Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis

An ideal bridging text for astrophysics and physics majors looking to move on from the introductory texts.

Sean G. Ryan (Author), Andrew J. Norton (Author)

9780521133203, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 7 January 2010

236 pages, 50 exercises
26.2 x 21 x 1.5 cm, 0.78 kg

'… an excellently presented pedagogic work written for self-study under the auspices of The Open University … Both authors have wide-ranging experience with OU as offering high-quality instruction in a remote-learning environment … There is a beauty in its subject that is sensitively brought out by the careful preparation, admirable composition and meticulous presentation of its subject matter that reflects most commendably upon the authors and publishers alike. … I can only express my enthusiasm and admiration for a splendid work - on a glorious, enthralling subject.' Contemporary Physics

This self-contained astrophysics textbook for advanced undergraduates explores how stars form, what happens to them as they age, and what becomes of them when they die. Students can investigate the physical processes sustaining the energy output of stars during each stage of their evolution and which drive the progression from one stage to the next, and examine the relationship between different stages of stellar evolution and the production of the chemical elements. The textbook contains a wealth of worked examples and exercises with full solutions. Summaries, key facts and equations are clearly identified, and there are full colour illustrations throughout. Drawing on decades of experience in supported learning and independent study, this textbook is an ideal bridging text for astrophysics and physics majors looking to move on from the introductory texts. Accompanying resources to this textbook are available at: http://www.cambridge.org/features/astrophysics.

1. Main sequence stars
2. Gravitational contraction
3. Nuclear fusion
4. From main-sequence to giant branch
5. Helium-burning stars
6. Late stages of stellar evolution
7. Supernovae, neutron stars and black holes
8. Star formation
Index.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX], Astrophysics [PHVB], Galaxies & stars [PGM], Cosmology & the universe [PGK]