Magnetic fields are important in the Universe and their effects contain the key to many astrophysical phenomena that are otherwise impossible to understand. This book presents an up-to-date overview of this fast-growing topic and its interconnections to plasma processes, astroparticle physics, high energy astrophysics, and cosmic evolution. The phenomenology and impact of magnetic fields are described in diverse astrophysical contexts within the Universe, from galaxies to galaxy clusters, the filaments and voids of the intergalactic medium, and out to the largest redshifts. The presentation of mathematical formulae is accessible and is designed to add insight into the broad range of topics discussed. Written for graduate students and researchers in physics, astrophysics and related disciplines, this volume will inspire readers to devise new ways of thinking about magnetic fields in space on galaxy scales and beyond.

This handbook provides an updated comprehensive description of gravitational wave astronomy. In the first part, it reviews gravitational wave experiments, from ground and space based laser interferometers to pulsar timing arrays and indirect detection from the cosmic microwave background. In the second part, it discusses a number of astrophysical and cosmological gravitational wave sources, including black holes, neutron stars, possible more exotic objects, and sources in the early Universe. The third part of the book reviews the methods to calculate gravitational waveforms. The fourth and last part of the book covers techniques employed in gravitational wave astronomy data analysis. This book represents both a valuable resource for graduate students and an important reference for researchers in gravitational wave astronomy.

Tensors, Relativity, and Cosmology, Second Edition, combines relativity, astrophysics, and cosmology in a single volume, providing a simplified introduction to each subject that is followed by detailed mathematical derivations. The book includes a section on general relativity that gives the case for a curved space-time, presents the mathematical background (tensor calculus, Riemannian geometry), discusses the Einstein equation and its solutions (including black holes and Penrose processes), and considers the energy-momentum tensor for various solutions. In addition, a section on relativistic astrophysics discusses stellar contraction and collapse, neutron stars and their equations of state, black holes, and accretion onto collapsed objects, with a final section on cosmology discussing cosmological models, observational tests, and scenarios for the early universe. This fully revised and updated second edition includes new material on relativistic effects, such as the behavior of clocks and measuring rods in motion, relativistic addition of velocities, and the twin paradox, as well as new material on gravitational waves, amongst other topics.

Masers are the microwave analogue of lasers; there are many astronomical sources of natural maser emission, including gas around forming and dying stars, and around supermassive black holes. These bright sources of microwaves are fascinating in their own right and provide unique abilities to probe details of astronomical sources. Molecular maser emission studies address important questions in the formation and evolution of stars, the structure of our Milky Way Galaxy, the characteristics of supermassive black holes, and fundamental parameters of cosmology. More than 100 astronomers from around the world gathered in Cagliari, Sardinia, for IAU Symposium 336 to discuss the latest findings related to masers. These proceedings summarize state of the art observations and theories pertaining to astrophysical masers and their environments, for graduate students and researchers. As new radio telescope facilities come online, observations of masers will continue to shed light on a broad range of important astrophysical problems.

As you read this, billions of neutrinos from the sun are passing through your body, antimatter is sprouting from your dinner and the core of your being is a chaotic mess of particles known only as quarks and gluons. If the recent discovery of the Higgs boson piqued your interest, then Why The Universe Exists will take you deeper into the world of particle physics, with leading physicists and New Scientist exploring how the universe functions at the smallest scales. Find out about hunt for dark matter and why there is something rather than nothing. Discover how accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland are rewinding time to the first moments after the big bang, and how ghostly neutrino particles may hold the answers to the greatest mysteries of the universe. ABOUT THE SERIES New Scientist Instant Expert books are definitive and accessible entry points to the most important subjects in science; subjects that challenge, attract debate, invite controversy and engage the most enquiring minds. Designed for curious readers who want to know how things work and why, the Instant Expert series explores the topics that really matter and their impact on individuals, society, and the planet, translating the scientific complexities around us into language that's open to everyone, and putting new ideas and discoveries into perspective and context.

An Introduction to Molecular Clouds describes the formation of molecular clouds and the innovative features of molecular clouds with different physical parameters. In this book, Jean-gravitational instability is discussed with different physical parameters, which is the major cause of the formation of molecular clouds in the interstellar medium (ISM), and the way molecular clouds are formed in the astrophysical plasma environment is described. The authors aim to determine the basic conditions responsible for the formation of heavenly bodies in the universe. The book deals with radiative instability in a variety of conditions incorporating different physical parameters such as viscosity, rotation, permeability, porosity, thermal conductivity, Hall current, Finite ion Larmor radius corrections, finite electrical resistivity, radiative heat-loss functions and finite electron inertia, both in gaseous plasma and quantum plasma environments.

