Pulsar Astronomy

A comprehensive introduction to pulsars and radio-emitting neutron stars, including observational and theoretical concepts and applications.

Andrew Lyne (Author), Francis Graham-Smith (Author), Benjamin Stappers (Author)

9781108495226, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 4 August 2022

420 pages
25 x 17.4 x 2.8 cm, 0.87 kg

'[T]he book has much evolved since its first edition … the book remains the best textbook if people want to learn about pulsars and pulsar astronomy … The vast experience of the authors, who are world-leading experts in this field, clearly shows … the improved structure, combined with updates and the much-more-than-just cosmetic changes to various chapters make the book worth buying, even if one has an old edition. It feels simply easier to read and handle, while still providing a good balance between breadth and depth … this is the 'go-to' introduction to the field.' Michael Kramer, The Observatory

After more than half a century since their unexpected discovery and identification as neutron stars, the observation and understanding of pulsars touches upon many areas of astronomy and astrophysics. The literature on pulsars is vast and the observational techniques used now cover the whole of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma-rays. Now in its fifth edition, this volume has been reorganised and features new material throughout. It provides an introduction in historical and physical terms to the many aspects of neutron stars, including condensed matter, physics of the magnetosphere, supernovae and the development of the pulsar population, propagation in the interstellar medium, binary stars, gravitation and general relativity. The current development of a new generation of powerful radio telescopes, designed with pulsar research in mind, makes this survey and guide essential reading for a growing body of students and astronomers.

Preface
Part I. Pulsar Astronomy: 1. The Discoveries
2. Telescopes Techniques, Radio to TeV
3. Receiver Techniques and Data Analysis
4. Surveys and Population
5. Pulsar Timing
6. Timing and Astrometry of Binary Pulsars
7. The Distances of the Pulsars. Part II. Observed Physical Characteristics: 8. Pulse Profiles
9. The Variability of Pulsar Emission
10. Millisecond Pulsars
11. Magnetars
12. Thermal X-rays from Neutron Stars. Part III. Neutron Star Physics: 13. Neutron Stars
14. Radius and Mass
15. Glitches, Timing Noise, Slowdown Switching
16. Location and Geometry of Emitters
17. The Emission Mechanisms
Part IV. Environments and the Interstellar Medium
18. Supernovae and their Remnants
Pulsar Wind Nebulae
19. Interstellar Scintillation and Scattering
20. The Interstellar Magnetic Field
21. Prospects
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Astronomy, space & time [PG], Mathematics & science [P]