Galaxy Formation and Evolution
Galaxy Formation and Evolution
Frank van den Bosch, Yale University, Connecticut
Simon White, MPI fur Astrophysik, Munchen
£89.99
GBPThe rapidly expanding field of galaxy formation lies at the interface between astronomy, particle physics, and cosmology. Covering diverse topics from these disciplines, all of which are needed to understand how galaxies form and evolve, this book is ideal for researchers entering the field. Individual chapters explore the evolution of the Universe as a whole and its particle and radiation content; linear and nonlinear growth of cosmic structure; processes affecting the gaseous and dark matter components of galaxies and their stellar populations; the formation of spiral and elliptical galaxies; central supermassive black holes and the activity associated with them; galaxy interactions; and the intergalactic medium. Emphasizing both observational and theoretical aspects, this book provides a coherent introduction for astronomers, cosmologists, and astroparticle physicists to the broad range of science underlying the formation and evolution of galaxies.
- Serves as an effective introduction to the broad range of science at the interface between astronomy, cosmology and particle physics
- Presents material at the right technical level needed to start original research in this area
- Chapters cover the evolution of the Universe, the formation of spiral and elliptical galaxies, and central supermassive black holes, and much more
Reviews & endorsements
'Mo, van den Bosch, and White have written a comprehensive text on the modern subject of galaxy formation and evolution. The book is fully self-contained, covering the basic theory in depth, and including the essential background material on observations and the relevant theory from extragalactic astronomy, stellar astrophysics, and cosmology. It will serve as an indispensable reference for students and researchers alike, and is destined to become a classic in this field.' Robert C. Kennicutt, Jr, Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy, and Director, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge
'Unraveling the origin and growth of cosmic structures, from the simplicity of the Big Bang to the complexity of the modern Universe, is an unparalleled achievement of modern science. Written by renowned world experts, this book presents a clear, systematic and comprehensive exposition of the physics and mathematics underlying these breathtaking advances. It is compulsory reading not only for those aspiring to contribute to our growing understanding of the cosmos, but for all those who appreciate the beauty and power of contemporary physical science.' Carlos S. Frenk, Ogden Professor of Fundamental Physics, and Director, Institute for Computational Cosmology, Durham University
'… an ideal introduction for anyone with a minimal background in astrophysics who wishes to enter the field of large-scale structure formation. … a comprehensive review of relevant topics …' Physics Today
Product details
May 2010Hardback
9780521857932
840 pages
255 × 180 × 40 mm
1.79kg
160 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Observational facts
- 3. Cosmological background
- 4. Cosmological perturbations
- 5. Gravitational collapse and collisionless dynamics
- 6. Probing the cosmic density field
- 7. Formation and structure of dark matter halos
- 8. Formation and evolution of gaseous halos
- 9. Star formation in galaxies
- 10. Stellar populations and chemical evolution
- 11. Disk galaxies
- 12. Galaxy interactions and transformations
- 13. Elliptical galaxies
- 14. Active galaxies
- 15. Statistical properties of the galaxy population
- 16. The intergalactic medium
- Appendices
- References
- Index.
