don't topple the stodgy edifice of modern science, you'll certainly learn some exciting things about the universe along the way.' Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime'If you are looking for a fun rendezvous with the universe, this is the book for you! Barnes and Lewis help you understand the basics of cosmology with simplicity and clarity - quite a feat given the complexity of our universe.' Priyamvada Natarajan, author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas that Reveal the Cosmos'… a great starting point for budding astronomers or cosmologists who want to be able to 'debunk' would-be revolutionaries - or answer the 'but how do we know …' they're likely to get asked.' Chris North, BBC Sky at Night Magazine'A must-read for anyone interested in better understanding why cosmologists believe all those very strange things about the Universe. Mind you, new Galileo, you will still need a degree in physics and professional research training if you want to overthrow the Big Bang model, but this book might very well be the first step towards your goal.' Sunny Vagnozzi, Nature Astronomy'The general educated public has heard about many key terms of modern science: 'evolution,' 'virus,' 'quantum theory,' and the 'big bang,' for example. But the framework and methodology of science are barely understood by most … Here, Barnes (Western Sydney Univ.) and Lewis (Sydney Institute for Astronomy) inform the general reader about many fascinating aspects of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. The book is full of scientific facts and clarifying figures. More importantly, it clarifies the routes that lead to major scientific results … Readers will gain a more than nodding acquaintance with the basics of astrophysics, including magnetic monopoles, dark matter, the inflationary model, and related key concepts … books like this will inform and educate those who respect science and are willing to learn about good science and how it is done. This should be required reading for all college students, regardless of their major.' V. V. Raman, Choice'The book is well written and includes a bit more 'how' (do we know) in addition to the 'what' of the standard model of cosmology … I enjoyed reading this book; it's a breezy but careful introduction to where we are in our understanding of the Universe and how we got there.' Phillip Helbig, The ObservatoryTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; 1. Understanding science; 2. How dark is the night?; 3. Run for the hills!; 4. Going gently into that good night; 5. An ever-changing universe; 6. The wood for the trees; 7. We are (mostly) made of stars; 8. Ripples in the night sky; Notes; Further reading; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIf the laws of nature are fine-tuned for life, can we infer other universes with different laws? How could we even test such a theory without empirical access to those distant places? Can we believe in the multiverse of the Everett interpretation of quantum theory or in the reality of other possible worlds, as advocated by philosopher David Lewis? At the intersection of physics and philosophy of science, this book outlines the philosophical challenge to theoretical physics in a measured, well-grounded manner. The origin of multiverse theories are explored within the context of the fine-tuning problem and a systematic comparison between the various different multiverse models are included. Cosmologists, high energy physicists, and philosophers including graduate students and researchers will find a systematic exploration of such questions in this important book.Trade Review'In recent years multiverse theories have attracted a great deal of attention among physicists, promising simple resolutions to fundamental long-standing problems. Philosopher of science Simon Friederich provides here a valuable, careful examination of these claims and their relation to testable science. The problems posed by the advent of such theories that arguably cannot be shown to be wrong seem to be here to stay. Friederich's comprehensive and even-handed account of all sides of the question of where we are now with this new sort of science has an important role to play.' Peter Woit, Columbia University'Friederich offers an excellent even-handed philosophical discussion of multiverse theories. By providing the first single-authored philosophical book on the topic, he moves multiverse issues towards the center of contemporary philosophy of physics and demonstrates that physical thinking about the multiverse may profit from philosophical considerations. The book will be of profound interest both for philosophers and physicists.' Richard Dawid, Stockholm University'For those who are sceptical or agnostic about a multiverse, this book brings many interesting questions to light, and it certainly issues challenges to the enthusiast. Physicist readers may find the philosophical approach … demanding at times, but the writing is very clear on the whole, with a pleasant style, and Friederich maintains a balanced position among the many different points of view that he addresses … I would certainly recommend this ground-breaking book for any reader who is interested in cosmology.' Peter J. Bussey, Contemporary Physics'The book is well written. I recommend it highly.' Phillip Helbig, The Observatory magazine'Friederich (Univ. of Groningen) explores the latter concept in this book, paying particular attention to the meaning of probability as it applies to the possible values of the fundamental constants, the concept of fine-tuning, and the testability of multiverse theories.' A. Spero, Association of American Publishers'This book is one of the best introductions to the significance of this topic for theology today. The exhaustive bibliography of science, philosophy,history, epistemology, and