1. Edition - April 2010
44.90 Euro
2010. 352 Pages, Softcover
ISBN-10: 0-470-69956-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-470-69956-0 - John Wiley & Sons








Short description
Fundamental to our understanding of the universe, stellar astrophysics deals with observations, theoretical understanding, classification, computer simulations and modeling of stars and their evolution. An Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics is a concise textbook containing core content on and detailed examples of stellar physics and stellar astronomy - stellar formation, radiative transfer, stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, nucleosynthesis, stellar evolution, chemically peculiar stars, and diffusion. A list of problems completes each chapter, and optional content can be tailored to both the lecturer's wishes or the length of the course.

From the contents
Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Chapter 1: Basics Concepts.

1.1 Introduction.

1.2 The Electromagnetic Spectrum.

1.3 Blackbody Radiation.

1.4 Luminosity, Effective Temperature, Flux and Magnitudes.

1.5 Boltzmann and Saha Equations.

1.6 Spectral Classification of Stars.

1.7 The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram.

Chapter 2: Stellar Formation.

2.1 Introduction.

2.2 Hydrostatic Equilibrium.

2.3 The Virial Theorem.

2.4 The Jeans Criteria.

2.5 Free-Fall Times.

2.6 Pre-Main-Sequence Evolution.

Chapter 3: Radiative Transfer in Stars.

3.1 Introduction.

3.2 Radiative Opacities.

3.3 Specific Intensity and Radiative Moments.

3.4 Radiative Transfer Equation.

3.5 Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium.

3.6 Solution of the Radiative Transfer Equation.

3.7 Radiative Equilibrium.

3.8 Radiative Transfer at Large Optical Depths.

3.9 Rosseland and Other Mean Opacities.

3.10 Schwarzschild-Milne Equations.

3.11 Demonstration of the Radiative Transfer Equation.

3.12 Radiative Acceleration of Matter And Radiative Pressure.

Chapter 4: Stellar Atmospheres.

4.1 Introduction.

4.2 The Grey Atmosphere.

4.3 Line Opacities and Broadening.

4.4 Equivalent Width and Formation Of Atomic Lines.

4.5 Atmospheric Modelling.

Chapter 5: Stellar Interiors.

5.1 Introduction.

5.2 Equations of Stellar Structure.

5.3 Energy Transport in Stars.

5.4 Polytropic Models.

5.5 Structure of The Sun.

5.6 Equation of State.

5.7 Variable Stars and Asteroseismology.

Chapter 6: Nucleosynthesis and Stellar Evolution.

6.1 Introduction.

6.2 Generalities Concerning Nuclear Fusion.

6.3 Models of the Nucleus.

6.4 Basic Physics of Nuclear Fusion.

6.5 Main-Sequence Burning.

6.6 Helium Burning Phase.

6.7 Advanced Nuclear Burning.

6.8 Evolutionary Tracks in the H.-R. Diagram.

6.9 Stellar Clusters.

6.10 Stellar Remnants.

6.11 Novae and Supernovae.

6.12 Heavy Element Nucleosynthesis: s, r and p Processes.

6.13 Nuclear Reaction Cross-Sections and Rates.

Chapter 7: Chemically Peculiar Stars and Diffusioni.

7.1 Introduction and Historical Background.

7.2 Chemically Peculiar Stars.

7.3 Diffusion Theory.

7.4 Radiative Accelerations.

7.5 Other Transport Processes.

Answers to Selected Exercises.

Appendix A: Physical Constants.

Appendix B: Units in the cgs. and SI Systems.

Appendix C: Astronomical Constants.

Appendix D: Ionization Energies (in eV) for the First Five Stages of Ionization for the Most Important Elements.

Appendix E: Solar Abundances for the Most Important Elements.

Appendix F: Atomic Masses.

Appendix G: Physical Parameters for Main-Sequence Stars.

Appendix H: Periodic Table of the Elements.

References.

Bibliography.

Index.