Galaxies
Structure and Evolution

Roger John Tayler (Author)

9780521367103, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 4 March 1993

228 pages, 92 b/w illus.
24.7 x 17.4 x 1.4 cm, 0.423 kg

"...a valuable summary for both specialist and nonspecialist readers." P.J.E. Peebles, Choice

Galaxies are large systems of stars, some of which contain interstellar gas and dust. They also contain much invisible matter, which may be in the form of weakly interacting elementary particles. In this introductory textbook, the first chapter introduces the study of galaxies. This is followed by two chapters on observations of galaxies, including our own. There are then three chapters on galactic structure: the manner in which motions of stars determine galactic shape, the determination of galactic masses, and the structure of discs in spirals. Galactic evolution, especially changes in chemical composition over time, is covered. The book concludes with a discussion of the origin of galaxies and their relation to more general questions in cosmology. The book includes mathematical presentation where this enables the discussion to be quantitative.

Preface
Symbols
Numerical values
1. Introduction
2. Observations of the Galaxy
3. Properties of external galaxies
4. Stellar dynamics
5. Masses of galaxies
6. The interstellar medium in our Galaxy
7. The chemical evolution of galaxies
8. Galaxies and the Universe
9. Concluding remarks
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB]