The X-ray Background
The X-ray Background
The current observational knowledge of the background radiation of X-rays in the universe is reviewed in this book. The most relevant features of the X-ray background, discovered 30 years ago, are covered in detail. The contributions of the most recent space missions, including Ginga, Rosat, and the Astro-1 Shuttle flight are included. The topics covered embrace the spectrum of the radiation, isotropy on all angular scales, and possible sources such as active galactic nuclei and clusters of galaxies. The material is presented as review chapters by experts. The book is, consequently, a comprehensive introduction to the astronomy of the X-ray background radiation.
- First book to report results from the X-ray observatories launched in 1990
- New interest in cosmic background radiations, following dramatic Cobe results that confirmed the Big Bang (April 1992)
Reviews & endorsements
'Every astronomy group and library should definitely buy a copy of this book …' Observatory
Product details
No date availableHardback
9780521416511
324 pages
256 × 180 × 20 mm
0.726kg
120 b/w illus. 9 tables
Table of Contents
- Preface
- List of participants
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The spectrum
- 3. The isotropy
- 4. The contribution of known classes of sources
- 5. Models for sources of the X-ray background
- 6. Recent observational results
- 7. Future missions
- 8. Summary.
