The Magnetic Universe: The Elusive Traces of an Invisible Force

by J. B. Zirker

Overview

A main selection of Scientific American Book Club

Magnetic fields permeate our vast universe, urging electrically charged particles on their courses, powering solar and stellar flares, and focusing the intense activity of pulsars and neutron stars.

Magnetic fields are found in every corner of the cosmos. For decades, astrophysicists have identified them by their effects on visible light, radio waves, and x-rays. J. B. Zirker summarizes our deep knowledge of magnetism, pointing to what is yet unknown about its astrophysical applications.

In clear, nonmathematical prose, Zirker follows the trail of magnetic exploration from the auroral belts of Earth to the farthest reaches of space. He guides readers on a fascinating journey of discovery to understand how magnetic forces are created and how they shape the universe. He provides the historical background needed to appreciate exciting new research by introducing readers to the great scientists who have studied magnetic fields.

Students and amateur astronomers alike will appreciate the readable prose and comprehensive coverage of The Magnetic Universe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801897276
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	12/01/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	312
File size:	20 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

J. B. Zirker is an astronomer emeritus at the National Solar Observatory and author of Total Eclipses of the Sun; Journey from the Center of the Sun; Sunquakes: Probing the Interior of the Sun; and An Acre of Glass: A History and Forecast of the Telescope, the last two published by Johns Hopkins.

J. B. Zirker, former director of the National Solar Observatory, is the author of Sunquakes: Probing the Interior of the Sun (Johns Hopkins); Journey from the Center of the Sun; and Total Eclipses of the Sun.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Getting Reacquainted with Magnetism
2. The Earth
3. Sunspots and the Solar Cycle
4. The Violent Sun
5. The Heliosphere: Winds, Waves, and Fields
6. The Earth's Magnetosphere and Space Weather
7. The Planets
8. Magnetic Fields and the Birth of Stars
9. Abnormal Stars
10. Compact Objects
11. The Galaxies
12. Something From Nothing: Seed Fields
Notes
Index

Editorial Reviews

Written in a clear, readable style, the book should be accessible to anyone with a high-school or college background in physics or astronomy.
—Physics Today

An excellent, up-to-date overview of what is known about magnetism and its myriad manifestations in astrophysics . . . Highly recommended.
—Choice

Extremely readable . . . The author's enthusiasm is apparent through every chapter.
—Nigel Weiss, The Observatory

Students and amateur astronomers alike will appreciate the readable prose and comprehensive coverage of this book.
—Spaceflight

From the Publisher

Extremely readable . . . The author's enthusiasm is apparent through every chapter.

The Observatory - Nigel Weiss

An excellent, up-to-date overview of what is known about magnetism and its myriad manifestations in astrophysics . . . Highly recommended.

Choice

Written in a clear, readable style, the book should be accessible to anyone with a high-school or college background in physics or astronomy.

Physics Today

Students and amateur astronomers alike will appreciate the readable prose and comprehensive coverage of this book.

Spaceflight

Extremely readable... The author's enthusiasm is apparent through every chapter.

— Nigel Weiss

The Observatory