Humanity's first reusable spacecraft and the most complex machine ever built, NASA's Space Shuttle debuted with great promise and as a dependable source of wonder and national pride. But with the Challenger catastrophe in 1986, the whole Space Shuttle program came into question, as did NASA itself, so long an institution that was seemingly above reproach. Wheels Stop tells the stirring story of how, after the Challenger disaster, the Space Shuttle not only recovered but went on to perform its greatest missions. From the Return to Flight mission of STS-26 in 1988 to the last shuttle mission ever on STS-135 in 2011, Wheels Stop takes readers behind the scenes as the shuttle's crews begin to mend Cold War tensions with the former Soviet Union, conduct vital research, deploy satellites, repair the Hubble Space Telescope, and assist in constructing the International Space Station. It also tells the heart-wrenching story of the Columbia tragedy and the loss of the magnificent STS-107 crew. As complex as the shuttle was, the people it carried into orbit were often more so-and this is their story, too. Close encounters with astronauts, flight controllers, and shuttle workers capture the human side of the Space Shuttle's amazing journey-and invite readers along for the ride. Browse more spaceflight books at upinspace.org.

Il libro e basato sulle lezioni attualmente tenute dall'autore presso l'Universita di Bari, ed e progettato in modo da rappresentare un testo di riferimento il piu possibile moderno, completo e autosufficiente per i corsi semestrale di Cosmologia, Astrofisica o Fisica Astroparticellare che compaiono nel piano di studi della Laurea Magistrale in Fisica e in Astronomia. Contiene gli elementi di base della cosmologia relativistica, del modello cosmologico standard e del suo completamento inflazionario. E' organizzato per servire da traccia ad un corso di cosmologia di stampo teorico, ma cerca di non perdere mai di vista il confronto con i principali risultati osservativi: molta attenzione viene infatti dedicata alla fenomenologia dei fondi cosmici, e in particolare alla radiazione gravitazionale fossile perche la sua rivelazione, diretta o indiretta, potrebbe dare indicazioni cruciali sulla scelta del corretto modello per l'Universo primordiale. Non mancano infine alcuni accenni ad argomenti di interesse emergente, di tipo teorico-fenomenologico, come lo studio dell'effetto di "deriva" del redshift, la cosmologia delle membrane, e il problema delle medie cosmologiche fatte su ipersuperfici spaziali (o nulle) non omogenee."

La realizzazione e il lancio nello spazio di satelliti o sonde attraverso missili o navette spaziali sono un esempio di attivita industriale di enorme complessita e di lungo periodo. Lo sviluppo di un programma spaziale prevede la realizzazione di vari sistemi costituenti: il segmento spaziale, cioe i lanciatori per l'accesso allo Spazio, i satelliti o le sonde, le infrastrutture spaziali abitate da astronauti oppure robotizzate; e il segmento di terra che consente agli operatori sulla terra di controllare i sistemi nello spazio e di fruire delle applicazioni derivanti dal loro uso.

Il settore e di per se peculiare dato l'ambiente extra-atmosferico ove si troveranno ad operare astronauti o sonde robotizzate, pertanto la manifattura dei sistemi spaziali e una pratica a meta strada tra la scienza esatta e l'artigianato di elevatissima qualita.

Le metodologie e i processi realizzativi dei programmi spaziali hanno pero avuto il pregio nel passato di costituire, sin dagli anni '60, un modello di riferimento per altri settori industriali proprio a causa della loro unicita tecnologica e produttiva. E oggi le metodologie di gestione dei programmi spaziali sono standardizzate e consolidate.

Gli elementi trattati in questo libro intendono avvicinare

il lettore alle specificita gestionali della concezione, del finanziamento e della messa in essere di un programma spaziale, una tra le piu complesse attivita umane influenzate da fattori storici, scientifici, economici e politici.

