High-energy astrophysics involves the study of exceedingly dynamic
and energetic phenomena occurring near the most extreme celestial
objects known to exist, such as black holes, neutron stars, white
dwarfs, and supernova remnants. High-Energy Astrophysics provides
graduate and advanced undergraduate students with the most complete,
self-contained introduction to the subject available. This textbook
covers all the essentials, weaving together the latest theory with the
experimental techniques, instrumentation, and observational methods
astronomers use to study high-energy radiation from space.
Fulvio
Melia introduces topics at the forefront of today's research, including
relativistic particles, energetic radiation, and accretion disk theory.
No other textbook offers such a thorough yet concise treatment of the
key aspects of high-energy astrophysics--both theoretical and
observational--or delves as deeply into modern detection techniques,
satellite systems, and analytical and numerical modeling used by
theoreticians. Amply illustrated, High-Energy Astrophysics is
also ideal for researchers interested in the application of fundamental
physical laws to understand how matter and radiation behave in regions
of the universe where physical conditions are most extreme.
- Uniquely weaves together the theoretical and experimental aspects of this important branch of astronomy
- Features stunning images of the high-energy sky
- Fully describes the principal classes of high-energy sources, with an in-depth study of many archetypal objects within them
- Provides an excellent, self-contained resource for the classroom, written by a preeminent researcher and teacher in the field
"The
well-written work provides an excellent balance between relevant
graduate physics and observational summaries of key high-energy
astrophysical phenomena, such as pulsars, black holes, and active
galactic nuclei. The explanations are lucid and concise, and the
mathematical detail is well suited to the intended audience, primarily
graduate students in astrophysics."--Choice
Endorsement:
"A
splendid resource for students and researchers wanting a physics-based
overview of the extraordinary findings of X-ray, gamma-ray, and
cosmic-ray astronomy. The key properties of accreting black holes,
gamma-ray bursts, pulsars, magnetars, galaxy clusters, and the many
other fantastic denizens of the high-energy universe are highlighted,
along with the tools and methods used to investigate them."--Niel
Brandt, Pennsylvania State University
"The introductory graduate
literature available in high-energy astrophysics has not kept up with
the field's explosion in breadth and impact. This ambitious and badly
needed text ably surveys the field, covering an impressive range of
topics while still providing good physical insight. The many
illustrations, references for further study, and discussions of modern
topics like theoretical computer simulations should make this book
attractive to students and professors alike."--Paolo Coppi, Yale
University
"This is a very carefully constructed book and one that
has been needed in our field for many years. Melia writes clearly, and
the topics include most of the major ones that should be covered.
Indeed, this is a book I would likely use in my high-energy astrophysics
course here at Harvard."--Jonathan E. Grindlay, Harvard University
Other Princeton books authored or coauthored by Fulvio Melia:
Series:
- Princeton Series in Astrophysics
David N. Spergel, Series Editor
Subject Areas:
