Stars and Stellar Processes

by Mike Guidry

Overview

This textbook offers a modern approach to the physics of stars, assuming only undergraduate-level preparation in mathematics and physics, and minimal prior knowledge of astronomy. It starts with a concise review of introductory concepts in astronomy, before covering the nuclear processes and energy transport in stellar interiors, and stellar evolution from star formation to the common stellar endpoints as white dwarfs and neutron stars. In addition to the standard material, the author also discusses more contemporary topics that students will find engaging, such as neutrino oscillations and the MSW resonance, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, advanced nucleosynthesis, neutron stars, black holes, cosmology, and gravitational waves. With hundreds of worked examples, explanatory boxes, and problems with solutions, this textbook provides a solid foundation for learning either in a classroom setting or through self-study.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107197886
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/07/2019
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	572
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 9.96(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Mike Guidry is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee. His current research is focused on the development of new algorithms to solve large sets of differential equations, and applications of Lie algebras to strongly-correlated electronic systems. He has written five textbooks and authored more than 120 journal publications on a broad variety of topics. He previously held the role of Lead Technology Developer for several major college textbooks in introductory physics, astronomy, biology, genetics, and microbiology. He has won multiple teaching awards and is responsible for a variety of important science outreach initiatives.

Table of Contents

Part I. Stellar Structure: 1. Some properties of stars; 2. The Hertzsprung–Russell diagram; 3. Stellar equations of state; 4. Hydrostatic and thermal equilibrium; 5. Thermonuclear reactions in stars; 6. Stellar burning processes; 7. Energy transport in stars; 8. Summary of stellar equations; Part II. Stellar Evolution: 9. The formation of stars; 10. Life and times on the main sequence; 11. Flavor oscillations of solar neutrinos; 12. Solar neutrinos and the MSW effect; 13. Evolution of lower-mass stars; 14. Evolution of higher-mass stars; 15. Stellar pulsations and variability; 16. White dwarfs and neutron stars; 17. Black holes; Part III. Accretion, Mergers, and Explosions: 18. Accreting binary systems; 19. Nova explosions and X-ray bursts; 20. Supernovae; 21. Gamma-ray bursts; 22. Gravitational waves and stellar evolution; Appendix A: constants; Appendix B: numeral units; Appendix C: mean molecular weights; Appendix D: reaction libraries; Appendix E: a mixing-length model; Appendix F: quantum mechanics; Appendix G: using arXiv and ADS; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

'This is a long-sought after textbook that I very much look forward to owning myself, and using for upper level undergraduate courses as well as in preparing lectures for graduate courses. The author's attention to detail-with-clarity begins in Chapter 1, and continues throughout the text. Most enjoyable are the new modern versions of several classic figures in the field.' Lynne Hillenbrand, California Institute of Technology

'A very comprehensive textbook on stellar physics with plenty of up-to-date topics. The only book needed for an advanced undergraduate level stellar physics course.' Stephen Chi-Yung Ng, University of Hong Kong

From the Publisher