The Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium

A comprehensive overview of theoretical and observational understanding of the interstellar medium of galaxies.

A. G. G. M. Tielens (Author)

9780521533720, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 August 2010

510 pages
24.4 x 17 x 2.6 cm, 0.8 kg

Review of the hardback: '… the book is comprehensive and destined to be a long-term success, both as a text for graduate students and as a reference for the established researcher who needs to fill a knowledge gap.' The Observatory

This work provides a comprehensive overview of our theoretical and observational understanding of the interstellar medium of galaxies. With emphasis on the microscopic physical and chemical processes in space, and their influence on the macroscopic structure of the interstellar medium of galaxies, the book includes developments in this area of molecular astrophysics. The various heating, cooling, and chemical processes relevant for the rarefied gas and submicron-sized dust grains that constitute the interstellar medium are discussed in detail. This provides a firm foundation for an in-depth understanding of the ionized, neutral atomic, and molecular phases of the interstellar medium. The physical and chemical properties of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules and their role in the interstellar medium are highlighted, and the physics and chemistry of warm and dense photodissociation regions are discussed. This is an invaluable reference source for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and research scientists.

1. The galactic ecosystem
2. Cooling processes
3. Heating processes
4. Chemical processes
5. Interstellar dust
6. Interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules
7. HII regions
8. The phases of the ISM
9. Photodissociation regions
10. Molecular clouds
11. Interstellar shocks
12. Dynamics of the interstellar medium
13. The lifecycle of interstellar dust.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB]