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  3. Cambridge Astrophysics

The Cambridge Astrophysics Series (CAPS) was founded in 1978, and has become an important source of high-quality books in astrophysics, written for professionals and graduate students. The series is dedicated to the publication of research level monographs, extended reviews, and graduate textbooks, and covers all areas of contemporary astrophysics. All books are authored or edited by established experts.

  • General Editors: Andrew King, Douglas Lin, Stephen Maran, Jim Pringle, Martin Ward, Robert Kennicutt

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35 results in Cambridge Astrophysics

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From Luminous Hot Stars to Starburst Galaxies
  • Peter S. Conti, Paul A. Crowther, Claus Leitherer
  • Published online:
    28 October 2009
    Print publication:
    23 October 2008
  • Luminous hot stars represent the extreme upper mass end of normal stellar evolution. Before exploding as supernovae, they live out their lives of a few million years with prodigious outputs of radiation and stellar winds, dramatically affecting both their evolution and environments. A detailed introduction to the topic, this book connects the astrophysics of massive stars with the extremes of galaxy evolution represented by starburst phenomena. A thorough discussion of the physical and wind parameters of massive stars is presented. HII galaxies, their connection to starburst galaxies, and the contribution of starburst phenomena to galaxy evolution through superwinds, are explored. The book concludes with the wider cosmological implications, including Population III stars, Lyman break galaxies and gamma-ray bursts, for each of which massive stars are believed to play a crucial role. This book is ideal for graduate students and researchers in astrophysics interested in luminous hot stars and galaxy evolution.

Sunspots and Starspots
  • John H. Thomas, Nigel O. Weiss
  • Published online:
    28 October 2009
    Print publication:
    23 October 2008
  • The past two decades have seen remarkable advances in observations of sunspots and their magnetic fields, in imaging of spots and fields in distant stars and in associated theoretical models and numerical simulations. This book provides a comprehensive combined account of the properties of sunspots and starspots. It covers both observations and theory, and describes the intricate fine structure of a sunspot's magnetic field and the prevalence of polar spots on stars. The book includes a substantial historical introduction and treats solar and stellar magnetic activity, dynamo models of magnetic cycles, and the influence of solar variability on the Earth's magnetosphere and climate. This volume is a valuable reference for graduate students and specialists in solar and stellar physics, astronomers, geophysicists, space physicists and experts in fluid dynamics and plasma physics.

Solar and Stellar Activity Cycles
  • Peter R. Wilson
  • Published online:
    27 October 2009
    Print publication:
    26 May 1994
  • How do you predict the parameters of future solar cycles? What is the role of dynamo theory in the cyclic activity of the Sun and similar stars? And what are the implications of chaos theory for stellar cycles? This book answers these questions and offers a timely review of studies in the cyclic activity of the Sun and other stars. This authoritative reference shows the importance of reliable predictions of the parameters of future solar cycles, and carefully explains the methods currently used to determine these (with special reference to the maximum of cycle 22). Some of the latest research into solar cycles is clearly presented; this includes helioseismology, observations of the extended activity cycle and the polar fields reversal, and contributions from dynamo theory and chaos theory. For graduate students and researchers, this monograph provides a much-needed synthesis of our understanding of activity cycles in the Sun and other stars.

Plasma Loops in the Solar Corona
  • R. J. Bray, L. E. Cram, C. Durrant, R. E. Loughhead
  • Published online:
    22 October 2009
    Print publication:
    18 July 1991
  • This book presents the first comprehensive account of the properties of plasma loops, the fundamental structural elements of the solar corona. Plasma loops cover a wide range of sizes, and range in temperature from tens of thousands to millions of degrees. They not only define the structure of individual active regions but connect different active regions - even across the solar equator. Loops also play an integral and decisive role in the enormous solar explosions called flares. Over recent years a wealth of space and ground-based observations of loops has been obtained in various widely-spaced regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this book the authors have selected the best observational material from the literature on which to base a detailed account of the properties of flare and non-flare loops. The book also explores the larger implications of the loop structures in our understanding of solar and stellar coronae. The text is enhanced by a large number of illustrations and unique and beautiful photographs obtained from the ground and from space.

