The Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium
The Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium
Emphasizing microscopic physical and chemical processes in space, and their influence on the macroscopic structure of the interstellar medium of galaxies, this book includes the latest developments in an exciting area of molecular astrophysics. New space and ground-based observational opportunities have resulted in significant additions to our knowledge of the molecular universe in recent years. This comprehensive overview will be an invaluable reference source for undergraduates, graduates and researchers.
- Provides an integrated approach to the origin and evolution of interstellar molecules and their role in the interstellar medium
- Bridges the gap between physics, astronomy and chemistry; a rapidly expanding area of study
- Includes chapters on intriguing subjects in this field, including 'Photodissociation Regions' and 'Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons'
Reviews & endorsements
“…a comprehensive overview of the physical processes operating in the gas between the stars, or interstellar medium. One excellent feature is the suggested reading lists at the ends of the chapters, which offer a very nice bibliography of the most important research papers in the field.”
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Product details
September 2005Hardback
9780521826341
510 pages
255 × 180 × 34 mm
1.166kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. The galactic ecosystem
- 2. Cooling processes
- 3. Heating processes
- 4. Chemical processes
- 5. Interstellar dust
- 6. Interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules
- 7. HII regions
- 8. The phases of the ISM
- 9. Photodissociation regions
- 10. Molecular clouds
- 11. Interstellar shocks
- 12. Dynamics of the interstellar medium
- 13. The lifecycle of interstellar dust.