mathematics at the end of the volume is, by itself, worth the price of this book.' Nick Overduin, Calvin Theological Journal'… Friederich makes a significant up-to-date contribution to the ongoing de-bate surrounding the possible existence of a multiverse, a gigantic, usually infinite, collection of universes. He professes to do so as an unbiased philosopher with no axe to grind, and his treatment does indeed seem a very fair assessment of different sides of the debate.' Rodney Holder, Science and Christian BeliefTable of ContentsPreface; Part I. Setting the Stage: 1. Introduction; 2. The fine-tuning considerations; 3. Fine-tuning for life and design; Part II. Fine-tuning for Life and the Multiverse: 4. The standard fine-tuning argument; 5. Problems with priors; 6. A new fine-tuning argument; Part III. Testing Multiverse Theories: 7. Testing multiverse theories: approach; 8. Approaching practice; 9. Puzzles of self-locating belief; Part IV. Wider Still and Wilder: 10. Other multiverses; 11. Outlook; References; Subject index; Author index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis concise textbook, the first volume in the Ohio State Astrophysics Series, covers all aspects of the interstellar and intergalactic medium for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. This series aims to impart the essential knowledge on a topic that every astrophysics graduate student should know, without going into encyclopedic depth. This text includes a full discussion of the circumgalactic medium, which bridges the space between the interstellar and intergalactic gas, and the hot intracluster gas that fills clusters of galaxies. Its breadth of coverage is innovative, as most current textbooks treat the interstellar medium in isolation. The authors emphasise an order-of-magnitude understanding of the physical processes that heat and cool the low-density gas in the universe, as well as the processes of ionization, recombination, and molecule formation. Problems at the end of each chapter are supplemented by online projects, data sets and other resources.Trade Review'Ryden and Pogge have written a text with the goal of covering what every professional astronomer should know about the interstellar and intergalactic medium. They have succeeded brilliantly. This text provides comprehensive coverage of the topics without diving too far into specialist details. The authors' gift for clear writing, combined with a degree of humor and entertainment, result in an eminently readable textbook.' Evan Skillman, University of Minnesota'Ryden and Pogge have done a remarkable job of covering the esoteric field of diffuse matter between stars and between galaxies in an encompassing and authoritative way, while maintaining an easy and approachable style. I enthusiastically recommend this worthwhile book for teachers and students of the ISM/IGM.' Karen Kwitter, Williams College, MassachusettsTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction; 2. Cold Neutral Medium; 3. Warm Neutral Medium; 4. Warm Ionized Medium and Ionized Nebulae; 5. Hot Ionized Medium; 6. Interstellar Dust; 7. Molecular Clouds; 8. Circumgalactic and Intracluster Gas; 9. Diffuse Intergalactic Medium; 10. Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium; Bibliography and Figure Credits; Index.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis'A cracking tale of particle physics and cosmology . . . Space Oddities is a rare joy – enlightening, thrilling and inspiring.' – New Scientist'As fascinating as its title suggests . . . Cliff recounts with vivid clarity the stories of some of the most striking oddnesses that have lit up the landscape of modern physics.' – Philip PullmanNewly discovered strangenesses could transform our understanding of the fundamentals of physics – and of the nature of reality. In this eye-opening account, CERN experimental physicist Harry Cliff takes the reader on a tour of a new universe . . .Something strange is going on in the cosmos. Scientists are uncovering a catalogue of weird phenomena that simply can’t be explained by our long-established theories of the universe. Particles with unbelievable energies are bursting from beneath the Antarctic ice. Unknown forces seem to be tugging on the

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this compilation, the theory of gravitational anti-screening is presented as an alternative to the current theory of dark matter. This includes first applying the theory to the rotational curve of the galaxy, to spiral galaxies in general, and to the Coma cluster. Finally, the theory will be applied to the solar system where it will be shown to be compatible with planetary ephemerides. Next, the observable features that allow for the reconstruction of past environmental conditions are collected and characterized, focusing on the available data, uncertainties, missing information and targets of future research work. Furthermore, mineral paragenesis and different types of indicators should be used in conjunction and the missing data represents the directions for future research. The following chapter presents the evaluation of some aspects of the two remaining landing site candidates (Oxia Planum and Mawrth Vallis) for the ESA ExoMars 2020 rover to highlight the geological and astrobiological aspects. These lessons learned should be used in the future to support the scientific outcome. Discussion continues about the nature of the zebrastructure in type IV radio bursts, proposing that even the most protracted mechanism associated with double plasma resonance has been improved in a series of works. The authors demonstrate the possibility of modeling with whistlers to explain many thin components of zebrastructure stripes, taking into account the effects of scattering whistlers on fast particles. The existence of