High Energy Astrophysics
What role does viscosity play in accretion discs? How do you calculate the 'glitch function' of a pulsar? And can strong shocks account for the energy spectrum of electrons in our Galaxy? These are just some of the exciting questions that Professor Longair uses to develop the physics needed by the astronomer and high energy astrophysicist. The highly acclaimed first edition of High Energy Astrophysics instantly established itself as a classic in the teaching of contemporary astronomy. Reflecting the immense interest and developments in the subject, Professor Longair has developed the second edition into three texts; in this second volume he provides a comprehensive discussion of the high energy astrophysics of stars, the Galaxy and the interstellar medium. He develops an understanding for the essential physics with an elegance and infectious enthusiasm for which his teaching is internationally renowned, illustrating the issues throughout with results from forefront research. This book takes the student with a knowledge of physics and mathematics at the undergraduate level - but not necessarily with training in astronomy - to the point where current astronomical research can be understood.
- A lucid and enthusiastic text by Professor Longair developed from the highly successful first edition of High Energy Astrophysics
- Covers all aspects of contemporary high energy astrophysics
- Well-illustrated throughout with figures and exciting results from the forefront of astronomical research
Reviews & endorsements
'This excellent textbook is full of enthusiasm and inquisitiveness. Students will love it.' New Scientist
'The author of this review highly appreciates careful description of physical concepts, excellent style, and clarity of arguments … will be very uesful as a serious introduction to this important subject of contemporary astrophysics.' Vladimir Karas, Earth, Moon and Planets
'The style, typical of Longair, is direct, easy-going and captivating … Longair's series on High Energy Astrophysics is now a classic: impressive textbooks for the specialist course of study, an indispensable compendium of current topics for the professional astronomer, a goldmine of fascinating information for the science undergraduate.' The Observatory
Product details
July 1994Hardback
9780521434393
411 pages
254 × 178 × 27 mm
0.991kg
137 b/w illus. 10 tables
Replaced by 9780521435840
Table of Contents
- 1. The contents of the Universe - the grand design
- 2. Aspects of stellar evolution relevant to high energy astrophysics
- 3. Dead stars
- 4. Accretion power in astrophysics
- 5. Interstellar gas and magnetic field
- 6. Synchrotron radiation and the radio emission of the Galaxy
- 7. The origin of the electron energy spectrum in our Galaxy
- 8. The origin of high energy protons and nuclei
- 9. The acceleration of high energy particles
- 10. Appendices - astronomical nomenclature.