Advanced Astrophysics
Advanced Astrophysics
This 2003 book develops the basic underlying physics required for a fuller, richer understanding of the science of astrophysics and the important astronomical phenomena it describes. The cosmos manifests phenomena in which physics can appear in its most extreme, and therefore more insightful, forms. A proper understanding of phenomena like black holes, quasars and extrasolar planets requires that we understand the physics that underlies all of astrophysics. Consequently, developing astrophysical concepts from fundamental physics has the potential to achieve two goals: to derive a better understanding of astrophysical phenomena from first principles and to illuminate the physics from which the astrophysics is developed. To that end, astrophysical topics are grouped according to the relevant areas of physics. The book is ideal as a text for graduate and advanced undergraduate students as well as a reference for established researchers.
- Unique approach to the teaching of astrophysics through the main themes in physics
- Subjects are divided according to the four major areas of physics; classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics
- Single volume text on astrophysics
Reviews & endorsements
'This is a brave book. It is with a pang that I opened it, for I have often dreamed of writing such a book, a book that would seamlessly unite undergraduate physics with current astronomical (or astrophysical - but what's in a name?) research … The design is excellent.' The Observatory
Product details
December 2003Paperback
9780521525718
312 pages
254 × 178 × 17 mm
0.55kg
134 b/w illus. 14 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- Part I. Classical Mechanics:
- 1. Orbital mechanics
- 2. Galaxy dynamics
- 3. Cosmic expansion and large-scale structure
- Part II. Statistical Mechanics:
- 4. Overview of statistical mechanics
- 5. The early universe
- 6. Stellar structure and compact stars
- Part III. Electromagnetism:
- 7. Radiation from accelerating charges
- 8. Bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation
- 9. High energy processes in astrophysics
- 10. Electromagnetic wave propagation
- Part IV. Quantum Mechanics:
- 11. The hydrogen atom
- 12. The interaction of radiation with matter
- 13. Atomic fine structure lines
- 14. Atomic hyperfine structure lines
- 15. Transitions involving multi-electron atoms
- 16. Molecular lines in astrophysics.
