Visible and Dark Matter in the Universe
A Short Primer on Astrophysical Dynamics

A concise introduction to modern astrophysics, with a focus on galaxy dynamics and the discovery of dark matter halos.

Giuseppe Bertin (Author)

9781316519318, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 December 2022

160 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.5 cm, 0.44 kg

'Any physicist or physics student who wants an introduction to astrophysics would do well to start here: it is a great survey of our modern picture of the universe, covering a wealth of topics, each ideally suited for an undergraduate or master's thesis or essay project. Though the author is primarily known as a theorist, it is focused on the discoveries and problems thrown up by observational research, and it repeatedly illustrates the tortuous routes by which the current picture has been reached. It is well referenced to the original literature, from which most of the figures are taken, and into which the reader will repeatedly want to delve.' Douglas Heggie, Emeritus Professor, University of Edinburgh

This is a concise introduction to modern astrophysics for physicists, with a focus on galaxy dynamics and the discovery of dark matter halos in galaxies. Part I summarizes important discoveries in observational astronomy and astrophysics, in a manner accessible to those who are new to the topic. Building on this foundation, Part II describes the study of dark matter and provides more detail on galactic dynamics. Important physical concepts that form the basis of key astrophysical phenomena are explained, avoiding unnecessary technicalities and complex derivations. The approach is semi-empirical and emphasizes the importance of key measurements and observations in formulating fundamental theoretical questions and developing their solutions. Students are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of major discoveries and contemporary research topics, beyond the simple application of practical models and formulae, as a bridge to more advanced study in astrophysics.

Preface
Part I. Visible Matter: 1. Light
2. Optical astronomy
3. Radio astronomy
4. X-ray and Gamma ray astronomy
5. Astroparticle physics, gravitational waves, space physics. Part II. Dark Matter: 6. Galaxies
7. The supermissive black hold at the center of the Milky Way
8. Two precursors of the problem of dark matter
9. The discovery of dark halos around spiral galaxies
10. The cosmological context
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB], Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Astronomy, space & time [PG]