An Introduction to Star Formation

Guiding the reader through all the stages that lead to the formation of a star such as our Sun, this advanced textbook provides students with a complete overview of star formation. It examines the underlying physical processes that govern the evolution from a molecular cloud core to a main-sequence star, and focuses on the formation of solar-mass stars. Each chapter combines theory and observation, helping readers to connect with and understand the theory behind star formation. Beginning with an explanation of the interstellar medium and molecular clouds as sites of star formation, subsequent chapters address the building of typical stars and the formation of high-mass stars, concluding with a discussion of the by-products and consequences of star formation. This is a unique, self-contained text with sufficient background information for self-study, and is ideal for students and professional researchers alike.

Author: Derek Ward-Thompson, Anthony P. Whitworth
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 02/10/2011
Pages: 228
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 9.80h x 6.90w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9780521630306
ISBN10: 0521630304
BISAC Categories:
- Science | Physics | Astrophysics
- Science | Space Science | Astronomy