Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 430 pages
- Published by: Cambridge University Press June 12, 2000
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0521478553
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0521478557
-
Book Dimensions:
9.7 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches
- Weighs: 1.6 pounds
Product Review
"A fresh and exciting introduction to modern galactic physics on the grand scale, and of its connections to other broad domains of contemporary physics." Professor Bruno Coppi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"This book fills a major need for a graduate-level, physically based introduction to the galaxies, and will be of very wide appeal as a course text. The original approach leads to a rich physical intuition of real kinematical systems. A particular strength is the detailed analysis of the limitations of current methods and theories." Dr. Gerry Gilmore, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge
"Bertin takes an Olympian view of this complex field and describes it with remarkable clarity and depth." Professor Tjeerd S. van Albada, Groningen University, The Netherlands
"an elucidating accountBertin'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." Physics Today
Product Description
Our understanding of galaxies has advanced significantly in recent years. Powerful computer simulations and detailed observations from ground- and space-based
telescopes have been instrumental in this. This graduate textbook provides students with a complete, accessible introduction to modern galactic dynamics. The first two parts of the book define the astrophysical problems and the methods for building sound physical models. Next, coverage looks at the observational properties and models of spiral then elliptical galaxies. A selection of exciting topics from contemporary research are also reviewed, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, cooling flows, accretion disks, and galaxies at high redshift. Throughout, the volume helps students develop a clear understanding and good physical intuition of the processes involved. Full derivations are provided for key results and helpful problems are included.
Reader ReviewsIt is a difficult but inspiring book written by one of the leading world experts who, in spite of the relatively young age, has obtained an impressive record of new results in the field of galaxy dynamics. If compared to the standard reference in the field (Galactic Dynamics by Binney and Tremaine), the book stands out for conciseness, clarity and homogeneity of treatment. Bertin, in fact, puts emphasis on physics rather than phenomenology and succeeds in compressing the huge field of galaxy dynamics in a relatively short book structured in few chapters. Each chapter is focused on a different physical mechanisms which is then used to gain deeper and deeper insights into the structure of the stellar systems.The book is up to date and provides the reader with an exhaustive list of references. An excellent book to be recommended to graduate students as well as to researchers active in the field
Search for books at