"

Here is the essential companion to Welcome to the Universe, a New York Times bestseller that was inspired by the enormously popular introductory astronomy course for non-science majors that Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael A. Strauss, and J. Richard Gott taught together at Princeton. This problem book features more than one hundred problems and exercises used in the original course--ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the original material and to learn to think like an astrophysicist. Whether you're a student or teacher, citizen scientist or science enthusiast, your guided tour of the cosmos just got even more hands-on with Welcome to the Universe: The Problem Book. * The essential companion book to the acclaimed bestseller* Features the problems used in the original introductory astronomy course for non-science majors at Princeton University* Organized according to the structure of Welcome to the Universe, empowering readers to explore real astrophysical problems that are conceptually introduced in each chapter* Problems are designed to stimulate physical insight into the frontier of astrophysics* Problems develop quantitative skills, yet use math no more advanced than high school algebra* Problems are often multipart, building critical thinking and quantitative skills and developing readers' insight into what astrophysicists do* Ideal for course use--either in tandem with Welcome to the Universe or as a supplement to courses using standard astronomy textbooks--or self-study* Tested in the classroom over numerous semesters for more than a decade* Prefaced with a review of relevant concepts and equations* Full solutions and explanations are provided, allowing students and other readers to check their own understanding

The Physics of Stars, Second Edition provides a concise, self-contained account of how key aspects of stellar structure, evolution and nucleosynthesis can be understood in terms of fundamental physics. Beginning with an introduction to astrophysical concepts using elementary physics, the book progresses to consider stellar properties in terms of more advanced physical ideas all of which are carefully explained before they are applied. The result is a balanced presentation of both fundamental physics and astrophysics. A major strength of the book is that the author does not evade challenging concepts, but carefully explains them, enabling the reader to gain a fuller understanding of the theory. Carefully revised, this second edition now includes a chapter on Helioseismology. Review of the Second Edition

"This book is…a superb textbook in terms of choice of content, its organisation and style of presentation. Phillips is one of the best of the currently available texts - its coverage, level, style and price are all in its favour." Dr M. Wilson Royal Holloway College, University of London Review of the First Edition

"The title tells it all: This is a compact and well-organised book… and it achieves wonderful success in presenting the physics, of approximation, intuition and understanding. Its strengths are many." Physics Today

"Phillips never lets the student out of his sight. And this student is encouraged, step-by-step, to reach a greater understanding of the subject. Every paragraph seems to be honed on tutorial experience, every equation is explained with wit great care, superfluous material is omitted and concepts are worked out from first principles. This is a university textbook par excellence, a classic that will be used for decades to come." New Scientist

The study of exoplanetary atmospheres--that is, of planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system--may be our best hope for discovering life elsewhere in the universe. This dynamic, interdisciplinary field requires practitioners to apply knowledge from atmospheric and climate science, astronomy and astrophysics, chemistry, geology and geophysics, planetary science, and even biology. Exoplanetary Atmospheres provides an essential introduction to the theoretical foundations of this cutting-edge new science. Exoplanetary Atmospheres covers the physics of radiation, fluid dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric escape. It draws on simple analytical models to aid learning, and features a wealth of problem sets, some of which are open-ended. This authoritative and accessible graduate textbook uses a coherent and self-consistent set of notation and definitions throughout, and also includes appendixes containing useful formulae in thermodynamics and vector calculus as well as selected Python scripts. Exoplanetary Atmospheres prepares PhD students for research careers in the field, and is ideal for self-study as well as for use in a course setting. * The first graduate textbook on the theory of exoplanetary atmospheres* Unifies knowledge from atmospheric and climate science, astronomy and astrophysics, chemistry, planetary science, and more* Covers radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric escape* Provides simple analytical models and a wealth of problem sets* Includes appendixes on thermodynamics, vector calculus, tabulated Gibbs free energies, and Python scripts* Solutions manual (available only to professors)

Die Strukturbildung im Kosmos ist neben der Expansionsgeschichte des Universums ein heiAes Thema der Kosmologie. Denn die Frage, wie Sterne und Galaxien und die verschiedensten astronomischen Exoten entstanden sind, fA1/4hrt die Astronomen vor immer neue RAtsel. Denn es ist, wenn alles mit allem zusammenhAngt, nicht so einfach, anhand physikalischer Gesetze rechnerisch Galaxien aus Staub und Materie enstehen zu lassen oder zu verfolgen, was bei Galaxienkollisionen passiert. Wie sich die Astrophysik dennoch Einblicke in die Entstehung der beobachteten Strukturen zu verschaffen weiA, verrAt dieses Buch.

