In this book we will look at what planetary nebulae are, where they come from and where they go. We will discuss what mechanisms cause these beautiful markers of stellar demise as well as what causes them to form their variety of shapes. How we measure various aspects of planetary nebulae such as what they are made of will also be explored. Though we will give some aspects of planetary nebulae mathematical treatment, the main points should be accessible to people with only a limited background in mathematics. A short glossary of some of the more arcane astronomical terms is at the end of the book to help in understanding. Included at the end of each chapter is an extensive bibliography to the peer reviewed research on these objects and I would encourage the reader interested in an even deeper understanding to read these articles.

This is the second volume in a four-part series on fluid dynamics: Part 1. Classical Fluid Dynamics Part 2. Asymptotic Problems of Fluid Dynamics Part 3. Boundary Layers Part 4. Hydrodynamic Stability Theory The series is designed to give a comprehensive and coherent description of fluid dynamics, starting with chapters on classical theory suitable for an introductory undergraduate lecture course, and then progressing through more advanced material up to the level of modern research in the field. In Part 2 the reader is introduced to asymptotic methods, and their applications to fluid dynamics. Firstly, it discusses the mathematical aspects of the asymptotic theory. This is followed by an exposition of the results of inviscid flow theory, starting with subsonic flows past thin aerofoils. This includes unsteady flow theory and the analysis of separated flows. The authors then consider supersonic flow past a thin aerofoil, where the linear approximation leads to the Ackeret formula for the pressure. They also discuss the second order Buzemann approximation, and the flow behaviour at large distances from the aerofoil. Then the properties of transonic and hypersonic flows are examined in detail. Part 2 concludes with a discussion of viscous low-Reynolds-number flows. Two classical problems of the low-Reynolds-number flow theory are considered, the flow past a sphere and the flow past a circular cylinder. In both cases the flow analysis leads to a difficulty, known as Stokes paradox. The authors show that this paradox can be resolved using the formalism of matched asymptotic expansions.

In the50years since the first volume of "Progress in Optics" was published, optics has become one of the most dynamic fields of science. The volumes in this series that have appeared up to now contain more than 300 review articles by distinguished research workers, which have become permanent records for many important developments, helping optical scientists and optical engineers stay abreast of their fields.
Comprehensive, in-depth reviewsEdited by the leading authority in the fieldQ1 in Thomson JCR ranking"

Fluctuating parameters appear in a variety of physical systems and phenomena. They typically come either as random forces/sources, or advecting velocities, or media (material) parameters, like refraction index, conductivity, diffusivity, etc. Models naturally render to statistical description, where random processes and fields express the input parameters and solutions. The fundamental problem of stochastic dynamics is to identify the essential characteristics of the system (its state and evolution), and relate those to the input parameters of the system and initial data.

This book is a revised and more comprehensive version of "Dynamics of Stochastic Systems." Part I provides an introduction to the topic. Part II is devoted to the general theory of statistical analysis of dynamic systems with fluctuating parameters described by differential and integral equations. Part III deals with the analysis of specific physical problems associated with coherent phenomena.
A comprehensive update of "Dynamics of Stochastic Systems"Develops mathematical tools of stochastic analysis and applies them to a wide range of physical models of particles, fluids and wavesIncludes problems for the reader to solve

"Buckyball, onion, nanobud, peapod - what are these buzzwords about?" was a question posed to me many times over the last decade or two. This concise glossary is designed to provide the first answer to these and similar questions, and be a guide through th

Full color publication. NP-2009-066-GSFC. This colorful book provides concise explanations and descriptions-easily read and readily understood-of what is now known of the chain of events and processes that connect the Sun to the Earth, with special emphasis on space weather and sun-climate.

In "Dancing in the Dark: The "Waltz in Wonder" of Quantum Metaphysics," Dr. Ronald Keast examines the exciting and spooky scientific theories about the fundamental nature of reality and truth that have been proposed by the revolutionary science of quantum mechanics. These quantum theories, which are at the leading edge of contemporary science, propose that at the most elementary, sub-atomic level-that which underlies and is the foundation of our world, our universe, all that is-reality is radically uncertain. The certainties of science, which, for all practical purposes, replaced those of religion over two hundred years ago in the West, have been undermined and shown to be, at best, inadequate, at worst, erroneous-as have those of common sense.

This has profound metaphysical, philosophical, even theological, not to say scientific, implications. It means that we do not, and probably cannot, know what reality and truth are, that we are all dancing in the dark; dancing with faith of one kind or another.

Written for a general audience, "Dancing in the Dark" introduces some of these theories, connects them to their metaphysical and philosophical roots in the West, and to their mystical roots in the East, and emphasizes the value of learning about them-the value and the joy of uncertainty.

The Arctic: A Barometer of Global Climate Variability provides a comprehensive source of information on all aspects of the Arctic region. Through thorough research, first-hand accounts and case studies, the book details international arctic research initiatives and native environments, including flora and fauna. Sections explore the impact of climate change, the effect of the Arctic on climate change, the environmental issues facing the region and how it is adapting. It is also a must-read source of information for polar scientists, applicable PhD students, early researchers, environmental scholars, and anyone searching for information on any aspect of the Arctic region. Users will find a great resource that brings together all aspects of Arctic research into one concise book.

Presents an entertaining and accessible approach whilst also providing a rigorous and comprehensive presentation of the subject. Describes how to unveil the ages of stellar populations in distant galaxies that we cannot resolve into individual stars. Contains historical notes about these techniques, outstanding major problems, and a discussion on future developments in the field.

Presents an entertaining and accessible approach whilst also providing a rigorous and comprehensive presentation of the subject. Describes how to unveil the ages of stellar populations in distant galaxies that we cannot resolve into individual stars. Contains historical notes about these techniques, outstanding major problems, and a discussion on future developments in the field.

Primarily aiming to give undergraduate students an introduction to solid state physics, Physics of Electrons in Solids explains the properties of solids through the study of non-interacting electrons in solids. While each chapter contains a qualitative introduction to the main ideas behind solid state physics, it also provides detailed calculations of utmost importance to graduate students.The introductory chapters contain crystallographic and quantum prerequisites. The central chapters are devoted to the quantum states of an independent electron in a crystal and to the equilibrium properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. The final chapters contain insights into the assumptions made throughout, briefly describing the origin of ferromagnetism and superconductivity. The book ends with exercises and solutions based on a physics course taught by the author at Ecole Polytechnique.

This book gives a rigorous, physics focused, introduction to set theory that is geared towards natural science majors.We present the science major with a robust introduction to set theory, focusing on the specific knowledge and skills that will unavoidably be needed in calculus topics and natural science topics in general, rather than taking a philosophical-math-fundamental oriented approach that is commonly found in set theory textbooks.

Emerging Topics in Computational Electromagnetics in Computational Electromagnetics presents advances in Computational Electromagnetics. This book is designed to fill the existing gap in current CEM literature that only cover the conventional numerical techniques for solving traditional EM problems. The book examines new algorithms, and applications of these algorithms for solving problems of current interest that are not readily amenable to efficient treatment by using the existing techniques. The authors discuss solution techniques for problems arising in nanotechnology, bioEM, metamaterials, as well as multiscale problems. They present techniques that utilize recent advances in computer technology, such as parallel architectures, and the increasing need to solve large and complex problems in a time efficient manner by using highly scalable algorithms.