Extreme Environment Astrophysics

by Ulrich Kolb

Overview

Covering host systems of accreting, relativistic bodies, and the high-energy phenomena associated with them, this self-contained astrophysics textbook is ideal for advanced undergraduates. The textbook introduces students to a unique blend of astrophysical principles, including the evolutionary history of compact binary stars, the physics of accretion and accretion disc outbursts, the observed signatures of such discs in binary stars and active galactic nuclei, the X-ray emission of accreting compact bodies, and the physics of astrophysical jets and gamma-ray bursts. Worked examples, exercises with complete solutions, full-colour figures and informative chapter summaries guide students through their studies. Boxed equations and key facts highlight important points. Produced by academics drawing on decades of experience delivering courses for The Open University and concentrating on supported learning, this textbook is an ideal guide for self-study. Accompanying resources to this textbook are available at: http://www.cambridge.org/features/astrophysics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521187855
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/06/2010
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Ulrich Kolb is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Open University. He has authored numerous Open University teaching materials in physics and astronomy, chairs The Open University residential school course in practical astronomy, and directs The Open University's robotic telescope project. He has published numerous research papers on compact accreting systems.

Table of Contents

1. Accretion power; 2. Formation and evolution of accretion-powered compact binaries; 3. Steady-state accretion; 4. Accretion disc outbursts; 5. Indirect imaging of accreting systems; 6. High-energy emission from compact accretors; 7. Relativistic outflows; 8. Gamma-ray bursts; Index.

Editorial Reviews

This is a very readable, well-written and beautifully illustrated account of some of the most exciting and energetic phenomena in the Universe. The treatment is aimed at the senior undergraduate level but the clarity of the text and the carefully worked examples and exercises make it accessible and interesting to a much wider audience. This book will be appreciated by everyone wishing to know about accreting binaries, active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray bursts, from astronomy and physics undergraduates to research astrophysicists.” - Professor Juhan Frank, Louisiana State University

“This is in the best tradition of an Open University text, being self-contained, split into clearly defined sections with worked examples for each concept, and superbly illustrated. The clarity of the discussion is such that any of the chapters could be used in undergraduate courses on accretion, while the entire book gives a very complete survey of the field, making it especially suitable as an introduction for graduate students.” - Professor Chris Done, Durham University

From the Publisher