Physics of the Sun: A First Course

Physics of the Sun: A First Course is a comprehensive textbook that provides a quantitative examination of the physical structure and conditions of the Sun. It covers a wide range of topics, including the Sun's structure, solar radiation, the solar atmosphere, and Sun-space interactions. The book emphasizes numerical modelling and offers step-by-step instructions for calculating numerical values of various physical quantities in different regions of the Sun. It is an ideal introduction to solar physics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics and astronomy, as well as research professionals looking to incorporate modelling into their practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 414 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Physics of the Sun: A First Course is a comprehensive textbook that delves into the quantitative analysis of the physical structure and conditions of the Sun and its extended atmosphere. It provides detailed step-by-step instructions for calculating numerical values of various physical quantities across different regions of the Sun. With a focus on numerical modelling, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sun and stellar astrophysics, covering topics such as the Sun's structure, solar radiation, the solar atmosphere, and Sun-space interactions. It examines how the physical conditions in the visible surface of the Sun are determined by the opacity of the material in the atmosphere. Additionally, it discusses the empirical properties of convection in the Sun, explores the necessary conditions for nuclear reactions in the core, and describes the process of radiation transport from the core outward.

The text aims to empower students with the ability to calculate the interior structure of different parts of the Sun and the frequencies of p-modes and g-modes using their own codes. It encourages a strong understanding of the numerical values of actual physical parameters as a function of radial location within the Sun. This textbook serves as an ideal introduction to solar physics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics and astronomy, as well as research professionals seeking to incorporate modelling into their practices. Each chapter concludes with extensive bibliographies, allowing readers to delve into the latest research articles in the field.

Key Features:

Fully Updated Content: The second edition of Physics of the Sun: A First Course has been thoroughly revised and updated to incorporate the latest results in solar physics. It reflects the most recent advancements in our understanding of the Sun and its celestial environment.

Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a comprehensive overview of the Sun and stellar astrophysics, covering a wide range of topics such as the structure of the Sun, solar radiation, the solar atmosphere, and Sun-space interactions. It explores the fundamental principles and processes that govern the Sun's behaviour and its impact on the surrounding universe.

Numerical Modelling Approach: The text emphasises numerical modelling and provides step-by-step instructions for calculating numerical values of various physical quantities in different regions of the Sun. It empowers students to develop their own codes and apply them to solve practical problems related to solar physics.

Empirical Properties: The book discusses the empirical properties of convection in the Sun, which is a critical aspect of understanding the Sun's interior structure and dynamics. It explains how convection patterns are formed and how they contribute to the heating and transport of energy within the Sun.

Nuclear Reactions and Radiation Transport: The book delves into the physical conditions necessary for nuclear reactions to occur in the core of the Sun and the process of radiation transport from the core outwards. It explains how radiation is emitted and how it interacts with the surrounding atmosphere and space.

Applications to Astrophysics: The book showcases the applications of solar physics to other fields of astrophysics, such as the study of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. It discusses the role of the Sun in shaping the evolution of the solar system and its impact on the formation and evolution of other celestial bodies.

Ideal for Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Physics of the Sun: A First Course is designed to cater to the needs of advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics and astronomy. It provides a solid foundation in solar physics and equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further research in the field.

Research Professionals: The book is also valuable for research professionals looking to incorporate modelling into their practices. It offers insights into the latest modelling techniques and provides practical examples of how modelling can be used to solve complex solar physics problems.

Extensive Bibliographies: Each chapter concludes with extensive bibliographies, allowing readers to explore the latest research articles in the field and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in solar physics.

In summary, Physics of the Sun: A First Course is a comprehensive textbook that provides a thorough understanding of the physical structure, conditions, and dynamics of the Sun and its extended atmosphere. It emphasises numerical modelling and offers step-by-step instructions for calculating numerical values of various physical quantities. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the Sun's structure, solar radiation, the solar atmosphere, nuclear reactions, and radiation transport. It is an ideal introduction to solar physics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics and astronomy, as well as research professionals seeking to incorporate modelling into their practices. With its fully updated content, comprehensive coverage, and practical approach, this textbook is a valuable resource for anyone interested in studying the Sun and its celestial environment.

Weight: 972g
Dimension: 184 x 261 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367710392
Edition number: 2 ed