Physics of the Galaxy and Interstellar Matter

Physics of the Galaxy and Interstellar Matter
Author: Helmut Scheffler
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 500
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642717217

The present book is a translation of the original German edition (published in 1982) with some minor corrections and improvements. The guide to sup plementary and advanced literature given in the Appendix, however, has been brought up to date. This book is addressed primarily to students taking astronomy as a prin cipal or subsidiary subject, and to scientists of related fields, but amateur as tronomers should also be able to profit from it. For most chapters an elementary knowledge of mathematics and physics will be sufficient, however, Chaps. 5 and 6 impose somewhat greater requirements. In addition the reader should already be acquainted with the basic concepts of stellar physics as treated in introduc tory books, including the spectral types, the system of stellar magnitudes and colours, absolute magnitudes and luminosities, the Herlzsprung-Russell dia gram and its interpretation. A modem textbook should use SI units. On the other hand, the use of the cgs system is still the prevailing custom in astrophysics - together with the special units of astronomy: length is quoted in parsecs [pc], mass in solar masses [M0] and time in years [a]. We have therefore compromised and employed both cgs and SI units in this book, whichever was the appropriate choice in each instance. A table for conversion of cgs units into SI units and vice versa is given in the Appendix.

Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium

Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium
Author: Bruce T. Draine
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 560
Release: 2010-12-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1400839084

This is a comprehensive and richly illustrated textbook on the astrophysics of the interstellar and intergalactic medium--the gas and dust, as well as the electromagnetic radiation, cosmic rays, and magnetic and gravitational fields, present between the stars in a galaxy and also between galaxies themselves. Topics include radiative processes across the electromagnetic spectrum; radiative transfer; ionization; heating and cooling; astrochemistry; interstellar dust; fluid dynamics, including ionization fronts and shock waves; cosmic rays; distribution and evolution of the interstellar medium; and star formation. While it is assumed that the reader has a background in undergraduate-level physics, including some prior exposure to atomic and molecular physics, statistical mechanics, and electromagnetism, the first six chapters of the book include a review of the basic physics that is used in later chapters. This graduate-level textbook includes references for further reading, and serves as an invaluable resource for working astrophysicists. Essential textbook on the physics of the interstellar and intergalactic medium Based on a course taught by the author for more than twenty years at Princeton University Covers radiative processes, fluid dynamics, cosmic rays, astrochemistry, interstellar dust, and more Discusses the physical state and distribution of the ionized, atomic, and molecular phases of the interstellar medium Reviews diagnostics using emission and absorption lines Features color illustrations and detailed reference materials in appendices Instructor's manual with problems and solutions (available only to teachers)

The Interstellar Medium

The Interstellar Medium
Author: James Lequeux
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 444
Release: 2005-08-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3540266933

Describing interstellar matter in our galaxy in all of its various forms, this book also considers the physical and chemical processes that are occurring within this matter. The first seven chapters present the various components making up the interstellar matter and detail the ways that we are able to study them. The following seven chapters are devoted to the physical, chemical and dynamical processes that control the behaviour of interstellar matter. These include the instabilities and cloud collapse processes that lead to the formation of stars. The last chapter summarizes the transformations that can occur between the different phases of the interstellar medium. Emphasizing methods over results, The Interstellar Medium is written for graduate students, for young astronomers, and also for any researchers who have developed an interest in the interstellar medium.

The Physics of the Interstellar Medium, Second Edition

The Physics of the Interstellar Medium, Second Edition
Author: J.E Dyson
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 184
Release: 1997-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780585368115

The book leads the advanced undergraduate through the wide range of disciplines related to an understanding of the interstellar medium and is suitable for any student studying either physics or astrophysics. The study of the interstellar medium incorporates a large range of physical More...processes on both large and small scales all of which are covered in this text. Together with the inclusion of simple models and problems at the end of each chapter this text provides a comprehensive overview and grounding in the study of the interstellar medium.

Introduction to the Interstellar Medium

Introduction to the Interstellar Medium
Author: Jonathan P. Williams
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2021-02-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1108480802

A comprehensive yet accessible textbook introducing the nature of the rarefied matter that pervades the space between stars.

Fundamentals of Galaxy Dynamics, Formation and Evolution

Fundamentals of Galaxy Dynamics, Formation and Evolution
Author: Ignacio Ferreras
Publisher: UCL Press
Total Pages: 200
Release: 2019-04-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1911307614

Galaxies, along with their underlying dark matter halos, constitute the building blocks of structure in the Universe. Of all fundamental forces, gravity is the dominant one that drives the evolution of structures from small density seeds at early times to the galaxies we see today. The interactions among myriads of stars, or dark matter particles, in a gravitating structure produce a system with fascinating connotations to thermodynamics, with some analogies and some fundamental differences. Ignacio Ferreras presents a concise introduction to extragalactic astrophysics, with emphasis on stellar dynamics, and the growth of density fluctuations in an expanding Universe. Additional chapters are devoted to smaller systems (stellar clusters) and larger ones (galaxy clusters). Fundamentals of Galaxy Dynamics, Formation and Evolution is written for advanced undergraduates and beginning postgraduate students, providing a useful tool to get up to speed in a starting research career. Some of the derivations for the most important results are presented in detail to enable students appreciate the beauty of maths as a tool to understand the workings of galaxies. Each chapter includes a set of problems to help the student advance with the material.

High Energy Astrophysics: Volume 2, Stars, the Galaxy and the Interstellar Medium

High Energy Astrophysics: Volume 2, Stars, the Galaxy and the Interstellar Medium
Author: M. S. Longair
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 418
Release: 1992
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521435840

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.

Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium

Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium
Author: Giovanni Carraro
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 356
Release: 2021-06-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3030752933

This book is based on a series of lectures for an Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium (ISM) master’s degree in Astrophysics and Cosmology at Padova University. From the cold molecular phase in which stars and planetary systems form, to the very hot coronal gas that surrounds galaxies and galaxy clusters, the ISM is everywhere. Studying its properties is vital for the exploration of virtually any field in astronomy and cosmology. These notes give the student a coherent and accurate mathematical and physical approach, with continuous references to the real ISM in galaxies. The book is divided into three parts. Part One introduces the equations of fluid dynamics for a system at rest and acoustic waves, and then explores the real ISM through the role of thermal conduction and viscosity, concluding with a discussion of shock waves and turbulence. In Part Two, the electromagnetic field is switched on and its role in modulating shock waves and contrasting gravity is studied. Part Three describes dust and its properties, followed by the main stellar sources of energy. The last two chapters respectively address the various components of the ISM and molecular clouds and star formation.

The Fullness of Space

The Fullness of Space
Author: Gareth Wynn-Williams
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 222
Release: 1992-05-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521426381

A comprehensive description of the matter between the stars, beautifully illustrated and clearly written.