An Introduction to Close Binary Stars

by R. W. Hilditch

Overview

Binary systems of stars are as common as single stars. This original text provides a pedagogical and comprehensive introduction to binary stars. The author combines theory and observations at all wavelengths to develop a unified understanding of binaries of all categories. Chapters review methods for calculating orbits, the Roche model, ideas about mass exchange and loss, methods for analyzing light curves, the masses and dimensions of different binary systems, and imaging the surfaces of stars and accretion structures. This volume offers advanced undergraduate and graduate students a thorough introduction to binary stars that will aid their learning of stellar astrophysics, stellar structure and evolution, and observational astrophysics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521241069
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/12/2001
Series:	Cambridge Astrophysics
Pages:	392
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.87(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Close binary stars - a historical review; 2. Two-body orbital motion; 3. The determination of orbits; 4. Perturbations, the Roche model, and mass exchange/loss; 5. Photometry and polarimetry - stellar sizes and shapes; 6. Masses and absolute dimensions for stars in binaries; 7. The imaging of stellar surfaces and accretion structures; Problems; Outline answers; Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

'Combining the experience of many years of teaching with an equal length of service in observational research on binary stars, Ron Hilditch has produced a book that will be a standard reference for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates, and more mature researchers for a long time to come … I found this book inspirational.' David Stickland, The Observatory

'It covers all the essentials a postgraduate student or undergraduate project student will need to know if they will be working with and interpreting observations of close binary stars and is full of useful sources of further information … I would recommend this book to any astronomer who studies close binary stars or wants a better understanding of them.' Astronomy Now

'This textbook provides advanced undergraduate and graduate students a thorough introduction to binary stars as well as a lucid companion for courses on stellar astrophysics, stellar structure and evolution, and observational astrophysics.' Europe & Astronomy

'This is a comprehensive companion book for courses on stellar astrophysics, and stellar structures and evolution.' Aslib Book Guide

From the Publisher