1. Introduction; 2. Probing star formation; 3. The ISM: the beginnings of star formation; 4. Molecular clouds: the sites of star formation; 5. Fragmentation and collapse: the road to star formation; 6. Young stars, proto-stars and accretion: building a typical star; 7. The formation of high-mass stars, and their surroundings; 8. By-products and consequences of star formation; Index.
Ideal for students and researchers alike, this advanced textbook provides a complete overview of star formation.
Derek Ward-Thompson is Deputy Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University. An observer in the field of molecular clouds and protostars, Professor Ward-Thompson's research interests lie in observing the formation of stars and planets, particularly the very earliest stages of star formation. Anthony Whitworth is a Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University. Professor Whitworth's main area of research lies in the theoretical modelling of the formation of stars and brown dwarfs.
'Star formation is one of the most active research fields in modern
astronomy and is also the key to understanding problems as diverse
as galaxy evolution and the origin of planets. This book, written
by two highly regarded experts, first poses the questions that
define the field of star formation and then gives a remarkably
comprehensive yet concise survey of the underlying physics. The
book provides both an overview suitable for those new to the field
and also a convenient handbook for established researchers. It
emphasizes both basic principles and established results and will
surely remain a standard work for years to come.' David Williams,
Emeritus Perren Professor of Astronomy, University College
London
'This book presents star formation and interstellar medium studies
at a level appropriate for advanced undergraduate and first year
graduate students in astronomy and astrophysics programs. This
needed text fills the niche between non-technical general overviews
and advanced treatments suited for senior graduate students or
researchers.' John Bally, Professor of Astronomy, University of
Colorado, Boulder
'This well-named book covers most of the ground in a still growing
subject. It is well suited to the undergraduate or starting
graduate, and as a refresher for professionals working in a
different branch of the subject. With a wide-ranging and elementary
introduction to bring anyone up to speed, a pleasant blend of
observation and theory leads the reader through the entire research
area, giving an authoritative and clear picture of our
understanding of the subject, and of the tools used in its
discovery. To have produced such a coherent picture of a complex
area without sacrificing physical rigour is a significant
achievement.' Peter Brand, Emeritus Professor of Astrophysics,
University of Edinburgh
'The authors, wisely, did not try to write a complete, exhaustive,
detailed compendium of all that is known about star formation.
Instead, they produced a book that is appropriate for someone who
knows three years of undergraduate physics and is learning about
star formation for the first time, or is trying to refresh their
knowledge of the fundamentals. I strongly recommend that all
students taking a first course in star formation get the book and
advise professional astrophysicists not already deeply involved in
star formation to obtain it for reference.' T. W. Hartquist,
University of Leeds
'… the book is a pleasure to read … slim … meant to be digested in
a single semester … Ward-Thompson and Whitworth emphasize concepts,
illuminated through derivations … the approach [is] successful
pedagogically.' Physics Today
'I strongly recommend that all students get the book and advise
professional astrophysicists not already deeply involved in star
formation to obtain it for reference.' Astronomy & Geophysics
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
