Astrophysics of Planet Formation

A self-contained graduate-level introduction to the physical processes that shape planetary systems, covering all stages of planet formation.

Philip J. Armitage (Author)

9781108420501, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 January 2020

342 pages, 102 b/w illus.
25.3 x 17.9 x 1.9 cm, 0.82 kg

'This work is a highly mathematical textbook, drawing on many subdisciplines in physics, chemistry, and geophysics, and designed to train specialists in this complex and rapidly evolving discipline … The field is rapidly changing, with continuing discoveries and theoretical advances, justifying this second edition, and no doubt future editions to come. The book is suitable for students and professionals who are well trained in orbital and fluid dynamics, with some knowledge of other pertinent fields including physical chemistry and magnetohydrodynamics.' S. P. Maran, Choice

Concise and self-contained, this textbook gives a graduate-level introduction to the physical processes that shape planetary systems, covering all stages of planet formation. Writing for readers with undergraduate backgrounds in physics, astronomy, and planetary science, Armitage begins with a description of the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks, moves on to the formation of planetesimals, rocky, and giant planets, and concludes by describing the gravitational and gas dynamical evolution of planetary systems. He provides a self-contained account of the modern theory of planet formation and, for more advanced readers, carefully selected references to the research literature, noting areas where research is ongoing. The second edition has been thoroughly revised to include observational results from NASA's Kepler mission, ALMA observations and the JUNO mission to Jupiter, new theoretical ideas including pebble accretion, and an up-to-date understanding in areas such as disk evolution and planet migration.

Preface
1. Observations of planetary systems
2. Protoplanetary disk structure
3. Protoplanetary disk evolution
4. Planetesimal formation
5. Terrestrial planet formation
6. Giant planet formation
7. Early evolution of planetary systems
Appendix 1: physical and astronomical constants
Appendix 2: N-body methods
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Geophysics [PHVG], Astrophysics [PHVB], Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS], Mathematics & science [P]