An Introduction to Cosmochemistry

Description

This textbook describes the composition and evolution of material objects in the universe. The survey begins with a discussion of terrestrial materials and ends with the composition of quasars and distant galaxies. There are two main themes: chemical processes responsible for the abundances we observe, and nuclear processes in which the chemical elements originate. The author presents a total pedagogic synthesis of the subject, building on the basic information in the first chapters leading into a fuller explanation of the composition of the planets and stellar and primordial nucleosynthesis. The later chapters treat the analytical methods of stellar and nebular spectra, and move on to the composition of stars and galaxies. The book is fully referenced and includes problem sets.

'will be suitable for both the specialist and the advanced undergraduate because it provides a broad, comprehensive outline of our understanding of matter, using the appropriate tools of astronomy, geology, chemistry and physics.' Marcus Chown New Scientist 'beautifully written' David Hughes New Scientist 'This is a marvellous book ... up to date, well illustrated and well referenced ... An Introduction to Cosmochemistry will serve admirably as a basis for undergraduate and graduate courses in geochemistry, geophysics, astronomy, and astrophysics.' I. R. McNab Chemistry in Britain 'It is quite a stimulating introduction aimed at the advanced undergraduate student of astronomy and astrophysics , helpful to begin active research ... written in clear and understandable manner.' Zeitschrift fur Physikalische Chemie