Cosmological Physics
Cosmological Physics
$116.00
USDThis textbook provides advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a complete introduction to modern cosmology. It successfully bridges the gap between undergraduate and advanced graduate texts by discussing topics of current research, starting from first principles. Throughout this authoritative volume, emphasis is given to the simplest, most intuitive explanation for key equations used by researchers. The first third of the book carefully develops the necessary background in general relativity and quantum fields. The rest of the book then provides self-contained accounts of all the key topics in contemporary cosmology, including inflation, topological defects, gravitational lensing, galaxy formation, large-scale structure and the distance scale. To aid understanding, the book is well illustrated with helpful figures and includes outline solutions to more than ninety problems. All necessary astronomical jargon is clearly explained, ensuring the book is self-contained for any student with undergraduate physics.
- Discusses topics at cutting edge of research, starting from first principles
- Includes outline solutions to nearly 100 problems and very well illustrated
- Provides valuable insights into both observational and theoretical cosmology
- '… a truly magnificent achievement. I will certainly adopt it for my courses.' Professor Richard Ellis FRS, University of Cambridge
Reviews & endorsements
"Even under the best circumstances, writing a textbook on modern cosmology is not easy...one must provide three textbooks in one, and this has, to date, been largelly beyond anyone's ambitions. John Peacock however, has taken up this...challenge, and he has very largely succeeded. [This is] a remarkable book, both for its scope and for its depth of understanding." Physics Today
"The majestic sweep of [Peacock's] discussion of this vast terrain is awesome, and is bound to capture the imagination of most students....The result is an impressive overview of cosmology as a physical science. This abundance will communicate the widespread excitement of the subject..." Nature
"...a truly magnificent achievement. I will certainly adopt it for my courses....[includes] all the most recent important observational developments...and a very thorough pedagogical treatment of the relevant background physics...I am sure this will become one of the classic texts in cosmology." Professor Richard Ellis, FRS, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge
"Peacock has done an excellent job of setting out astrophysical cosmology and its underlying physics. This book is sure to be a hit with both professors and students. Cosmology with just the right touch of general relativity and quantum physics." Professor John Huchra, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
"I know no other book that covers these wide-ranging topics with such authority." Professor Martin Rees, FRS, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge
"Should excite and challenge advanced physics undergraduates and help them to make the transition from learning standard material to research." Professor Roger Blandford, FRS, California Institute of Technology
"...an extraordinary achievement. [Peacock] has succeeded in condensing the essence of modern astrophysical cosmology and particle physics into a single text. It is all written with his characteristic insight and economy of expression. The result is an extraordinary panorama of many of the hottest issues in contemporary science, all done with mathematical precision and total authority. This book is an essential purchase for all physicists and astronomers..." Professor Malcolm Longair, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge
"Cosmological Physics is a truly first class text book." Contemporary Physics
Product details
December 1998Paperback
9780521422703
696 pages
246 × 175 × 33 mm
1.38kg
91 b/w illus. 7 tables 97 exercises
Available
Table of Contents
- Part I. Gravitation and Relativity:
- 1. Essentials of general relativity
- 2. Astrophysical relativity
- Part II. Classical Cosmology:
- 3. The isotropic universe
- 4. Gravitational lensing
- 5. The age and distance scales
- Part III. Basics of Quantum Fields:
- 6. Quantum mechanics and relativity
- 7. Quantum field theory
- 8. The standard model and beyond
- Part IV. The Early Universe:
- 9. The hot big bang
- 10. Topological defects
- 11. Inflationary cosmology
- Part V. Observational Cosmology:
- 12. Matter in the universe
- 13. Galaxies and their evolution
- 14. Active galaxies
- 15. Dynamics of structure formation
- 16. Cosmological density fields
- 17. Galaxy formation
- 18. Cosmic background fluctuations
- Hints for solutions to the problems
- Bibliography and references
- Useful numbers and formulae
- Index.
