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  • Textbook
  • © 2003

Astrophysics of the Diffuse Universe

  • The only textbook to develop the subject matter in a pedagogical approach based on successively more complex physical systems found in the diffuse universe
  • Astrophysics is treated as a practical application of physics
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Astronomy and Astrophysics Library (AAL)

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Table of contents (14 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XIV
  2. What Is the Diffuse Universe?

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 1-9
  3. Line Emission Processes

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 11-40
  4. Collisional Excitation

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 41-57
  5. Line Transfer Effects

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 59-100
  6. Collisional Ionization Equilibrium

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 101-123
  7. Continuum and Recombination Line Processes

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 125-142
  8. Cooling Plasmas

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 143-174
  9. Interstellar Shocks

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 175-217
  10. The Theory of Photoionized Regions

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 219-248
  11. Parameters of Photoionized Regions

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 249-276
  12. Photoionizing Shocks

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 277-288
  13. Interstellar Dust

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 289-324
  14. Introduction to Astrochemistry

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 325-341
  15. Thermal Phases of Diffuse Matter

    • Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland
    Pages 343-375
  16. Back Matter

    Pages 377-441

About this book

Our purpose in writing this book is to show how physics has been applied to developing our current understanding of the phase structure, physical condi­ tions, chemical makeup and, evolution of the (thermal) interstellar medium. We hope it provides an up-to-date overview which postgraduates, advanced undergraduates, and professionals in astrophysics can use as a "reference of first resort" before going on to read the more specialist monographs or research literature. We have covered the exciting observational results, but without consideration of the experimental techniques or instruments required. An elementary understanding of mathematical physics and of quantum me­ chanics has been assumed, and a knowledge of basic astrophysics would be helpful. Older textbooks on interstellar physics have tended to develop the subject matter in an order which reflects the historical development of the field. Here a more pedagological approach has been adopted, based on our lecture course experience. We cover successively more complex physical systems found in the diffuse universe. Detailed mathematical rigour is eschewed in favour of provid­ ing the reader with a basic physical insight into these systems. Astrophysical problems are treated as practical applications of the physics. In practice, the material is generally ranked in order of decreasing entropy, since the hottest and most diffuse phases tend to be physically less complex.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

    Michael A. Dopita, Ralph S. Sutherland

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 49.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 64.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access