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Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos

ISBN: 978-0-470-31948-2

April 2007

446 pages

Description
Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos is an accessible introduction to the key principles and theories underlying the subject. It takes a close look at the radiation and particles that we receive from astronomical objects and provides a thorough understanding of what these information-bearers tell us. Chapters are dedicated to complex physical processes described in an accessible manner and pull together relevant background material that , with many examples, places the physics firmly into an astronomical context.
  • an accessible student-friendly guide to the key theories and principles of astrophysics
  • includes numerous illustrations, examples and end-of-chapter problems to enhance student understanding
  • focuses on the 'how' of astronomy- how densities, temperatures, masses and energies are actually determined
  • a 'tool chest' for undergraduate astronomers providing key background information to the subject
  • describes the physics first, then moves on to provide examples of the theory in practice

This book will be invaluable for students taking courses in astrophysics, physics and astronomy and will also be a useful reference for graduate students looking for an overview of the subject.

About the Author
Dr Judith Ann Irwin, Department of Physics, Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario, Canada
Features
  • An accessible student-friendly guide to the key theories and principles of astrophysics
  • Includes numerous illustrations and examples to enhance student understanding
  • Focuses on the how of astronomy- how densities, temperatures, masses, energies are actually determined
  • Each chapter focuses on a physical process that is illustrated with relevant examples and shows how the information we receive either in particles or waves provides us with an understanding of the astronomical object
  • Key background information is provided putting the subject firmly into context
  • Gives the physics first and moves on to provide examples of the theory in practice
  • Includes further reading and problems at the end of each chapter.