Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics: Volume 1, Basic Stellar Observations and Data

Erika Böhm-Vitense (Author)

9780521348690, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 August 1989

256 pages
24.7 x 17.5 x 1.4 cm, 0.535 kg

"Strong points are the reproduction of many basic observations and the emphasis that is placed on how these observations lead to data and conclusions. In this way, the student not only learns about astronomy, but also about the way astronomers work." A. Schadee, Space Science Reviews

This textbook introduces basic elements of fundamental astronomy and astrophysics which serve as a foundation for understanding the structure, evolution, and observed properties of stars. The first half of the book explains how stellar motions, distances, luminosities, colours, radii, masses and temperatures are measured or derived. The author then shows how data of these sorts can be arranged to classify stars through their spectra. Stellar rotation and stellar magnetic fields are introduced. Stars with peculiar spectra and pulsating stars also merit special attention. The endpoints of stellar volutions are briefly described. There is a separate chapter on the Sun and a final one on interstellar absorption. The usefulness of this text is enhanced by the inclusion of problems for students, tables of astronomical constants, and a selective bibliography.

Preface
1. Positions of stars
2. Proper motions of stars
3. Distances of nearby stars
4. The brightnesses of the stars
5. Color magnitude diagrams
6. The luminosites of the stars
7. Angular radii of stars
8. Effective temperatures of stars
9. Masses and radii of stars
10. Spectral classification
11. Understanding stellar spectra
12. Population II stars
13. Stellar rotation
14. Stellar magnetic fields
15. Stars with peculiar spectra
16. Pulsating stars
17. Explosive stars
18. Our sun
19. Interstellar absorption
Appendixes
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB]