The Origin and Evolution of Planetary Nebulae (Cambridge Astrophysics) [Paperback]

Sun Kwok (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 13, 2007 | ISBN-10: 052103907X | ISBN-13: 978-0521039079 | Edition: 1

This authoritative volume presents a thoroughly modern understanding of planetary nebulae, integrating new developments in stellar physics with the dynamics of nebular evolution. It covers all the stages in the evolution of planetary nebulae, carefully synthesizes observations from across the spectrum and clearly explains all the key physical processes at work. Particular emphasis is placed on recent observations from space, using the Hubble Space Telescope, the Infrared Space Observatory and the ROSAT satellite. Coverage also describes exciting possibilities such as the use of planetary nebulae in determining the cosmic distance scale, the distribution of dark matter and the chemical evolution of galaxies. This book provides graduate students with an accessible introduction to planetary nebulae, and researchers with an authoritative reference. It can also be used as an advanced textbook on the physics of the interstellar medium.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"an excellent compilation of the researched that has occurred in this field...excellent photographs and current directions for new research. The book is clearly written as a research reference for those interested in research on PN.... With hundreds of references, this book reflects the current state of art in PN research." s/ Science Books & Film

"...a valuable contribution to the literature. It offers the most complete, accessible, and up-to-date entry to this subject for the newcomer with a strong general background in physics and astronomy at the advanced undergraduate level or above....a significant achievement, drawing together both traditional and modern ideas about the nature of planetary nebulae and their place in stellar and galactic astronomy." Physics Today

"The book is clearly written as a researxh reference for those interested in research on PN, witrh numerous tables, sample spectra, and mathematical formulae that illustrate specific aspects of the various phenomena involved." SB&F July/Aug 2001

"The reader who is inspired by the images of planetary nebulae to go beyond aesthetic appreciation, to delve into the physics and astrophysics of these fascinating structures in space, cannot do better than to start with this book." Physics Today Sept 2001

Book Description

This authoritative volume provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the origin and evolution of planetary nebulae. It covers all the stages of their evolution, carefully synthesises observations from across the spectrum (including recent observations using the Hubble Space Telescope, Infrared Space Observatory, and ROSAT satellite), and clearly explains all the key physical processes at work. This book provides graduate students with an accessible introduction to planetary nebulae, and researchers with an authoritative reference. It can also be used as an advanced text on the physics of the interstellar medium.

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (August 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052103907X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521039079
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,435,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)