Solar Astrophysics

by Foukal , Peter V.

• ISBN13: 9783527411030
• ISBN10: 3527411038
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-04-15
• Publisher: Vch Pub

Summary

This revised edition describes our current understanding of the sun -- from its deepest interior, via the layers of the directly observable atmosphere to the solar wind, right up to its farthest extension into interstellar space. It includes a comprehensive account of the history of solar astrophysics and space weather, along with an overview of the key instruments used throughout the various periods. In contrast to other books on the subject, the choice of material deals evenly with the entire scope of important topics covered in solar research, elucidating the advances in our understanding of the sun by the careful use of relatively simple physical concepts. The result is an incisive, reliable, and well-planned look at all that is fascinating and new in studies of the sun for students and non-specialists.

Author Biography

Peter V. Foukal is the Founder and past-President of Cambridge Research and Instrumentation, Inc. He holds a BSc.in Physics from McGill University and a PhD in Astrophysics from Manchester University, UK.

Table of Contents

Development of the ideas and instruments of modern solar research
Radiative transfer in the sun's atmosphere
Solar spectroscopy
Dynamics of solar plasmas
The photosphere
The sun's internal structure and energy generation
Rotation, convection, and oscillations in the sun
Observations of photospheric activity and magnetism
The chromosphere and corona
Prominences and flares
Dynamics of the solar magnetic field
The solar wind and heliosphere
The sun, our variable star
Influences of Solar Variability on the Earth