Accretion Processes in Astrophysics

by Martinez-pais, Ignacio Gonzelez; Shahbaz, Tariq; Velasquez, Jorge Casares

• ISBN13: 9781107030190
• ISBN10: 1107030196
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2014-02-28
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

It has been more than fifty years since the first significant paper on accretion flows was written. In recent years, X-ray satellites capable of identifying accretion disks and radiation jets - indications that accretion has taken place - have significantly advanced our understanding of these phenomena. This volume presents a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the major theoretical and observational topics associated with accretion processes in astrophysics. Comprising lectures presented at the twenty-first Winter School of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics, the text emphasizes the physical aspects of accretion, investigating how radiation jets are produced, how accretion power is divided between jets and radiated energy, the geometry of accretion flow, and the accretion processes of active galactic nuclei. Written by an international team of experienced scientists, chapters offers young researchers key analytical tools for supporting and carrying out the next generation of front-line research.

Table of Contents

List of contributors

List of participants

Preface

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Accretion disks

The evolution of binary systems

Accretion onto white dwarfs

Accretion in X-ray binary systems

X-ray binary populations in galaxies

Observational characteristics of accretion onto black holes I

Observational characteristics of accretion onto black holes II

Computing black hole accretion

Appendix: Piazzi Smyth, the Cape of Good Hope, Tenerife and the siting of large telescopes

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