Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei
An Introduction

The latest observations and theoretical models are combined in this clear, pedagogic textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.

Ajit K. Kembhavi (Author), Jayant V. Narlikar (Author)

9780521479899, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 March 1999

480 pages, 26 b/w illus. 12 tables
24.7 x 17.5 x 2.4 cm, 0.985 kg

'A quiet revolution has been occurring in the field of extragalactic astronomy … Following these strides in AGN research, new books that seek to summarize the state of current research are welcome. Ajit Kembhavi and Jayant Narlikar's Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei is one such book … Within a historical background and cosmological framework, and with an easy-to-read style, the authors state their ideas clearly, introduce important physical and astronomical concepts, and explain their relevance to AGN … This book serves well as an introductory text for the advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate student who wishes general knowledge of the field of AGN research.' Physics Today

This book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive account of quasars and active galactic nuclei (AGN). The latest observations and theoretical models are combined in this clear, pedagogic textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Researchers will also find this wide-ranging and coherent review invaluable. Throughout, detailed derivations of important results are provided to ensure the book is self-contained. Theories and models are critically compared with detailed and often puzzling observations from across the spectrum. We are led through all the key topics, including quasar surveys, continuum radiation, time variability, relativistic beaming, accretion disks, jet sidedness, gravitational lensing, unification and detailed, multi-wavelength studies of individual objects. Particular emphasis is placed on radio, X- and gamma-ray observations - not covered in depth in any previous book. All those entering into this exciting and dynamic area of astronomy research will find this book an ideal introduction.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Acronyms and abbreviations
1. Historical background
2. The cosmological framework
3. Radiative processes - I
4. Radiative processes - II
5. The standard model
6. Surveys
7. Luminosity functions
8. The continuum
9. Radio properties
10. X-ray emission
11. X-ray and gamma-ray spectra
12. Unification
13. Quasar absorption lines
14. Gravitation lensing
15. Problems and controversies
References
Books, reviews and proceedings
Author index
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB], Theoretical & mathematical astronomy [PGC]