Product Description

Using fundamental physics, the theory of stellar structure and evolution can predict how stars are born, how their complex internal structure changes, what nuclear fuel they burn, and their ultimate fate. This textbook is a stimulating introduction for undergraduates in astronomy, physics and applied mathematics, taking a course on the physics of stars. It uniquely emphasises the basic physical principles governing stellar structure and evolution. This second edition contains two new chapters on mass loss from stars and interacting binary stars, and new exercises. Clear and methodical, it explains the processes in simple terms, while maintaining mathematical rigour. Starting from general principles, this textbook leads students step-by-step to a global, comprehensive understanding of the subject. Fifty exercises and full solutions allow students to test their understanding. No prior knowledge of astronomy is required, and only a basic background in physics and mathematics is necessary.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42520 in Books
• Published on: 2009-11-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 330 pages

Review
‘The unique feature of this book is the emphasis it places, throughout, on the basic physical principles governing stellar evolution. The processes are always explained in the simplest terms, while maintaining full mathematical rigour … This textbook provides a stimulating introduction for undergraduates in astronomy, physics, planetary science, and applied mathematics who are taking a course on the physics of stars. Because this book requires only basic undergraduate physics and mathematics and no prior knowledge of astronomy it may be read by advanced amateurs as well.’ Orion

‘Here we have a first-class textbook that spells out in a clear and methodical way the principles that underlie the life cycles of stars and the physics of their interiors. … The host of student exercises in this book, plus the useful worked answers, ensure that any dedicated physics or mathematics undergraduate can, with some effort, understand what is going on.’ David Hughes, New Scientist

‘To my mind, this is the first book to be both a candidate for the title of classic and at the same time suitable for undergraduates … The approach is very different from that of most textbooks on stars … Throughout the book, the emphasis is on understanding physical principles, and there are well-designed exercises scattered through the text, relating to material that has just been covered; full solutions are clearly set out in an appendix … This … is a book that I can strongly recommend as a suitable textbook to anyone teaching a course in stellar structure, at advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level … Any undergraduate who masters this book will not only be well prepared to undertake graduate work in the area but will also understand his/her other physics courses better. An excellent book, which certainly deserves to become a classic.’ Robert Connon Smith, The Observatory

About the Author
Dina Prialnik is a Professor of Planetary Physics at Tel Aviv University. Her research interests lie in stellar evolution; the structure and evolution of cataclysmic variables, comet nuclei and other small Solar System bodies; and the evolution of planets.

Customer Reviews

An excellent treatment at an ungraduate level
This year I taught a second-year undergraduate course in Stellar Astrophysics using this book as the recommended text. The explanations are clear and concise, and the treatment of stellar structure and evolution in terms of the temperature and pressure at various points inside the star ties the whole book together in one simple diagram. The first half of the book leads up to this diagram, and the second half expands upon the features predicted by it. This is certainly the clearest and most intellectually satisfying treatment of stellar astrophysics I have found at this level, presenting a coherent picture with enough mathematical detail to be comprehensible. The worked examples are useful and full solutions are presented. All in all- highly recommended.

Essential and clear
As an astrophysicist, I have read dozens of complex, obscure and formulae-laden books on the topic, therefore I know how difficult is to find a clear, yet thorough, book on stellar evolution. This is that book. Prialnik does an excellent job introducing the subject, since it is easy to read and full of clear and concise explanations. Probably the best book for an undergraduate introductory course on stellar evolution I have ever come across. It's also the best quick-reference book I have in my library.
Congratulations, Dina!

One of the finest text books I have read.
The underlying physical principles behind the mathematics are explained with such clarity that it is hard to believe this is a physics text. Ideal as an introduction to the subject at degree level - but equally useful to read alongside more advanced texts where amplification of assumptions is required. Dina Prialnik must be a superb teacher.