High-energy astrophysics covers cosmic phenomena that occur under the most extreme physical conditions. It explores the most violent events in the Universe: the explosion of stars, matter falling into black holes, and gamma-ray bursts – the most luminous explosions since the Big Bang. Driven by a wealth of observations, there has been a large leap forward in our understanding of these phenomena. Exploring modern topics of high-energy astrophysics, such as supernovae, neutron stars, compact binary systems, gamma-ray bursts, and active galactic nuclei, this 2007 textbook is ideal for undergraduate students in high-energy astrophysics. It is a self-contained, relevant overview of this exciting field of research. Assuming a familiarity with basic physics, it introduces all other concepts, such as gas dynamics or radiation processes, in an instructive way. An extended appendix gives an overview of some of the most important high-energy astrophysics instruments, and each chapter ends with exercises.
Preface
1. Special relativity
2. Gas processes
3. Radiation processes
4. Supernovae
5. Neutron stars, pulsars and magnetars
6. Compact binary systems
7. Gamma-ray bursts
8. Active galactic nuclei
Appendix A. Some recent high-energy astrophysics instruments
Appendix B. Physical constants
Appendix C. Distances
Appendix D. Luminosity, brightness, magnitude, colour
Index
Stephan Rosswog is Professor of Astrophysics at the School of Engineering and Science, International University Bremen, Germany. He is a member of the German Physical Society (DPG) and the International Astronomical Union, and is the recipient of a PPARC Advanced Fellowship.
Marcus Bruggen is Professor of Astrophysics at the School of Engineering and Science, International University Bremen, Germany. He is a member of the International Astronomical Union and Deutsche Astronomische Gesellschaft, and a recipient of the Blackwell Prize from the Royal Astronomical Society.
"[...] it makes an easy transition to the applications of physics to astrophysics [...] The book is well constructed and develops derivations and explanations that are presented in logical sequences of thought with an ease characteristic of few books of its kind [...] This is an excellent choice for the bookshelves of current and aspiring astrophysicists [...] Summing Up: Highly recommended."
- Choice Reviews Online
"It could easily form the basis of more than one undergraduate course and should be required reading for anyone working in high-energy astrophysics. The style and layout are clear and all for a reasonable price. Highly recommended."
- The Observatory
"[...] In principle, this book contains everything a beginner in this topic needs to know [...] The text is written in a very coherent way, physics equations are explicitly derived, physics students will appreciate that. [...] The authors are not only internationally known for their contributions to high-energy astrophysics, they are also actively teaching at Jacobs University Bremen. This synergy guarantees a pedagogically well-thought-out textbook. It is highly recommended to all physics students that want to engage in high-energy astrophysics [...] It should not be missing from any library."
- Dr Sylvio Klose, Thuringer State Observatory, Tautenburg
"It should not be missing from any library."
- Sterne und Weltraum