Features
ISBN Number: 9780470013052
Subtitle: Decoding the Cosmos
Written by: Irwin, James A.
Written by: Irwin, Judith Ann
Written by: Irwin, Judith A.
Published by: John Wiley & Sons
Subject: Astrophysics & Space Science
Subject: Astronomy, General
Subject: Astrophysics
Copyright: 2007
Date of Publication: June 2007
Cover Type: Hardcover
Written in: English
Illustrations: Yes
Number of Pages: 417
Book Size: 974x784x121 221
Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos is an accessible introduction to the key principles and theories underlying astrophysics. This text takes a close look at the radiation and particles that we receive from astronomical objects, providing a thorough understanding of what this tells us, drawing the information together using examples to illustrate the process of astrophysics. Chapters dedicated to objects showing complex processes are written in an accessible manner and pull relevant background information together to put the subject firmly into context. Book News Annotation:
Irwin (physics, Queen's U., Canada) opens up astrophysics for
undergraduates and others with a bent for examples of theory in
practice. She covers signals as they are observed, defined and
measured, matter and radiation; signals as they are perturbed, as in
the interaction of light with matter and light with space; signals
emitted, whether as continuum or line emissions; and the signal
decodes in forensic astronomy. Appendices give both undergraduate and
graduate students background and the many color plates reveal, among
other fascinating things, that Betelgeuse and Rigel can be visible to
the naked eye in daylight and a cute dog is a darn good model for a
lesson on heat and light.
Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Synopsis:
"Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos" is an accessible introduction to the key principles and theories underlying astrophysics.
This text takes a close look at the radiation and particles that we receive from astronomical objects, providing a thorough understanding of what this tells us, drawing the information together using examples to illustrate the process of astrophysics. Chapters dedicated to objects showing complex processes are written in an accessible manner and pull relevant background information together to put the subject firmly into context.
The intention of the author is that the book will be a 'tool chest' for undergraduate astronomers wanting to know the "how" of astrophysics. Students will gain a thorough grasp of the key principles, ensuring that this often-difficult subject becomes more accessible.
