Fundamentals of Astrophysics

This textbook is designed for undergraduate science and engineering students with a background in college-level calculus-based physics, introducing astrophysical concepts in a one-semester course. It covers stellar properties, structure, evolution, the interstellar medium, the Milky Way, and cosmology, with a focus on quantitative understanding and basic computations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive textbook, meticulously crafted for a one-semester course in astrophysics, serves as an invaluable introduction to astrophysical concepts for undergraduate science and engineering students possessing a foundation in college-level, calculus-based physics. The text is thoughtfully structured into five distinct parts, encompassing:

Stellar Properties: This section delves into the fundamental characteristics of stars, including their composition, temperature, luminosity, and life cycles. It explores the various types of stars, such as main-sequence stars, supergiants, and white dwarfs, and discusses their formation, evolution, and eventual fate.

Stellar Structure and Evolution: This part examines the intricate internal structure of stars, including their nuclear reactions, energy production, and the mechanisms responsible for their evolution. It explores the concepts of stellar lifecycles, such as the main sequence, the red giant phase, and the supernova explosion, and discusses the effects of gravitational interactions and radiation on stellar evolution.

The Interstellar Medium and Star/Planet Formation: This section explores the complex interstellar medium, which encompasses the gas, dust, and plasma present between stars. It discusses the processes involved in star and planet formation, including gravitational collapse, protostellar disks, and the formation of planetary systems. It also examines the role of the interstellar medium in shaping the properties of galaxies and the universe as a whole.

The Milky Way and Other Galaxies: This part provides an in-depth exploration of our own Milky Way galaxy, including its structure, composition, and history. It discusses the formation and evolution of galaxies, including the processes of galaxy mergers, star formation, and black hole activity. It also explores the properties of other galaxies, such as their sizes, shapes, and stellar populations, and discusses the theories of galaxy formation and evolution.

Cosmology: This section delves into the study of the universe as a whole, including its origin, evolution, and ultimate fate. It discusses the Big Bang theory, the expansion of the universe, dark matter and dark energy, and the search for the ultimate laws of nature. It also explores the role of cosmology in understanding the structure and behavior of the universe.

The textbook is designed with the flexibility to accommodate different teaching approaches, allowing instructors to tailor their course emphasis to suit their specific needs. Each chapter is concise and easily digestible, featuring short, engaging sections accompanied by quick questions to reinforce practice in basic computations. Additionally, more challenging multi-part exercises are provided at the end of each chapter, fostering a deeper understanding and application of the concepts covered.

As the course progresses, advanced concepts such as the quantum nature of energy and radiation are introduced and developed as required, ensuring a comprehensive and rigorous understanding of astrophysical principles. The text's approach and level bridge the wide gap between introductory astronomy texts for non-science majors and advanced undergraduate texts for astrophysics majors, providing a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field.

By incorporating this textbook into their astrophysics curriculum, students will gain a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts of astrophysics, enabling them to pursue further studies in the field or apply their knowledge in various scientific and technological applications.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 251 x 175 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108844390