Features
ISBN Number: 9780521310406
Written by: Aller, Lawrence H.
Published by: Cambridge University Press
Written by: Aller, Lawrence H.
Location: Cambridge ;
Subject: Science
Subject: Astrophysics & Space Science
Subject: Astrophysics
Copyright: 1991
Edition Number: 3
Series Volume: no. 128
Date of Publication: August 1991
Cover Type: Paperback
Grade Level: General/trade
Written in: English
Illustrations: Yes
Number of Pages: 380
Book Size: 983x695x72 153
In a nontechnical fashion, this book tells the story of how astronomy and physics work together to unravel many mysteries of stars and nebulae. Professor Aller's descriptions stress deeper understanding of these objects, not just a mere review of facts. After a succinct, nonmathematical excursion into the principles of radiation and atomic structure, he explains in simple terms the physical processes at work in stars and gaseous nebulae. A survey of masses, dimensions, luminosities, temperatures, and chemical compositions of stars is followed by an exploration of their interiors and how stars generate energy. The life histories of stars, from origin through final demise, sometimes through variability to beautiful nebulae, sometimes via violent explosions as supernovae, is recounted in detail. The exotic life histories of many double stars, some of which produce novae, are also described, and the origins of chemical elements in dense stellar cores and the vital role played by gas and dust between the stars is explained. The book closes with an account of the exciting new field of high-energy astronomy and the origin of cosmic rays. This is the ideal introduction to the important field of modern astrophysics for physics and astronomy students. It should also appeal to amateur astronomers interested in the life history of a star, be it a modest one such as our sun or a massive object destined to become a supernovae. Review:
"Aiming his book at the interested lay reader, Aller has written an excellent and detailed account of where stars come from, what makes them shine, how they evolve, and what happens when their lives have run their course." Astronomy"Aller's remarkable book is highly recommended as a brief, nonmathematical survey of the basics of modern astrophysics." Choice
Synopsis:
At an elementary level, this volume ties together the episodes in the life history of a star, be it a modest one like the sun or a massive object destined to form a supernova. It explains how we find the chemical composition of a star, and how elements are manufactured in the dense central cores late in a star's life. The role of the interstellar gas and dust whence new stars are formed is described in some detail. An account is given of how mysteries of high energy particles like cosmic rays are explored - the new frontiers of astrophysics.
Synopsis:
This book tells the story of how astronomy and physics work together to unravel many mysteries of stars and nebulae.
Synopsis:
A semi-popular account of stars and gaseous nebulae, treating topics such as stellar evolution, the origin of elements, supernovae and cosmic rays.
Description:
Includes bibliographical references (p. 351-355) and indexes.
