Product Description
This text is intended for undergraduate nonscience majors, satisfying a general education requirement or seeking an elective in natural science. It is a text on physics, but with an emphasis on topics and applications in astronomy; the perspective is thus different from most undergraduate astronomy courses: rather than discussing what one knows about the heavens (and including, where needed, a brief discussion of the necessary physics), this text develops the principles of physics (as one needs them to understand the behavior of matter on Earth) and uses these to illuminate what we see in the heavens.The fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter and energy are thus used to study the solar system, the structure and evolution of stars, and the early universe. The first part of the book develops Newtonian mechanics with an aim of understanding celestial mechanics. Chapters on electromagnetism and elementary quantum theory lay the foundation of the modern theory of the structure of matter and the role of radiation in the constitution of stars. Kinetic theory and nuclear physics provide the basis for a discussion of stellar structure and evolution. And an examination of red shifts and other observational data provide a basis for discussions of cosmology and cosmogony. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great if you're willing to work a bit
This is a great book. It not only introduces you to some essential and facanating astrophysoics, but it also has a lot about classical mechanics which helps you understand the more advanced parts of the book. All in all it is good for someone who is willing to think about the problems in the book (some make you have to think for youself about the way to solve the problems.) But a scarce amount of calc. and trig (E.I. logarithms/ limits) is necessairy (both of which are on one or two pages each. All in all, a great start for an undergraduate necessairily majoring or someone who is just interested in how the universe works.

The Universe in 300 Pages
I am currently teaching an undergraduate-level course titled "Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology" at Stevens Institute of Technology, and I am using this book as the text. The course is intended as a science elective for non-physics majors, so my class consists mostly of computer science majors who have had one semester of physics and two semesters of calculus in their freshman year.

The book provides a good summary of the classical mechanics typically taught in "Physics I" and goes on to cover electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, relativity, and atomic physics, all in the context of explaining astrophysical phenomena. As the title implies, this is an elementary physics text first and foremost, with an emphasis on astrophysics. From a practical perspective, it is relatively small, lightweight, and inexpensive (from the lack of color illustrations, I assume), all of which influenced my decision to adopt it for my course.

Here is a list of some other texts that I considered for adoption and have been using as supplemental references:

Carroll, An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics (Addison-Wesley Longman)
Chaisson, Astronomy Today (Pearson Prentice Hall)
Snow, Universe: Origins and Evolution (Wadsworth)
Zeilik, Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics (Brooks/Cole)

Unique Introduction to Astrophysics - Calculus Not Required
Science, mathematics, and engineering majors typically have little time for the more advanced, and more interesting humanities courses. Humanities majors are typically in a worse situation. In addition to scheduling difficulties, most do not have sufficient mathematical maturity to undertake first year classes in physics, chemistry, and calculus, much less the more advanced (and decidedly more interesting) topics like astrophysics, quantum physics, quantum chemistry, and abstract mathematics.

James Seaborn has created a unique text that targets humanities majors - Understanding the Universe, An Introduction to Physics and Astrophysics. Calculus is not necessary; only that level of high school mathematics generally required for college admissions. We learn the principles of physics, not in the standard format (mechanics followed bythermodynamics, vibrations and waves, electromagnetics, optics, and modern physics), but rather in the fascinating context of exploring the universe.

Seaborn does not skirt mathematics and the student will need to work, but no more than would be required in studying the poetry of William Blake, comparative religions, economic causes of the Civil War, the writings of Jorge Luis Borges, or other more advanced classes in the humanities.

Seaborn has that rare and remarkable ability to present complex and difficult topics with clarity and humor.His writing reminds me of Richard Feynman. His chapters are short and easily digestible. The example problems are well-chosen. I highly recommend this text for students looking for an introduction to physics, or astrophysics, or astronomy. It is really quite exceptional. I suspect that many science majors would also appreciate this short introduction to astrophysics.

Astrophysics: the short course.
The best book I've found for brushing up on forgotten math. Each short chapter covers a subject (optics, for example) and states what you really need to know. The problems at the end fortify that which was just taught. Answers are given to most problems but the method to find them is up to you. An excellent self-teaching book for the amateur astronomer who would like to know some of the science involved or for the serious student who needs to reclaim some lost physics. The book focuses on problems peculiar to astrophysics. Small enough to stick in your shoulder-bag and keep with you. One of my must-keep books.

A concise, lucid introduction to the world of astrophysics
As a former student of the author, I have a good feel for Dr. Seaborn's work and manner in this field. I find this recent work particularly comprehensive and helpful for those wishing to augment theirunderstanding of physics and astronomy.The level of math is suitable for detailed, logical analysis, but notso challenging that non-majors cannot follow the explanations. ... Read more

Product Description
High energy astrophysics is one of the most exciting areas of contemporary astronomy, covering the most energetic phenomena in the universe.The highly acclaimed first edition of Professor Longair's book immediately established itself as an essential textbook on high energy astrophysics.In this complete revision, the subject matter has expanded to the point where two volumes are desirable. In the first, a thorough treatment is given of the physical processes that govern the behavior of particles in astrophysical environments such as interstellar gas, neutron stars, and black holes.Special emphasis is placed on how observations are made in high energy astrophysics and the limitations imposed on them.The tools of the astronomer and high energy astrophysicist are introduced in the context of specific astronomical problems.The material in Volume 1 leads to a study of all kinds of high energy phenomena in the galaxy and universe given in the second volume. This book assumes that readers have some knowledge of physics and mathematics at the undergraduate level, but no prior knowledge of astronomy is required.The pair of books covers all aspects of modern high energy astrophysics to the point where current research can be understood. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the best books about Cosmic Rays Astrophysics
The two volumes of "High Energy Astrophysics" by M.S. Longair are amongst my favourite books: I read them several times and every time I found interesting hints for my work.I'm waiting for the third volume for 3 years, but it's still missing from the bookshelf...
The first volume ("Particles, Photons and Their Detection") focuses on the interactions between high energy particles and matter, in order to help the reader to understand how detectors work.The theoretical approach is deep enough not to hide the "dirty" steps of the calculations, and some subsection requires good mathematical skills (well, not as much as for Russian books ;-).
The second volume ("Stars, the Galaxy and Interstellar Medium") focuses on the Physics of cosmic rays (CR) while they run through the Galaxy.The author takes the occasion to explain several very exciting items, from the proposed mechanisms of CR acceleration and high energy photons emission, to the diffusion through the interstellar medium and the Solar wind, untill the CR reach the Earth.Special emphasis is given to open problems -- only very few of them were solved in the meantime (Nov. 2001).
The 2 volumes are well suited for advanced students in Physics or Astronomy, and are a good reference for researchers. ... Read more

Product Description
This authoritative text provides a lively, thought-provoking and informative summary of neutrino astrophysics. Neutrino astronomy is being revolutionized by the availability of new observational facilities. Theoretical work in astrophysics and in particle physics in increasing rapidly. The subject of solar neutrinos has many seemingly independent aspects, both in its theoretical basis (involving nuclear, atomic, and particle physics, geochemistry, and astronomy). For many physicists, solar neutrinos constitute the low-energy frontier of high-energy physics. Results from all these disciplines are combined here, providing a timely and unified discussion of the field. Each chapter begins with a succinct overview of material to be presented and ends with an annotated bibliography. For advanced undergraduate students, but will be essential reading for all researchers interested in the physics of neutrinos and what they reveal about the nature of the Universe. ... Read more

Product Description
The study of planet formation has been revolutionized by recent observational breakthroughs, which have allowed the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets, the imaging of protoplanetary disks, and the discovery of the Solar System's Kuiper Belt. Written for beginning graduate students, this textbook provides a basic understanding of the astrophysical processes that shape the formation of planetary systems. It begins by describing the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks, moves on to the formation of planetesimals, terrestrial and gas giant planets, and concludes by surveying new theoretical ideas for the early evolution of planetary systems. Covering all phases of planet formation - from protoplanetary disks to the dynamical evolution of planetary systems - this introduction can be understood by readers with backgrounds in planetary science, observational and theoretical astronomy. It highlights the physical principles underlying planet formation and the areas where more research and new observations are needed. ... Read more

Product Description
Astronomy describes the mechanics of the universe in the more basic language of physics, otherwise known as "astrophysics".Knowledge of black holes, quasars and extrasolar planets requires understanding of the physics underlying astrophysics. This book clarifies the fundamental principles of the field as well as the important astronomical phenomena it describes.Readers will gain a greater appreciation of the connection between physics and astronomy. ... Read more

Product Description
Describing the processes in stars which produce the chemical elements for planets and life, this book shows how similar processes may be reproduced in laboratories using exotic beams, and how these results can be analyzed. Beginning with one-channel scattering theory, the book builds up to multi-channel reactions. Emphasis is placed on using transfer and breakup reactions to probe structure and predict capture processes, as well as R-matrix methods for modeling compound nucleus dynamics described by Hauser-Feshbach methods. Practical applications are prominent in this book, confronting theory predictions with data throughout. The associated reaction program Fresco is described, allowing readers to apply the methods to practical cases. Each chapter ends with exercises so readers can test their understanding of the materials covered. Supplementary materials at www.cambridge.org/9780521856355 include the Fresco program, input and output files for the examples given in the book, and hints and graphs related to the exercises. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume contains a comprehensive treatment of X-ray spectroscopy, as applied in astrophysics. It is presented in the form of extensive notes of lectures given by seven distinguished scientists at the Tenth Summer School of the European Astrophysics Doctoral Network. The subjects covered are: basic line and continuum radiation processes in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy; atomic physics of collision- and radiation-dominated plasmas; X-ray spectroscopic observations with ASCA and BeppoSAX; future X-ray spectroscopy missions; X-ray optics, and X-ray spectroscopy instrumentation. The book, which will appeal to both researchers and graduate students, is timely in view of the scheduled launches of the big X-ray observatories AXAF and XMM in 1999. ... Read more

Product Description
Covering host systems of accreting, relativistic bodies, and the high-energy phenomena associated with them, this self-contained astrophysics textbook is ideal for advanced undergraduates. The textbook introduces students to a unique blend of astrophysical principles, including the evolutionary history of compact binary stars, the physics of accretion and accretion disc outbursts, the observed signatures of such discs in binary stars and active galactic nuclei, the X-ray emission of accreting compact bodies, and the physics of astrophysical jets and gamma-ray bursts. Worked examples, exercises with complete solutions, full-colour figures and informative chapter summaries guide students through their studies. Boxed equations and key facts highlight important points. Produced by academics drawing on decades of experience delivering courses for The Open University and concentrating on supported learning, this textbook is an ideal guide for self-study. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

reference text, not for use in class
I was assigned this textbook for an advanced undergraduate astrophysics course.I found it to be ambiguous and difficult to use effectively.Many of the equations seemed to come from nowhere, and were presented with little explanation.

I suspect that this textbook could be helpful for those who are already quite familiar with the material, as a reference text.However, I do not think that it is an effective classroom text to be used on its own.

Concise and Wonderful
This book is NOT meant to be an in-depth look at all of astrophysics, but rather a concise overview. Hence the "in a nutshell" title! This book is appropriate for educators who plan on teaching a semester or even quarter course with an emphasis on breadth of knowledge rather than depth. Furthermore, students will find this book EXTREMELY useful for reviewing basic astrophysics and for preparing for exams (such as the PhD qualifying exam). The problems at the end of the book are wonderful, and are at a level that undergraduates should be able to complete them. This book does assume a basic background in both physics and astronomy. Also, since the book is so concise, it's not a good book to learn from for the first time, however as I mentioned, it is an excellent book if supplemented by lectures. Bottom line, if you are trying to learn this material for the first time, this book is not for you. However, if you're looking for a good book to adopt for class, or you already "know" the material but want to review, this book is for you.

An excellent overview
Astrophysics in a Nutshell is an absolutely excellent introduction to the subject for those with a reasonable physics background, but from outside the field. I am recommending it heartily to all my friends and colleagues who want a concise overview of this vast field.

Not For Teaching, Good for Reference
This text was used with my Astronomy undergradute class for the Fall 2007 semester. My professor simply paraphrased and verbally expounded upon certain topics in the book leading to a boring lecture; and furthermore, I haven't learned anything more than if I had picked up this book myself.

Here are some problems I have with the book:
-I found on several instances that there was the classic physics text book faux pax, 'and as the reader can easily see or do on their own, this equals this'. Would it really be that hard to take 2 sentences to explain what is going on? We are supposed to learn from a text book, not guess as to how things are done.

-Some of the problems having little to do with what was actually covered in the chapter. In a good text book, you should be able to reference concepts AND equations in the chapter to use in working through a problem. What is the point of introducing a topic and then having a problem essentially say, 'ignore all that, and use this simplification'. That completely nullifies the entire point of introducing the topic in the chapter.


The bottom line is that this book should NOT be used as a textbook for an undergradute astronomy course. One should thoroughly learn specific topics that can be continually built upon in later classes. This book glosses over a lot of topics, introduces things conceptually and very briefly that you won't be able to learn in depth until later after more physics.

It's a good reference book for graduates. It is NOT a good textbook, by any stretch of the imagination, for undergraduates; unless, of course, you have an amazing professor which seem few and far between in Astronomy undergrad.

Text much like an outline from lecture notes
I have completed reading this textbook, appreciating the conciseness of the material and completeness of this topic when compared to larger and more rigorous texts.Diagrams are plentiful and explanations flow well, but for the independent reader a more polished, better illustrated text would work better.This physics book would work well with a class supplemented with explanations, more mathematical examples, and correlating images. ... Read more

Product Description
This revised edition describes our current understanding of the sun -- from its deepest interior, via the layers of the directly observable atmosphere to the solar wind, right out to its farthest extension into interstellar space. It includes a comprehensive account of the history of solar astrophysics, along with an overview of the key instruments throughout the various periods. In contrast to other books on this subject, the choice of material deals even-handedly with the entire scope of important topics covered in solar research. The authors make the advances in our understanding of the sun accessible to students and non-specialists by careful use of relatively simple physical concepts. An incisive, reliable, and well-structured look at all that is fascinating and new in studies of the sun. ... Read more

Product Description

Now in its 4th edition, this classic text presents a quantitative understanding of a range of astrophysical concepts. Emphasizing physical concepts, the book outlines cosmic events but does not portray them in detail. Instead, it provides a series of astrophysical sketches showing how to obtain quantitative insights into the structure and evolution of stars, the dynamics of cosmic gases, the large-scale behavior of the universe, and the origins of life. Nearly every part of the text has been reconsidered and rewritten for the new edition; new sections cover recent developments, and the remainder has been revised and brought up to date.

Customer Reviews (2)

too vague
too vague, its not bad...its alright

Comprehensive and interesting
I'm currently teaching a topics class on astrophysics to a collection of (mostly) senior level non-physics majors (engineers, math majors, computer scientists, etc) and had a lot of trouble trying to find an appropriatebook.There are not many which are both (a) detailed, (b) broad, and (c)at the appropriate level.Most books for undergraduates are either toofocused (i.e. on cosmology) or too elementary.Most of the comprehensivebooks are too advanced.

This book strikes a nice balance betweenmathematical sophistication and generality, but it can be a littledifficult to read in places, particularly for someone without a strongphysics background.Since my class consists mostly of interested,advanced, non-physics majors I didn't feel that the book meshed well withmy class goals.However, the book did suit *me* very well and I'm using itextensively as a source of examples, additional problems and lecturepreparation.

I selected "Modern Astrophysics" by Carroll andOstlie as the class text because it was a little more wordy and explanitoryand because the "astrophysical sketch" approach taken inHarwitt'sbook is fine for someone who has a strong background in physics(which is, after all, the intended audience) but not "userfriendly" enough for advanced students from other fields.

It was atough choice though - this is an excellent book. ... Read more

Product Description

For every galaxy in the field or in clusters, there are about three galaxies in groups. The Milky Way itself resides in a group. Groups in the local universe offer the chance to study galaxies in environments characterized by strong interactions. In the cosmological context, groups trace large-scale structures better than clusters; the evolution of groups and clusters appears to be related. All these aspects of research are summarized in this book.

Product Description
This innovative book provides a clear and pedagogical introduction to research through a series of problems and answers. The author has designed the problems to develop each core topic in a simple and coherent way, and he provides full solutions to make this book completely self-contained. The first half of the book covers the core subjects of astrophysical processes, gravitational dynamics, radiative processes, fluid mechanics and general relativity. The second half uses these concepts to develop modern cosmology; topics include the Friedmann model and thermal history, the dynamics of dark matter and baryons in an expanding universe, the physics of high-redshift objects and the very early universe. This unique self-study textbook will be of key interest to graduate students and researchers in cosmology, astrophysics, relativity and theoretical physics. It is particularly well suited to graduate-level courses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hard... but excellent!
This is a very welcomed book for graduate students in astrophysics. Although I have only scratched the surface of the topics, I find its format and distribution very well organized. The solutions are also clearly exposed, but you need a very high background to work on the problems entirely on your own. ... Read more

Product Description
Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos is an accessible introduction to the key principles and theories underlying astrophysics.

This text takes a close look at the radiation and particles that we receive from astronomical objects, providing a thorough understanding of what this tells us, drawing the information together using examples to illustrate the process of astrophysics. Chapters dedicated to objects showing complex processes are written in an accessible manner and pull relevant background information together to put the subject firmly into context.

The intention of the author is that the book will be a ‘tool chest’ for undergraduate astronomers wanting to know the how of astrophysics. Students will gain a thorough grasp of the key principles, ensuring that this often-difficult subject becomes more accessible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great coverage
this book covers a wide range of information. the tables and appendices contain background information and serve as a good reference. is a pleasant read, friendly approach. ... Read more

Product Description
Astronomy, astrophysics and space research have witnessed an explosive development over the last few decades. The new observational potential offered by space stations and the availability of powerful and highly specialized computers have revealed novel aspects of the fascinating realm of galaxies, quasars, stars and planets. The present completely revised 5th edition of The New Cosmos provides ample evidence of these dramatic developments. In a concise presentation, which assumes only a modest prior knowledge of mathematics and physics, the book gives a coherent introduction to the entire field of astronomy and astrophysics. At the same time, it takes into account the art of observation and the fundamental ideas behind their interpretation. Like its predecessors, this edition of The New Cosmos will provide new insight and enjoyment not only to students and researchers in the fields of astronomy, physics and earth sciences, but also to a wide range of interested amateurs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The New Cosmos, Intro Astronomy & Astrophysics
This book meets my expectations in that it covers a wide variety of topics, in some detail.I wanted to take a "step up" regarding technical detail, and this book is what I was looking for.The only drawback is the occasional heavy mathematics, but this is something I can grow into, and is not essential to enjoying the book.

applies physics to astronomy
As a physics undergrad, an earlier edition of this book was one of our texts in 1982. The latest edition continues the tradition of providing a lucid description of the basic physical principles underlying astronomic phenomena.

Hence, you are shown how the temperature in a star can rise, because as its atoms fall towards each other under mutual gravity, the conservation of energy leads to an increase in kinetic energy and hence temperature. Enough to eventually trigger ignition of nuclear reactions. Well, provided the initial mass is large enough. Otherwise one gets brown dwarfs or gas giants like Jupiter.

Other subjects like spectroscopy are also derived from basic principles. It's nice to see how we can get the surface temperature of a star by looking at its spectrum and seeing which lines exist. And the strength of the magnetic field on its surface by the amount of splitting in certain lines. And even the rate of rotation by the minute Doppler shifts.

The evolution of the elements, from nuclear fusion, is well done. The text refers to the classic papers, including B2FH (Burbidge, Burbidge, Fowler and Hoyle). Other key contributors like Chandrasekhar get their fair mention.

A very good introduction to astronomy and astrophysics
It's not the flashiest text, I agree.But I think it can be used for a first course on astronomy and astrophysics (for students with some basic calculus and physics).

It covers everything:Celestial mechanics, the Sun and its planetary system, electromagnetic radiation, telescopes and detectors, astrophysics of individual stars, star clusters, interstellar matter, the Milky Way, galaxies, clusters of galaxies, cosmology, and cosmogony.But the style is concise, and there isn't enough space to cover it all in detail.It requires careful reading, and if used for a class, some topics probably need to be skipped or amplified by an instructor.

What would I add to it?Not much.Maybe a little more on planetary dynamics and magnetospheres, since I happen to find them interesting.Perhaps more material on relativity.

Solid astronomical textbook
This book may not be the most flashy in illustrations and will require that you actually read whole sections instead of just browsing the highlights in sidebars. But it does contain a lot of solid information going into more detail on several topics than other introductory textbooks. It is targeted rather at the graduating physics student than at an interested lay person.

German Science
Being a German-American, I thought this book would get to the rudiments of astrophysics - and it does. Unfortunately, I seem to fall asleep before reading a page or two. The book is full of information ... in TEXT form. The illustrations offered are dry and somewhat difficult to extract information from. The methods of problem solving assume that you have a good handle on the topics discussed already (not for introductory Astrophysicists). If you are in need of a book to give straight to the point explanations, and fundamental equations - you've found it! Try reading at a coffee shop, though - and no decaf! ... Read more

Product Description
Understanding star formation is one of key fields in present-day astrophysics. This book treats a wide variety of physical processes involved, as well as the main observational discoveries. Key points are discussed in detail. Present time star formation in our galaxy is emphasized, because the most detailed observations are available for this case. The book presents a comparison of the various scenarios for star formation, discusses the basic physics underlying each one, and follows in detail the history of a star from its initial state in the interstellar gas to its final state as a condensed object in equilibrium. Both theoretical and observational evidence to support the validity of the general evolutionary path are presented, and methods for comparing the two are emphasized.The author is a recognized expert in calculations of the evolution of protostars, the structure and evolution of disks, and stellar evolution in general. This book will be of value to graduate students in astronomy and astrophysics as well as to active researchers in the field. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 2 contains the basic physical ideas and laws used in the study of the outer layers of a star including stellar magnitudes, spectra and temperatures, radiative transfer in a stellar atmosphere, line formation, the spectrum of hydrogen, spectral analysis, and available structural components. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics Vol 2
This is an excellent series Vol 1 thur 3 for the person wishing to review the basics of stellar astrophysics. I stress the words review for the author assumes at least a basic level of knowledge on how astronomical data is measured. The reader is cautioned to be versed in basic mathematical skills up through the beginning calculus level as detailed worked out examples are not provided in the text. At the conclusion of this and Volumes 1 and 3 are a series of chapter review problems for which there are no answers provided. Volume 1 and 3 deal with stellar data and interiors.

This is a good set of volumes and worth having if you are knowledgeable in the subject. It is not a self teaching set but a sound set to be used for classroom work at the intermediate level.

My only real complaint was that the author did not provide worked out answers to the problem sets at the end of each book.

A well-written concise introduction to stellar atmospheres.
An outstanding review of basic principles of physics used in interstellar physics and stellar atmospheres.A salubrious touch of examples and real data make this book invaluable to any intermediate astronomy student with agood physics background. ... Read more

Product Description
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 new observations, the last decade has seen 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 textbook is ideal for undergraduate students in high-energy astrophysics. It is a self-supporting, timely 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. ... Read more

Product Description
Combining a critical account of observational methods (telescopes and instrumentation) with a lucid description of the Universe, including stars, galaxies and cosmology, Smith provides a comprehensive introduction to the whole of modern astrophysics beyond the solar system. The first half describes the techniques used by astronomers to observe the Universe: optical telescopes and instruments are discussed in detail, but observations at all wavelengths are covered, from radio to gamma-rays. After a short interlude describing the appearance of the sky at all wavelengths, the role of positional astronomy is highlighted. In the second half, a clear description is given of the contents of the Universe, including accounts of stellar evolution and cosmological models. Fully illustrated throughout, with exercises given in each chapter, this textbook provides a thorough introduction to astrophysics for all physics undergraduates, and a valuable background for physics graduates turning to research in astronomy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An amazing introduction for the serious astronomy student
This book is the perfect first text for astronomy students that are just getting beyond descriptive astronomy and are venturing into more mmathematically rigorous depths.From the first chapter to the last what has often been accepted in descriptive courses is now plumbed with the tools of basic calculus and statistics.

Students are given the opportunity to see how the various formulas used in observational astronomy are derived, leading to a greater understanding when these formulas are applied in daily use.The mathematics is of little difficulty to anyone with a basic knowledge of calculus and many of the problems presented would serve as exceptional real-world problems for sophomore level mathematics courses.

The text is best suited to advanced undergraduate students and may be adapted for use in introductory graduate courses.The problems and ideas presented have immediate applications in the observatory and transition from lecture to lab is remarkably easy.

This book truly is a gem!

A little something for everyone
Very broad in its scope with enough depth to deal with the fundamentals while pointing the reader in the right direction for a more detailed treatment of the subject matter. Could be used as a text or reference book,or simply read as I chose, to broaden ones knowledge. Contains a goodoverview of the tools and techniques of radio astronomy. A fair bit of mathemployed, but not overwhelming to the educated reader. Reading level isgeared toward a 3rd or 4th year undergrad in physics/astronomy but wouldalso be useful as a primer for graduate level students or the seriousamateur. Good book at a good price! ... Read more

Product Description
Thoroughly revised and expanded throughout, the new edition is a graduate-level text and reference book on gaseous nebulae, nova and supernova remnants. Much of the new data and new images are from the Hubble Space Telescope with two wholly new chapters being added along with other new features. The previous edition which was tried and tested for thirty years has now been succeeded by a revised, updated, larger edition, which will be valuable to anyone seriously interested in astrophysics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Excellent but detailed and graduate level book on nebulae physics
This is a detailed (450+ pages!) and recent (2006 for the second edition) description of the physics of nebulae. Intended for graduate level students and is hard for an amateur level astronomer even with some math/physics background. Seems to be a recent reference on the subject.

Boo, Osterbrock.
This text is poorly written and unclear. It fails to define variables, sometimes, and contains a few typos.It is also the only text to learn this stuff.It's a "must be done."

Very good treatment ofPlasma ionization
This book is an update of a classic from the 70's with material on galactic centers added. It is just good physical astronomy and has the spectroscopic concepts for observations of very distant objects.
The diagrams are updated from the older version as well.
More extensive indexes and other new material make it also a good long term reference book.

I could never get into this book.
Perhaps it was just the professor, but I could never get into this book. I think its hopelessly boring, and like alot of graduate textbooks in astro, it has a TERRIBLE index. You can't find anything you need in terms of numbers or equations with the index, you must read the book cover to cover to know where something is.

It also has way too many numbers scattered in tables, and you must read the chapter to know what assumptions were made when he calculated those numbers. Our entire class had such a difficult time with homework using this book that I doubt any of us would give a good review of the book.

My own research is in AGN, and for the most part he does OK in explaining them but he can confuse you in comparing them.

Mi platonico amor por las nebulosas
Para mi la astonomia no tenia sentido, hasta que conoci al Osterbrock. El, cambio mi vida. Desde ese momento no me desprendo de las NP. ... Read more