The Chemically Controlled Cosmos
Astronomical Molecules from the Big Bang to Exploding Stars

A clear, non-technical guide to a wealth of the most exciting astrophysics studied today, and to the role of cosmic chemistry in the Universe.

T. W. Hartquist (Author), D. A. Williams (Author)

9780521056373, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 March 2008

188 pages, 64 b/w illus. 5 tables
24.4 x 17 x 1 cm, 0.314 kg

' The text is singularly easy to read, and ample use is made of helpful analogies that facilitate the understanding of difficult concepts … This is an excellent book, and, at just under £20 in hardback, it is good value for money.' David Flower, Webb Society Reviews

Molecules in the early Universe acted as natural temperature regulators, keeping the primordial gas cool and, in turn, allowing galaxies and stars to be born. Even now, such similarly simple chemistry continues to control a wide variety of the exotic objects that populate our cosmos. What are the tools of the trade for the cosmic chemist? What can they teach us about the Universe we live in? These are the questions answered in this engaging and informative guide, The Chemically Controlled Cosmos. In clear, non-technical terms, and without formal mathematics, we learn how to study and understand the behaviour of molecules in a host of astronomical situations. We study the secretive formation of stars deep within interstellar clouds, the origin of our own Solar System, the cataclysmic deaths of many massive stars that explode as supernovae, and the hearts of active galactic nuclei, the most powerful objects in the Universe. We are given an accessible introduction to a wealth of astrophysics, and an understanding of how cosmic chemistry facilitates the investigation of many of the most exciting questions concerning astronomy today.

Preface
1. A brief history
2. Setting the astronomical scene
3. The tools of the trade
4. Chemistry after the Big Bang
5. Interstellar clouds - the birth places of stars
6. Star formation
7. The solar system at birth
8. Stellar winds and outflows
9. Astronomical masers near bright stars
10. Supernovae: fairly big bang
11. Active galaxies
12. Epilogue
Index.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG], Science: general issues [PD]