Molecular Collisions in the Interstellar Medium
  • 2nd edition
  • David Flower
  • Published online:
    12 October 2009
    Print publication:
    22 March 2007
  • In the interstellar medium - the space between the stars in galaxies - new stars are born from material that is replenished by the debris ejected by stars when they die. This book is a comprehensive manual for studying the collisional and radiative processes observed in the interstellar medium. This second edition has been thoroughly updated and extended to cover related topics in radiation theory. It considers the chemistry of the interstellar medium both at the present epoch and in the early Universe, and discusses the physics and chemistry of shock waves. The methods of calculation of the rates of collisional excitation of interstellar molecules and atoms are explained, emphasising the quantum mechanical method. This book will be ideal for researchers involved in the interstellar medium and star formation, and physical chemists specialising in collision theory or in the measurement of the rates of collision processes.

Classical Novae
  • 2nd edition
  • Edited by Michael F. Bode, Aneurin Evans
  • Published online:
    10 October 2009
    Print publication:
    07 April 2008
  • This second edition has been updated and revised and contains contributions covering important developments in this field, and reflecting on interesting insights into classical novae. The book examines thermonuclear processes, the evolution of nova systems, nova atmospheres and winds, the evolution of dust and molecules in novae, nova remnants and observations of novae in other galaxies. It includes observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio to gamma rays, and discusses some of the most important outstanding problems in classical nova research.

Globular Cluster Systems
  • Keith M. Ashman, Stephen E. Zepf
  • Published online:
    21 September 2009
    Print publication:
    13 May 1998
  • Globular clusters are roughly spherical, densely packed groups of stars found around galaxies. Most globular clusters probably formed at the same time as their host galaxies. They therefore provide a unique fossil record of the conditions during the formation and early evolution of galaxies. This volume presents a comprehensive review of globular cluster systems. It summarizes their observed properties, and shows how these constrain models of the structure of stars, the formation and evolution of galaxies and globular clusters, and the age of the Universe. For graduate students and researchers, this volume provides the definitive reference on globular cluster systems.

3K: The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation
  • R. B. Partridge
  • Published online:
    17 September 2009
    Print publication:
    13 July 1995
  • What processes fixed the designs etched on the cosmic background radiation (CBR)? And what can they tell us about the early Universe, and the origin and evolution of cosmic structure? This review covers all aspects of three decades of study of this ghostly remnant of the hot Big Bang origin of the Universe, and examines the consequences for astrophysics, cosmology and theories of the evolution of large-scale cosmic structure. The observational techniques used to measure the spectrum of CBR, and its angular distribution on the sky, are examined in clear but critical detail: from the work of Penzias and Wilson in 1964, to results from NASA's Cosmic Microwave Background Explorer (COBE) satellite. This review takes these observations and shows how they have shaped our understanding of the early history of the Universe, and of the origin and evolution of the large-scale structures in it. As a reference this book is suitable for researchers, with introductory chapters in cosmology and radio astronomy provided for graduates in physics and astronomy entering into cosmology or CBR research.

Compact Stellar X-ray Sources
  • Edited by Walter Lewin, Michiel van der Klis
  • Published online:
    01 September 2009
    Print publication:
    06 April 2006
  • X-ray astronomy is the prime available window on astrophysical compact objects: black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs. New observational opportunities have led to an explosion of knowledge in this field. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the astrophysics of compact objects that emit X-rays. Sixteen chapters written by the foremost experts in the field cover the observations and the astrophysical interpretation of these objects. Topics covered include binary systems, gamma ray burst sources, anomalous X-ray pulsars, super-soft sources, and enigmatic fast X-ray transients. Further chapters are dedicated to isolated neutron stars and the X-ray source populations of globular clusters. The properties of X-ray binaries are discussed in depth in chapters on quasi-periodic oscillations and related aperiodic X-ray variability, X-ray bursts, black holes, and relativistic jets. This is a valuable reference for both graduate students and active researchers.

The Galaxies of the Local Group
  • Sidney Bergh
  • Published online:
    22 August 2009
    Print publication:
    15 May 2000
  • The Local Group is a small cluster of galaxies that includes the Milky Way. At least half of all galaxies in the Universe are thought to belong to similar groups. This authoritative volume provides a comprehensive synthesis of what is known about the Local Group. It begins with a summary of each member galaxy, as well as those galaxies previously regarded as possible members. The book examines the mass, stability and evolution of the Local Group as a whole and includes many important previously unpublished results and conclusions. With clarity, Professor van den Bergh provides a masterful summary of all that is known about the galaxies of the Local Group and their evolution, and expertly places this knowledge in the wider context of on-going studies of galaxy formation and evolution, the cosmic distance scale, and the conditions in the early Universe.

The Physics of the Cosmic Microwave Background
  • Pavel D. Naselsky, Dmitry I. Novikov, Igor D. Novikov
  • Published online:
    18 August 2009
    Print publication:
    17 August 2006
  • Spectacular observational breakthroughs, particularly by the WMAP satellite, have led to a new epoch of CMB science long after its original discovery. Taking a physical approach, the authors of this volume probe the problem of the 'darkness' of the Universe: the origin and evolution of dark energy and matter in the cosmos. Starting with the observational background of modern cosmology, they provide an accessible review of this fascinating yet complex subject. Topics discussed include the kinetics of the electromagnetic radiation in the Universe, the ionization history of cosmic plamas, the origin of primordial perturbations in light of the inflation paradigm, and the formation of anisotropy and polarization of the CMB. This fascinating review will be valuable to advanced students and researchers in cosmology.

Evolutionary Processes in Binary and Multiple Stars
  • Peter Eggleton
  • Published online:
    17 August 2009
    Print publication:
    20 July 2006
  • Binary systems of stars are as common as single stars. Stars evolve primarily by nuclear reactions in their interiors, but a star with a binary companion can also have its evolution influenced by the companion. Multiple star systems can exist stably for millions of years, but can ultimately become unstable as one star grows in radius until it engulfs another. This volume, first published in 2006, discusses the statistics of binary stars; the evolution of single stars; and several of the most important kinds of interaction between two (and even three or more) stars. Some of the interactions discussed are Roche-lobe overflow, tidal friction, gravitational radiation, magnetic activity driven by rapid rotation, stellar winds, magnetic braking and the influence of a distant third body on a close binary orbit. A series of mathematical appendices gives a concise but full account of the mathematics of these processes.

Stellar Rotation
  • Jean-Louis Tassoul
  • Published online:
    15 August 2009
    Print publication:
    13 April 2000
  • Like the Earth and planets, stars rotate. Understanding how stars rotate is central to modelling their structure, formation and evolution, and how they interact with their environment and companion stars. This authoritative volume, first published in 2000, provides a lucid introduction to stellar rotation and the definitive reference to the subject. It combines theory and observation in a comprehensive survey of how the rotation of stars affects the structure and evolution of the Sun, single stars and close binaries. This book will be of primary interest to graduate students and researchers studying solar and stellar rotation and close binary systems. It will also appeal to those with a more general interest in solar and stellar physics, star formation, binary stars and the hydrodynamics of rotating fluids - including geophysicists, planetary scientists and plasma physicists.

Solar and Stellar Magnetic Activity
  • C. J. Schrijver, C. Zwaan
  • Published online:
    14 August 2009
    Print publication:
    13 April 2000
  • This timely volume provides the first comprehensive review and synthesis of current understanding of magnetic fields in the Sun and similar stars. Magnetic activity results in a wealth of phenomena - including starspots, non-radiatively heated outer atmospheres, activity cycles, deceleration of rotation rates, and even, in close binaries, stellar cannibalism - all of which are covered clearly and authoritatively. This book brings together for the first time recent results in solar studies and stellar studies. The result is an illuminating new view of stellar magnetic activity. Key topics include radiative transfer, convective simulations, dynamo theory, outer-atmospheric heating, stellar winds and angular momentum loss. Researchers are provided with a state-of-the-art review of this exciting field, and the pedagogical style and introductory material make the book an ideal and welcome introduction for graduate students.

Extreme Ultraviolet Astronomy
  • Martin A. Barstow, Jay B. Holberg
  • Published online:
    07 August 2009
    Print publication:
    13 March 2003
  • This text describes the development of astronomy in the Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) wavelength range, from the first rocket-based experiments in the late 1960s through to later satellite missions. Discussions of the results from important space projects are followed by an analysis of the contributions made by EUV astronomy to the study of specific groups of astronomical objects. Within this framework, the book provides detailed material on the tools of EUV astronomy, dealing with the instrumentation, observational techniques, and modelling tools for the interpretation of data. Prospects for future EUV missions are discussed, and a catalogue of the known EUV sources is included. This book will be of great value to graduate students and researchers. It gives a complete overview of Extreme Ultraviolet astronomy.

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