The Chemically Controlled Cosmos: Astronomical Molecules from the Big Bang to Exploding Stars [Hardcover]

T. W. Hartquist (Author), D. A. Williams (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521419832 | ISBN-13: 978-0521419833 | Publication Date: June 28, 1996 | Edition: First Edition

Simple chemistry governs a host of the exotic objects that populate our cosmos. For example, molecules in the early Universe acted as natural temperature regulators, keeping the primordial gas cool and, in turn, allowing galaxies and stars to form. What are the tools of the trade for the cosmic chemist and what can they teach us about the Universe we live in? These are the questions answered in this engaging and informative guide--the first book for nonspecialists on molecular astrophysics. In clear, nontechnical terms, and without formal mathematics, Hartquist and Williams show how to study and understand the behavior of molecules in a host of astronomical situations. Readers will learn about the secretive formation of stars deep within interstellar clouds; the origin of our own solar system; the cataclysmic deaths of many massive stars that explode as supernovae; and the hearts of active galactic nuclei, the most powerful objects in the universe. This book provides an accessible introduction to a wealth of astrophysics, and an understanding of how cosmic chemistry allows the investigation of many of the most exciting questions concerning astronomy today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It would make an excellent introduction to molecular astrophysics for a beginning graduate student...any scientist curious about the chemistry of astrophysical objects will find it a useful resource." Stephen Lepp, Nature

"...an extremely valuable synthesis of our present knowledge of the important chemical processes in space." Marcus Chown, New Scientist

Book Description

Molecules in the early Universe acted as natural temperature regulators, keeping the primordial gas cool and, in turn, allowing galaxies and stars to be born. Even now, similarly simple chemistry controls a wide variety of the objects that populate our cosmos. What are the tools of the cosmic chemist? And what can they teach us about the Universe in which we live? These are the questions answered in this engaging and informative guide to The Chemically Controlled Cosmos.In clear, non-technical terms, involving no formal mathematics, we are introduced to a wealth of the most exciting astrophysics studied today, and the role of cosmic chemistry in the Universe.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 185 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; First Edition edition (June 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521419832
• ISBN-13: 978-0521419833
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,309,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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