Galaxy Formation and Evolution

A coherent introduction for researchers in astronomy, particle physics, and cosmology on the formation and evolution of galaxies.

Houjun Mo (Author), Frank van den Bosch (Author), Simon White (Author)

9780521857932, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 May 2010

840 pages, 160 b/w illus.
25.5 x 18 x 4 cm, 1.99 kg

'… an ideal introduction for anyone with a minimal background in astrophysics who wishes to enter the field of large-scale structure formation. … a comprehensive review of relevant topics …' Physics Today

The rapidly expanding field of galaxy formation lies at the interface between astronomy, particle physics, and cosmology. Covering diverse topics from these disciplines, all of which are needed to understand how galaxies form and evolve, this book is ideal for researchers entering the field. Individual chapters explore the evolution of the Universe as a whole and its particle and radiation content; linear and nonlinear growth of cosmic structure; processes affecting the gaseous and dark matter components of galaxies and their stellar populations; the formation of spiral and elliptical galaxies; central supermassive black holes and the activity associated with them; galaxy interactions; and the intergalactic medium. Emphasizing both observational and theoretical aspects, this book provides a coherent introduction for astronomers, cosmologists, and astroparticle physicists to the broad range of science underlying the formation and evolution of galaxies.

1. Introduction
2. Observational facts
3. Cosmological background
4. Cosmological perturbations
5. Gravitational collapse and collisionless dynamics
6. Probing the cosmic density field
7. Formation and structure of dark matter halos
8. Formation and evolution of gaseous halos
9. Star formation in galaxies
10. Stellar populations and chemical evolution
11. Disk galaxies
12. Galaxy interactions and transformations
13. Elliptical galaxies
14. Active galaxies
15. Statistical properties of the galaxy population
16. The intergalactic medium
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB], Astronomy, space & time [PG]