Theoretical Astrophysics: Volume 2, Stars and Stellar Systems

Description

This second volume of a comprehensive three-volume work on theoretical astrophysics deals with stellar physics. After reviewing the key observational results and nomenclature used in stellar astronomy, the book develops a solid understanding of central concepts including stellar structure and evolution, the physics of stellar remnants, pulsars, binary stars, the sun and planetary systems, interstellar medium and globular clusters. Throughout, the reader's comprehension is developed and tested with more than seventy-five exercises. This indispensable volume will allow graduate students to master the material sufficiently to read and engage in research with heightened understanding. It can be used alone or in conjunction with Volume 1, which covers a wide range of astrophysical processes, and the forthcoming Volume 3, on galaxies and cosmology.

'... written with exceptional clarity ... the hallmark of Padmanabhan's work ... The mathematical derivations are elegant often starting from action principles, and readers may be enlightened by some which differ from standard approaches ... it is a magnificent achievement and a superb book.' Alan Heavens, The Observatory '... the book develops a solid understanding of central concepts including stellar structure and evolution, the physics of stellar remnants such as while dwarfs and black holes, pulsars, binary stars, the sun and planetary systems, interstellar medium and globular clusters ... This indispensable volume provides graduate students with a self-contained introduction to stellar physics, and will allow them to master the material sufficiently to read and engage in research with heightened understanding.' Europe & Astronomy 'The book should not be missing in any astrophysical library.' Claudia-Veronika Meister, Zbl. MATH