Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, An

by Carroll, Bradley W.; Ostlie, Dale A.

• ISBN13: 9780201547306
• ISBN10: 0201547309
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-01-01
• Publisher: Benjamin Cummings

Summary

This exciting text opens the entire field of modern astrophysics to the reader by using only the basic tools of physics. Designed for the junior- level astrophysics course, each topic is approached in the context of the major unresolved questions in astrophysics. The core chapters have been designed for a course in stellar structure and evolution, while the extended chapters provide additional coverage of the solar system, galactic structure, dynamics, evolution, and cosmology.

Table of Contents

I. TOOLS FOR ASTRONOMY.

1. The Celestial Sphere.
2. Celestial Mechanics.
3. The Continuous Spectrum of Light.
4. The Theory of Special Relativity.
5. The Interaction of Light and Matter.
6. Telescopes.

II. THE NATURE OF STARS.

7. Binary Stars and Stellar Parameters.
8. The Classification of Stellar Spectra.
9. Stellar Atmospheres.
10. The Interiors of Stars.
11. The Sun.
12. The Process of Star Formation.
13. Post-Main-Sequence Stellar Evolution.
14. Stellar Pulsation.
15. The Degenerate Remnants of Stars.
16. Black Holes.
17. Close Binary Star Systems.

III. THE SOLAR SYSTEM.

18. Physical Processes in the Solar System.
19. The Terrestrial Planets.
20. The Jovian Worlds.
21. Pluto, Solar System Debris, and Formation.

IV. GALAXIES AND THE UNIVERSE.

22. The Milky Way Galaxy.
23. The Nature of Galaxies.
24. Galactic Evolution.
25. The Structure of the Universe.
26. Active Galaxies.
27. Cosmology.
28. The Early Universe.
Appendices.
Index.