Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics: Volume 2

Erika Böhm-Vitense (Author)

9780521348706, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 October 1989

264 pages
24.6 x 17.4 x 1.3 cm, 0.508 kg

"...an excellent introduction to analytical methods and comparison with observations." Virginia Trimble, Comments on Astrophysics

This comprehensive textbook conveys the basic physical ideas and laws used in the study of the outer layers of a star. The stellar atmosphere emits the light which we see. The only layers of a star where we can get direct information about temperature, pressure and composition are in the atmosphere. This complete account first introduces stellar magnitudes, spectra and temperatures. This is followed by a full discussion of radiative transfer in a stellar atmosphere, which leads to descriptions of line formation, the spectrum of hydrogen, and spectral analysis. Finally the structural components that are accessible, such as the convestion zone, chromosphere, corona, and mass outflow are described. The book will interest any student with a knowledge of physics and mathematics who needs to learn about stellar atmospheres.

Preface
1. Stellar magnitudes and stellar colors
2. Stellar spectra
3. Temperature estimates for stars
4. Basics about radiative transfer
5. Radiative transfer in stellar atmosphere
6. The depth dependence of the source function
7. The continuous absorption coefficient
8. The influence of the non-greyness of the absorption coefficient
9. The pressure stratification
10. Theory of line formation
11. The hydrogen lines
12. Spectrum analysis
13. Basics about non-local thermodynamics equilibrium
14. The hydrogen convection zone
15. Stellar chromospheres, transition layers, and coronae
16. Stellar winds
Problems
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB]