Stellar Structure and Evolution (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library) (Paperback)

by Rudolf Kippenhahn (Author), A. Weigert (Author), R. Kippenhahn (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Kippenhahn and Weigert's work compares favorably with the few similar works, many of which are now out of date. It is superior to some others eschewing elegance of mathematical analysis in favor of a comprehensive understanding of the observed and deduced properties of stars, from their initial formation to their final collapse." -- Choice

"Will clearly be the standard text in the subject." -- N.H. Baker, Columbia University

Product Description
This text gives a complete and comprehensive treatment of the physics of the stellar interior and the underlying fundamental processes and parameters. The models developed to explain the stability, dynamics and evolution of the stars are presented, and great care is taken to detail the various stages in a star's life. The authors have written a unique text based on their own pioneering work in stellar modeling. Since its publication, this textbook has come to be considered a classic by readers and teachers in astrophysics. This study edition is meant for graduate students in astronomy and physics alike.

Product Details

• Paperback: 468 pages
• Publisher: Springer; Study edition (August 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387580131
• ISBN-13: 978-0387580135
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,363,020 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Among astro texts..., November 16, 2008

By	Ashley (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stellar Structure and Evolution (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library) (Paperback)

This text supports most every assertion with lengthy and invaluable derivations that are useful in ensuring that students understand the material. The topics are covered with exceptional depth, and the explanations are unusually readable. Compared with other astrophysics textbooks marketed to a similar audience, _Stellar Structure and Evolution_ is the sort of resource that will follow me through future courses, and although it was only recommended (rather than required) for my current class, I'm extremely glad I decided to purchase it.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A star's lifetime, July 29, 2004

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

What happens in the lifetime of a star? This basically is the subject of the book. It describes from basic physical principles where ever possible how a star is formed and how it burns. Kippenhahn shows how inside a star, the gravitational pressure is necessarily balanced by the outgoing radiation and matter pressure.

We see the cycle of how a star burns its hydrogen, synthesising helium in the process. Then, how heavier elements are formed. Finally, whether a star novas or not, depending on its mass.

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is shown as a concise way to describe the lifecycle trajectory of a star, over billions of years.

Well suited for physics students.

3.0 out of 5 stars Pages coming off, August 25, 2008

By	Marco De Pascale (Italy) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Stellar Structure and Evolution (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library) (Paperback)

It arrived to me in Italy 20-15 days before the standard international shipping's time, in perfect conditions, as bought from the bookshop. Few days later the first page came off.