Dark Matter in the Universe is one of the most accepted ideas in modern cosmology to explain a number of puzzling astronomical observations, even though it has not been directly observed. As such, the authors review the motivation for its existence as inferred from its influence on ordinary matter and its properties in terms of specific candidate particles. Broad-lined type Ic supernovae (SNe Ic-BL) have received much attention as of late because they are the only SNe associated with long-duration gamma-ray bursts. In this book, efforts have been made to understand the origin of their huge kinetic energy, peculiar light curve, and spectral features. Lastly, three hygroscopic salts are discussed, calcium perchlorate (Ca(ClO4)2), magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Examination of past rover landing sites showed that at most of them deliquescence could occur in theory, based on the modeled meteorological values and assuming that hygroscopic salts are at hand.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdaptive optics is a field which is coming into its own with new discoveries occurring almost daily both in astronomy and in applications of AO in applied fields. In an adaptive optics system, the output from a wavefront sensor is used to calculate corrections that actively remove distortions from an image. The applications of adaptive optics in vision science have received considerable impetus from the knowledge developed by astronomers about how to correct images using AO technology. It is expected that developments in adaptive optics will radically change the face of astronomy in the 21st century. These systems will largely overcome the main limitation of ground-based telescopes, namely the severe reduction in image quality caused by turbulence in the Earth''s atmosphere. Intended for use at near infrared wavelengths, adaptive optics allow imaging and spectroscopy at the limit of resolution imposed by optical diffraction an advance in astronomer''s ability to view the heavens unparalleled since the invention of the telescope. AO is now also entering clinical medicine in the field of ophthalmology and other related fields. This new book presents several hundred current abstracts in the field, each fully indexed, for ease of access and contains a CD ROM for further research.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is an introductory text in General Relativity, while also focusing some solutions to the cosmological constant problem, which consists in an amazing 100 orders of magnitude discrepancy between the value of this constant in the present Universe, and its estimated value in the very early epoch. The author suggests that the constant is in fact, a time-varying function of the age of the Universe. The book offers a wealth of cosmological models, treats up to date findings, like the verification of the Lense-Thirring effect in the year 2004, and the recently published research by Cooperstock and Tieu (2005) suggesting that "dark" matter is not a necessary concept in order to explain the rotational velocities of stars around galaxies'' nuclei. This is a mathematical cosmology textbook that may lead undergraduates, and graduate students to one of the frontiers of research, while keeping the prerequisites to a minimum, because most of the theory in the book requires only prior knowledge of Calculus and a University Physics course.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the highest-energy particle collider ever constructed and is considered "one of the great engineering milestones of mankind." It was built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) from 1998 to 2008, with the aim of allowing physicists to test the predictions of different theories of particle physics and high-energy physics, and particularly prove or disprove the existence of the theorised Higgs boson and of the large family of new particles predicted by supersymmetric theories. In this book, the authors study the phenomenology, operational challenges and theoretical predictions of LHC. Topics discussed include neutral and charged black hole remnants at the LHC; the modified statistics approach for the thermodynamical model of multiparticle production; and astroparticle physics and cosmology in the LHC era.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'The first two editions of this textbook have received well-deserved high acclaims, and this — the third edition — deserves no less. Its explanations of the whole gamut of atomic and molecular spectroscopy provide a solid grasp of the theory as well as how to understand such spectra in practice. It thus makes an ideal companion to books that start from the observational aspect of spectroscopy, whether in the lab or at the telescope … This new edition of Tennyson’s book ought to be in the library of every astronomical department.'The Observatory Magazine'It closely follows the course given to third year UCL undergraduates, and the worked examples have surely been tested on students … The last two chapters serve as an effective appendix on more specialised topics in atomic and molecular theory.'Contemporary PhysicsThe third edition of Astronomical Spectroscopy examines the physics necessary to understand and interpret astronomical spectra. It offers a step-by-step guide to the atomic and molecular physics involved in providing astronomical spectra starting from the relatively simple hydrogen atom and working its way to the spectroscopy of small molecules.Based on UCL course material, this book uses actual astronomical spectra to illustrate the theoretical aspects of the book to give the reader a feel for such spectra as well as an awareness of what information can be retrieved from them. It also provides comprehensive exercises, with answers given, to aid understanding.

Read more less