Dieses Buch sensibilisiert Strandurlauber und am Lebensraum Meer interessierte Menschen fur die zahlreichen Naturphanomene, denen sie dort begegnen koennen. Schon nach wenigen Leseproben sind Sie uber Fakten und Phanomene aus der belebten und unbelebten maritimen Umwelt bestens orientiert und koennen im Kreise anderer See- und Sehleute absolut kompetent mitreden und sogar Wetten gewinnen - versprochen! Unsere Kustensaume sind unglaublich interessante und ungewoehnliche Erfahrungsraume, die zu vielerlei Fragen anregen: Was ist mit den Schaumflocken am Spulsaum? Wie erklaren sich die Loecher in den hier versammelten Muschelschalen? Wie hangen Wasser, Wind und Wellen zusammen? Und warum ist Meerwasser uberhaupt salzig? Animatives Infotainment ist angesagt und moeglich. Allerdings: Man muss fur die vielen kleinen Anknips-Momente aus dem unmittelbaren Erlebnisumfeld auch tatsachlich empfanglich sein und ein waches Auge fur das Besondere bis Ungewoehnliche haben.

This volume takes an interdisciplinary approach to the evolution of terrestrial planets, addressing the topic from the perspectives of planetary sciences, geochemistry, geophysics and biology, and solar and astrophysics. The review papers analyze the chemical, isotopic and elemental evolution of the early Solar System, with specific emphasis on Venus, Earth, and Mars. They discuss how these factors contribute to our understanding of accretion timescales, volatile delivery, the origin of the Moon and the evolution of atmospheres and water inventories of terrestrial planets. Also explored are plate tectonic formation, the origin of nitrogen atmospheres and the prospects for exoplanet habitability.The papers are forward-looking as well, considering the importance of future space missions for understanding terrestrial planet evolution in the Solar System and beyond. Overall, this volume shall be useful for academic and professional audiences across a range of scientific disciplines. Previously published in Space Science Reviews in the Topical Collection "Reading Terrestrial Planet Evolution in Isotopes and Element Measurements"

During the last twenty years, dramatic improvements in methods of observing astrophysical phenomena from the ground and in space have added to our knowledge of what the universe is like now and what it was like in the past, going back to the hot big bang. In this overview of today's physical cosmology, P.J.E. Peebles shows how observation has combined with theoretical elements to establish the subject as a mature science, while he also discusses the most notable recent attempts to understand the origin and structure of the universe. A successor to Peebles's classic volume Physical Cosmology (Princeton, 1971), the book is a comprehensive overview addressed not only to students but also to scientists active in fields outside cosmology.

The first chapter of the work presents the elements of physical cosmology, including the history of the discovery of the expanding universe. The second, on the cosmological tests that measure the geometry of spacetime, discusses general relativity theory as the basis for the tests, and then surveys the broad variety of ways the tests can be applied with the new generations of telescopes and detectors. The third chapter deals with the origin of galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe, and reviews ideas about how the evolution of the universe might be traced back to very early epochs when structure originated. Each section of these chapters begins with an introduction that can be understood with no special knowledge beyond undergraduate physics, and then progresses to more specialized topics.

P.J.E. Peebles is Albert Einstein Professor of Science at Princeton University. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Society.

Es darf als gesichert gelten, dass Einstein bereits 1895-1896, wAhrend er sich an der Aargauischen Kantonsschule auf die MaturitAtsprA1/4fung vorbereitete, erste Ideen zur RelativitAtstheorie entwickelte. Die Publikation befasst sich eingehend mit der Aarauer Zeit des spAter zu Weltruhm gelangten Physikers und bespricht die grundlegenden Ideen seiner Arbeiten von 1905, die diesen Weltruhm begrA1/4ndeten.
Aus dem Inhalt:
- Kommentierte Originalabdrucke dreier vom siebzehnjAhrigen Einstein verfasster MaturitAtsprA1/4fungsarbeiten
- Spezielle RelativitAtstheorie: Eine Aoebung im Aoeberwinden von Denkgewohnheiten
- Aoeber die Herkunft der Speziellen RelativitAtstheorie
- Einsteins Analyse der Brownschen Bewegung
- Einstein und die BegrA1/4ndung der Quantentheorie
- RelativitAtstheorie und der Friedhof der Sterne
Beitragsautoren: Domenico Giulini, Herbert Hunziker, Walter Pfeifer, Heinrich Staehelin, Norbert Straumann

