Cataclysmic Variable Stars

Cataclysmic Variable Stars
Author: Brian Warner
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 600
Release: 2003-09-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521542098

This timely volume provides the first comprehensive survey of cataclysmic variable stars, integrating theory and observation into a single, synthesised text.

Cataclysmic Variable Stars - How and Why They Vary

Cataclysmic Variable Stars - How and Why They Vary
Author: Coel Hellier
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2001-02-23
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9781852332112

This text presents numerous illustrations of the observed variability of cataclysmic variable stars. It provides a clear explanation and thorough up-to-date overview of this phenomena at a level accessible to the advanced amateur or undergraduate student.

Very-high-energy Gamma-ray Observations of Pulsar Wind Nebulae and Cataclysmic Variable Stars with MAGIC and Development of Trigger Systems for IACTs

Very-high-energy Gamma-ray Observations of Pulsar Wind Nebulae and Cataclysmic Variable Stars with MAGIC and Development of Trigger Systems for IACTs
Author: Rubén López Coto
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2016-09-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319447513

This thesis is a comprehensive work that addresses many of the open questions currently being discusssed in the very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray community. It presents a detailed description of the MAGIC telescope together with a glimpse of the future Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). One section is devoted to the design, development and characterization of trigger systems for current and future imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The book also features a state-of-the-art description of pulsar wind nebula (PWN) systems, the study of the multi-TeV spectrum of the Crab nebula, as well as the discovery of VHE gamma rays at the multiwavelength PWN 3C 58, which were sought at these wavelengths for more than twenty years. It also includes the contextualization of this discovery amongst the current population of VHE gamma-ray PWNe. Cataclysmic variable stars represent a new source of gamma ray energies, and are also addressed here. In closing, the thesis reports on the systematic search for VHE gamma-ray emissions of AE Aquarii in a multiwavelength context and the search for VHE gamma-ray variability of novae during outbursts at different wavelengths.

Understanding Variable Stars

Understanding Variable Stars
Author: John R. Percy
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 330
Release: 2007-05-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1139463284

This book was first published in 2007. Variable stars are those that change brightness. Their variability may be due to geometric processes such as rotation, or eclipse by a companion star, or physical processes such as vibration, flares, or cataclysmic explosions. In each case, variable stars provide unique information about the properties of stars, and the processes that go on within them. This book provides a concise overview of variable stars, including a historical perspective, an introduction to stars in general, the techniques for discovering and studying variable stars, and a description of the main types of variable stars. It ends with short reflections about the connection between the study of variable stars, and research, education, amateur astronomy, and public interest in astronomy. This book is intended for anyone with some background knowledge of astronomy, but is especially suitable for undergraduate students and experienced amateur astronomers who can contribute to our understanding of these important stars.

Observing Variable Stars

Observing Variable Stars
Author: Gerry A. Good
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 290
Release: 2003
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9781852334987

Observing variable stars is one of the major contributions amateur astronomers make to science. There are 36,000 variable stars listed in the General Catalogue of Variable Stars, so it is clearly impossible for the limited number of professional observatories to target even the majority of them. That's where amateur astronomers come in - thousands of them turning their telescopes to the sky every night. Variable star observing is the most popular of "real science" activities for amateurs, and Gerry Good's book provides everything needed. The first part of the book provides a highly detailed account of the various classes of variable star, with examples, illustrations and physical descriptions. The second section covers practical aspects of observing, everything from preparation and planning, through observing techniques, to data management and reduction.

Light Curves of Variable Stars

Light Curves of Variable Stars
Author: C. Sterken
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 253
Release: 1996-10-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0521390168

The most complete and up-to-date reference volume available on variable stars, their classification and properties.

Accretion Disks In Compact Stellar Systems

Accretion Disks In Compact Stellar Systems
Author: J Craig Wheeler
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 440
Release: 1993-12-22
Genre:
ISBN: 9814504599

Accretion disks in compact stellar systems containing white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes are the principal laboratory for understanding the role of accretion disks in a wide variety of environments from proto-stars to quasars. Recent work on disk instabilities and dynamics has given a new theoretical framework with which to study accretion disks. Modeling of time-dependent phenomena provides new insight into the causes and interpretation of photometric and spectroscopic variability and new constraints on the fundamental physical problem — the origin of viscosity in accretion disks. This book contains expert reviews on the nature of limit cycle thermal instabilities and a variety of closely related topics from the theory of angular momentum transport to eclipse mapping of the disk structure. The result is a comprehensive contemporary survey of the structure and evolution of accretion disks in compact binary systems.

An Introduction to Close Binary Stars

An Introduction to Close Binary Stars
Author: R. W. Hilditch
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 398
Release: 2001-03-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521798006

Binary systems of stars are as common as single stars. They are of fundamental importance because they allow stellar masses, radii and luminosities to be measured directly, and explain a host of diverse and energetic phenomena including X-ray binaries, cataclysmic variables, novae, symbiotic stars, and some types of supernovae. This 2001 book was the first to provide a pedagogical and comprehensive introduction to binary stars. It combines theory and observations at all wavelengths to develop a unified understanding of binaries of all categories. It comprehensively reviews methods for calculating orbits, the Roche model, ideas about mass exchange and loss, methods for analysing light curves, the masses and dimensions of different binary systems, and imaging the surfaces of stars and accretion structures. This book provides a thorough introduction to the subject for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Researchers will also find this to be an authoritative reference.

Observer's Guide to Variable Stars

Observer's Guide to Variable Stars
Author: Martin Griffiths
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2018-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030009041

This book contains everything you need to know about variable stars -- stars whose brightness varies noticeably over time. The study of variable stars has been a particularly popular area of research for amateurs for many years; the material contained herein serves as both an introduction to amateur astronomers and a useful reference source for seasoned variable star observers. With its thorough, non-mathematical descriptions of variable stars and tips for how to see them, this book enables novices and experts alike to set off into the field and observe a wide range of delightful sights. It strikes a balance between easily visible objects that can be seen in any telescope or binoculars, and variable stars that are a direct challenge to those with large aperture equipment or access to photometric tools and methods. After helping the observer differentiate between variable star types, the author goes on to explain the skills needed to operate a telescope and other equipment, as well as how to couple filters to a CCD camera or digital SLR camera in order to photometrically record these celestial objects. Further, the book includes an observational guide to 50 objects for study, with finder charts and data about light curves for ease of identification, along with the stars’ celestial coordinates, magnitudes, and other pertinent information.