Dynamics of Galaxies - Hardcover

Bertin, Giuseppe

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521472628 ISBN 13: 9780521472623

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Our understanding of galaxies has advanced significantly in recent years. New observations from ground- and space-based telescopes, the discovery of dark matter, and powerful computer simulations have been instrumental in this. This textbook provides graduate students with a complete and thorough introduction to galactic dynamics. The first two parts of the book define the astrophysical problems and the methods for building sound physical models. Next, the observational properties and models of spiral then elliptical galaxies are examined in detail. Finally, a selection of exciting topics from contemporary research are introduced, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, cooling flows, accretion disks, and galaxies at high redshift. Throughout, the emphasis is on developing a clear understanding and good physical intuition of the processes involved. Full derivations are provided for key results and helpful problems are included. This textbook provides graduate students with a self-contained and accessible introduction to modern galactic dynamics.

About this title

Review:

'This textbook provides graduate students with a self-contained and accessible introduction to modern galactic dynamics and help equip them with useful tools and sound intuition for research beyond.' Europe and Astronomy

'In Dynamics of Galaxies [the author] provides graduate students with a complete and thorough introduction to galactic dynamics and leads them right up to the forefront of current research. Throughout, the emphasis is on developing a clear understanding and good physical intuition of the processes involved ... mathematics is kept to a minimum. This makes the book readable for advanced amateurs, as well. This textbook provides graduate students with a self-contained and accessible introduction to modern galactic dynamics and help equip them with useful tools and sound intuition for research beyond.' Orion (Société Astronomique de Suisse)

'Giuseppe Bertin's Dynamics of Galaxies is an elucidating account of a graduate course given by Bertin over the past two decades ... Bertin's book is particularly useful for students interested in mathematical methods of galactic dynamics. Bertin's comparisons between galactic dynamics and plasma physics are also innovative and illustrative.' Debra Elmegreen and Bruce C. Elmegreen, Physics Today

'Many of his descriptions are particularly good for beginning graduate students: his chapter on dispersive waves, for example. Each chapter includes thought-provoking questions.' Physics Today

Book Description:

Our understanding of galaxies has advanced significantly in recent years. This graduate textbook provides a complete and self-contained introduction to modern galactic dynamics. It clearly explains how to build sound physical models and carefully compares them with observations. Full derivations are provided for key results and helpful problems are included.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0521472628
• ISBN 13: 9780521472623
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 430