Professor Stephen Hawking is generally considered to have been one of the world's greatest thinkers. Here, his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time is illustrated to bring his theories to life in a clear, captivating and visually engaging way. 'This book marries a child's wonder to a genius's intellect. We journey into Hawking's universe, while marvelling at his mind' - The Sunday Times 'Stephen Hawking can explain the complexities of cosmological physics with an engaging combination of clarity and wit...' - Observer 'Exceptional writing explaining the mysteries and beauty of our universe. The book is very fascinating and highly enjoyable. Highly recommended' - ***** Reader review 'This book is mind blowing' - ***** Reader review 'A masterpiece' - ***** Reader review ******************************************************************************************** Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Is the universe infinite or does it have boundaries? These are just some of the questions considered in the internationally acclaimed masterpiece by the world-renowned physicist Professor Stephen Hawking. It begins by reviewing the great theories of the cosmos from Newton to Einstein, before delving into the secrets which still lie at the heart of space and time, from the Big Bang to black holes, via spiral galaxies and strong theory. To this day A Brief History of Time remains a staple of the scientific canon, and its succinct and clear language continues to introduce millions to the universe and its wonders. In this edition, Professor Hawking explains his complex theories through a fresh visual dimension. Over 150 stunning colour illustrations have been specially commissioned for this purpose to help the reader understand what have become popular mythic images of our century, but which nonetheless remain difficult, abstract ideas to grasp. This stunning gift edition also includes a new appendix with updates to the text and tributes to Stephen Hawking.

Recent discoveries in astronomy and relativistic astrophysics as well as experiments on particle and nuclear physics have blurred the traditional boundaries of physics. It is believed that at the birth of the Universe, a whirlwind of matter and antimatter, of quarks and exotic leptons, briefly appeared and merged into a sea of energy. The new phenomena and new states of matter in the Universe revealed the deep connection between quarks and the Cosmos. Motivated by these themes, this book discusses different topics: gravitational waves, dark matter, dark energy, exotic contents of compact stars, high-energy and gamma-ray astrophysics, heavy ion collisions and the formation of the quark-gluon plasma in the early Universe. The book presents some of the latest researches on these fascinating themes and is useful for experts and students in the field.

Nuclear astrophysics is, in essence, a science that attempts to understand and explain the physical universe beyond the Earth by studying its smallest particles. "Cauldrons in the Cosmos," by Claus E. Rolfs and William S. Rodney, serves as a basic introduction to these endeavors. From the major discoveries in the field to a discussion of the makeup of stars to an explanation of standard lab techniques, this text provides students and scientists alike a thorough and fascinating survey of the accomplishments, goals, and methods of nuclear astrophysics. A classic in its field, "Cauldrons in the Cosmos" will surely remain an important reference in nuclear astrophysics for years to come.
"One could not wish for a better account of the current state of knowledge (and uncertainty) about nuclear reactions in stars."--B. E. J. Pagel, "Nature
""Written in an informal style that those uninitiated into the jargon of nuclear astrophysics and astronomy will find readable and illuminating. . . . A useful and long-awaited introduction to nuclear astrophysics."--G. J. Mathews, "Science
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A series of conversations about science in graphic form, on subjects that range from the science of cooking to the multiverse. Physicist Clifford Johnson thinks that we should have more conversations about science. Science should be on our daily conversation menu, along with topics like politics, books, sports, or the latest prestige cable drama. Conversations about science, he tells us, shouldn't be left to the experts. In The Dialogues, Johnson invites us to eavesdrop on a series of nine conversations, in graphic-novel form-written and drawn by Johnson-about "the nature of the universe." The conversations take place all over the world, in museums, on trains, in restaurants, in what may or may not be Freud's favorite coffeehouse. The conversationalists are men, women, children, experts, and amateur science buffs. The topics of their conversations range from the science of cooking to the multiverse and string theory. The graphic form is especially suited for physics; one drawing can show what it would take many words to explain. In the first conversation, a couple meets at a costume party; they speculate about a scientist with superhero powers who doesn't use them to fight crime but to do more science, and they discuss what it means to have a "beautiful equation" in science. Their conversation spills into another chapter ("Hold on, you haven't told me about light yet"), and in a third chapter they exchange phone numbers. Another couple meets on a train and discusses immortality, time, black holes, and religion. A brother and sister experiment with a grain of rice. Two women sit in a sunny courtyard and discuss the multiverse, quantum gravity, and the anthropic principle. After reading these conversations, we are ready to start our own.