An Introduction to Star Formation
Cambridge University Press, 2/10/2011
EAN 9780521630306, ISBN10: 0521630304
Hardcover, 240 pages, 25.4 x 17.8 x 1.4 cm
Language: English
Guiding the reader through all the stages that lead to the formation of a star such as our Sun, this advanced textbook provides students with a complete overview of star formation. It examines the underlying physical processes that govern the evolution from a molecular cloud core to a main-sequence star, and focuses on the formation of solar-mass stars. Each chapter combines theory and observation, helping readers to connect with and understand the theory behind star formation. Beginning with an explanation of the interstellar medium and molecular clouds as sites of star formation, subsequent chapters address the building of typical stars and the formation of high-mass stars, concluding with a discussion of the by-products and consequences of star formation. This is a unique, self-contained text with sufficient background information for self-study, and is ideal for students and professional researchers alike.
1. Introduction
2. Probing star formation
3. The ISM
the beginnings of star formation
4. Molecular clouds
the sites of star formation
5. Fragmentation and collapse
the road to star formation
6. Young stars, proto-stars and accretion
building a typical star
7. The formation of high-mass stars, and their surroundings
8. By-products and consequences of star formation
Index.
'Star formation is one of the most active research fields in modern astronomy and is also the key to understanding problems as diverse as galaxy evolution and the origin of planets. This book, written by two highly-regarded experts, first poses the questions that define the field of star formation and then gives a remarkably comprehensive yet concise survey of the underlying physics. The book provides both an overview suitable for those new to the field and also a convenient handbook for established researchers. It emphasizes both basic principles and established results and will surely remain a standard work for years to come.' David Williams, Emeritus Perren Professor of Astronomy, University College London