Cosmic Explosions in Three Dimensions: Asymmetries in Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursts

Description

Supernovae and gamma-ray bursts are the strongest explosions in the Universe. Recent observations have shown that rather than being symmetrical, they are driven by strong jets of energy and other asymmetrical effects that reveal previously unknown physical properties. These observations have demanded new theories and computations that challenge the biggest computers. This volume marks the transition to a new paradigm in the study of stellar explosions. It highlights the burgeoning era of routine supernova polarimetry and the new insights into core collapse and thermonuclear explosions. With chapters by leading scientists, the book summarises the status of a rapidly developing new perspective on stellar explosions. It is a valuable resource for graduate students and research scientists.

Peter Hoflich is a Research Scientist at the University of Texas in Austin, where he mainly works on problems of radiation transport, non-LTE atmospheres, polarization, hydrodynamics and radiation hydrodynamics. Pawan Kumar is Professor of Astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin where he is a key member of the innovative UTeach science education program. He is an expert on helioseismology. J. Craig Wheeler is the Samuel T. and Fern Yanagisawa Regents Professor of Astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, and was Chair of the Astronomy Department from 1986 to 1990.

'... the in-depth reviews of the volume ... make it a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers.' The Observatory