Introduction to High-Energy Astrophysics

by Stephan Rosswog, Marcus Brüggen

Overview

High-energy astrophysics covers cosmic phenomena that occur under the most extreme physical conditions. It explores the most violent events in the Universe: the explosion of stars, matter falling into black holes, and gamma-ray bursts - the most luminous explosions since the Big Bang. Driven by a wealth of observations, there has been a large leap forward in our understanding of these phenomena. Exploring modern topics of high-energy astrophysics, such as supernovae, neutron stars, compact binary systems, gamma-ray bursts, and active galactic nuclei, this 2007 textbook is ideal for undergraduate students in high-energy astrophysics. It is a self-contained, relevant overview of this exciting field of research. Assuming a familiarity with basic physics, it introduces all other concepts, such as gas dynamics or radiation processes, in an instructive way. An extended appendix gives an overview of some of the most important high-energy astrophysics instruments, and each chapter ends with exercises.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521857697
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/30/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	366
Product dimensions:	7.09(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.83(d)

About the Author

Stephan Rosswog is Professor of Astrophysics at the School of Engineering and Science, International University Bremen, Germany. He is a member of the German Physical Society (DPG) and the International Astronomical Union, and is the recipient of a PPARC Advanced Fellowship.

Marcus Brüggen is Professor of Astrophysics at the School of Engineering and Science, International University Bremen, Germany. He is a member of the International Astronomical Union and Deutsche Astronomische Gesellschaft, and a recipient of the Blackwell Prize from the Royal Astronomical Society.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Special relativity; 2. Gas processes; 3. Radiation processes; 4. Supernovae; 5. Neutron stars, pulsars and magnetars; 6. Compact binary systems; 7. Gamma-ray bursts; 8. Active galactic nuclei; Appendix A. Some recent high-energy astrophysics instruments; Appendix B. Physical constants; Appendix C. Distances; Appendix D. Luminosity, brightness, magnitude, colour; Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"...this book contains everything a beginner in this topic needs to know: special relativity, gas and radiation processes, neutron stars, X-ray binaries, supernovae, active galactic nuclei, even gamma-ray bursts are covered in detail in an extra chapter. ...a pedagogically well thought out textbook. It is highly recommended to all physics students that want to engage in high-energy astrophysics." - Sterne and Weltraum

Editorial Reviews

"...this book contains everything a beginner in this topic needs to know: special relativity, gas and radiation processes, neutron stars, X-ray binaries, supernovae, active galactic nuclei, even gamma-ray bursts are covered in detail in an extra chapter. ...a pedagogically well thought out textbook. It is highly recommended to all physics students that want to engage in high-energy astrophysics." - Sterne and Weltraum

From the Publisher