Astrophysics of Planet Formation
Astrophysics of Planet Formation
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9781108420501The study of planet formation has been revolutionized by recent observational breakthroughs, which have allowed the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets, the imaging of protoplanetary disks, and the discovery of the Solar System’s Kuiper Belt. Written for beginning graduate students, this textbook provides a basic understanding of the astrophysical processes that shape the formation of planetary systems. It begins by describing the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks, moves on to the formation of planetesimals, terrestrial and gas giant planets, and concludes by surveying new theoretical ideas for the early evolution of planetary systems. Covering all phases of planet formation – from protoplanetary disks to the dynamical evolution of planetary systems – this introduction can be understood by readers with backgrounds in planetary science, observational and theoretical astronomy. It highlights the physical principles underlying planet formation and the areas where more research and new observations are needed.
- Graduate-level textbook on planet formation, incorporating knowledge gained from extrasolar planet discoveries
- Summarizes all phases of planet formation so it can be understood by readers with diverse backgrounds in planetary science, and observational and theoretical astronomy
- Focuses on the basic physical principles underlying the formation and evolution of planetary systems
Reviews & endorsements
"Armitage delivers on the book's aim to 'provide a concise introduction to the classical theory of planet formation and to more recent developments spurred by new observations.' Astrophysics of Planet Formation would be an excellent main text for a course in astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science." Physics Today
"In Astrophysics of Planet Formation , Philip Armitage lays out a concise introduction to the most important theoretical concepts in planet formation....In a nutshell, the book provides the young astrophysicist with the necessary background and elements to move on to more advanced work. "- Dianna Valencia, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Physics Today
Product details
July 2010Adobe eBook Reader
9780511687631
0 pages
0kg
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. Observations of planetary systems
- 2. Protoplanetary disk structure
- 3. Protoplanetary disk evolution
- 4. Planetesimal formation
- 5. Terrestrial planet formation
- 6. Giant planet formation
- 7. Early evolution of planetary systems
- Appendixes
- References
- Index.
