Black holes, White Dwarfs, and Neutron Stars The physics of Compact Objects Compact objects-black holes, white dwarfs, and neutron stars-are fundamental constituents of the physical universe. They are born when normal stars die. This book is a product of the recent explosion of scientific activity centering on these objects. This self-contained work is a rigorous, yet understandable, references on the latest theoretical and observational developments. It is at once an outstanding text for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in physics, and a practical self-study guide for scientists in other disciplines and scientifically-oriented laypersons. No prior knowledge of astrophysics or relativity theory is required. Compact objects provide unique cosmic laboratories for testing physics and astrophysics under extreme conditions. They interact via all four of the fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetism, strong and weak nuclear forces, and gravitation. As a result, the book brings together topics from such diverse areas as solid state physics, nuclear and particle physics, relativity and hydrodynamics. In the text, the authors first analyze the physical properties of compact objects in their simplest states. Next, they investigate the effects of rotation, magnetic fields, X-ray and neutrino emission, the generation of gravitational waves, and so on. The theory is assessed in light of the most recent observational data. Numerous practical features to make teaching and learning easier include:
* a road map for using the book effectively
* over 250 exercises, including several small-scale computer problems
* extensive references
* boxes summarizing major points
* carefully constructed and attractive tables and illustrations.
Dr. Stuart L. Shapiro and Dr. Saul A. Teukolsky are both Professors of Physics and Astronomy at Cornell University.
Table of Content
Star Deaths and the Formation of Compact Objects.
Cold Equation of State Below Neutron Drip.
White Dwarfs.
Cooling of White Dwarfs.
General Relativity.
The Equilibrium and Stability of Fluid Configurations.
Rotation and Magnetic Fields.
Cold Equation of State Above Neutron Drip.
Neutron Star Models: Masses and Radii.
Pulsars.
Cooling of Neutron Stars.
Black Holes.
Compact X-Ray Sources.
Accretion Onto Black Holes.
Accretion Onto Neutron Stars and White Dwarfs.
Gravitational Radiation.
Supermassive Stars and Black Holes.
Stellar Collapse and Supernova Explosions.
Appendixes.
References.
Author Index.
Subject Index.
About the author
Stuart Louis Shapiro is an American theoretical astrophysicist, who works on numerical relativity with applications in astrophysics, specialising in compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes. Saul A. Teukolsky is the author of Black Holes, White Dwarfs, and Neutron Stars: The Physics of Compact Objects, published by Wiley.
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