Gravity
Newtonian, Post-Newtonian, Relativistic

A unique graduate textbook that develops powerful approximation methods and their applications to real-life astrophysical systems.

Eric Poisson (Author), Clifford M. Will (Author)

9781107032866, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 May 2014

792 pages, 40 b/w illus. 141 exercises
25.3 x 19.3 x 3.7 cm, 1.88 kg

'I know of no other text that compares with this compendium of tricks for calculating observables in the large fraction of the universe that is not near an event horizon. Eric Poisson and Clifford Will, two world-renowned leaders in the field, have produced the ideal manual for anyone who wishes to do calculations relevant to current experiments or upcoming gravitational-wave observations. … The clear, unified presentation in Gravity is a must-read for anyone wishing to absorb the material efficiently. … a great textbook for a special-topics graduate course after the introductory relativity course, a crucial study aid for anyone learning about astrophysical relativity and gravitational waves, and a lifelong reference for career researchers.' Benjamin Owen, Physics Today

This textbook explores approximate solutions to general relativity and their consequences. It offers a unique presentation of Einstein's theory by developing powerful methods that can be applied to astrophysical systems. Beginning with a uniquely thorough treatment of Newtonian gravity, the book develops post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian approximation methods to obtain weak-field solutions to the Einstein field equations. The book explores the motion of self-gravitating bodies, the physics of gravitational waves, and the impact of radiative losses on gravitating systems. It concludes with a brief overview of alternative theories of gravity. Ideal for graduate courses on general relativity and relativistic astrophysics, the book examines real-life applications, such as planetary motion around the Sun, the timing of binary pulsars, and gravitational waves emitted by binary black holes. Text boxes explore related topics and provide historical context, and over 100 exercises present challenging tests of the material covered in the main text.

Preface
1. Foundations of Newtonian gravity
2. Structure of self-gravitating bodies
3. Newtonian orbital dynamics
4. Minkowski spacetime
5. Curved spacetime
6. Post-Minkowskian theory: formulation
7. Post-Minkowskian theory: implementation
8. Post-Newtonian theory: fundamentals
9. Post-Newtonian theory: system of isolated bodies
10. Post-Newtonian celestial mechanics, astrometry and navigation
11. Gravitational waves
12. Radiative losses and radiation reaction
13. Alternative theories of gravity
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Relativity physics [PHR], Physics [PH], Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Astronomy, space & time [PG], Mathematics & science [P]