An Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics
1. Auflage April 2010
352 Seiten, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Kurzbeschreibung
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.
An Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics aspires to provide the reader with an intermediate knowledge on stars whilst focusing mostly on the explanation of the functioning of stars by using basic physical concepts and observational results.
The book is divided into seven chapters, featuring both core and optional content:
* Basic concepts
* Stellar Formation
* Radiative Transfer in Stars
* Stellar Atmospheres
* Stellar Interiors
* Nucleosynthesis and Stellar Evolution and
* Chemically Peculiar Stars and Diffusion.
Student-friendly features include:
* Detailed examples to help the reader better grasp the most important concepts
* A list of exercises is given at the end of each chapter and answers to a selection of these are presented.
* Brief recalls of the most important physical concepts needed to properly understand stars.
* A summary for each chapter
* Optional and advanced sections are included which may be skipped without interfering with the flow of the core content.
This book is designed to cover the most important aspects of stellar astrophysics inside a one semester (or half-year) course and as such is relevant for advanced undergraduate students following a first course on stellar astrophysics, in physics or astronomy programs. It will also serve as a basic reference for a full-year course as well as for researchers working in related fields.
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 Evolutioni.
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 Equationsii.
3.11 Demonstration of the Radiative Transfer Equationi.
3.12 Radiative Acceleration of Matter And Radiative Pressurei.
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 Nucleusi.
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 Supernovaei.
6.12 Heavy Element Nucleosynthesis: s, r and p Processesi.
6.13 Nuclear Reaction Cross-Sections and Ratesii.
Chapter 7: Chemically Peculiar Stars and Diffusioni.
7.1 Introduction.
7.2 Chemically Peculiar Stars.
7.3 Diffusion Theoryii.
7.4 Radiative Accelerationsii.
7.5 Other Transport Processesii.
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.
