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  3. Cambridge Contemporary Astrophysics

This series provides a vehicle for fast publication of high-quality lecture note volumes and stimulating and up-to-date reviews of fast-moving topics in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. It is a 'flagship' collection of half a dozen carefully selected proceedings from the most topical international conferences each and every year.

  • General Editors: José Franco, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Steven M. Kahn, University of California at Berkeley, Andrew R. King, University of Leicester, Barry F. Madore, California Institute of Technology

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13 results in Cambridge Contemporary Astrophysics

AGN Feedback in Galaxy Formation
  • Edited by Vincenzo Antonuccio-Delogu, Joseph Silk
  • Published online:
    10 November 2010
    Print publication:
    28 October 2010
  • During the past decade, convincing evidence has been accumulated concerning the effect of active galactic nuclei (AGN) activity on the internal and external environment of their host galaxies. Featuring contributions from well-respected researchers in the field, and bringing together work by specialists in both galaxy formation and AGN, this volume addresses a number of key questions about AGN feedback in the context of galaxy formation. The topics covered include downsizing and star-formation time scales in massive elliptical galaxies, the connection between the epochs of supermassive black hole growth and galaxy formation and the question of whether AGN and star formation coexist. Authors also discuss key challenging computational problems, including jet-interstellar/intergalactic medium interactions, and both jet- and merging-induced star formation. Suitable for researchers and graduate students in astrophysics, this volume reflects the engaging and lively discussions taking place in this emerging field of research.

X-ray Polarimetry
  • A New Window in Astrophysics
  • Edited by Ronaldo Bellazzini, Enrico Costa, Giorgio Matt, Gianpiero Tagliaferri
  • Published online:
    06 July 2010
    Print publication:
    08 July 2010
  • Due to the advent of a new generation of detectors, X-ray polarimetry promises to join X-ray imaging, spectroscopy and timing as one of the main observational techniques in high energy astrophysics. This has renewed interest in the field, and indeed several polarimetric missions have recently been proposed. This volume provides a complete and up-to-date view of the subject for researchers in astrophysics. The contributors discuss the present status and perspectives of instruments, review current theoretical models, and examine future missions. As well as detailed papers, the book contains broad reviews that can be easily understood by astrophysicists new to the field.

Structure Formation in Astrophysics
  • Edited by Gilles Chabrier
  • Published online:
    11 August 2009
    Print publication:
    15 January 2009
  • Understanding the formation of objects at all scales in the universe, from galaxy clusters to stars and planets, is a major problem in modern astrophysics, and one of the most exciting challenges of twenty-first century astronomy. Even though they are characterized by different scales, the formation of planets, stars and galaxies share many common physical processes and are rooted in the same underlying domains of physics. This unique reference for graduate students and researchers in astrophysics was the first to cover structure formation on various scales in one volume. This book gathers together extensive reviews written by world experts in physics and astrophysics working in planet, star and galaxy formation, and related subjects. It addresses current issues in these fields and describes the recent observational status and theoretical and numerical methods aimed at understanding these problems.

The Metal-Rich Universe
  • Edited by Garik Israelian, Georges Meynet
  • Published online:
    02 December 2009
    Print publication:
    03 July 2008
  • Metal-rich stars accumulate their metals from previous generations of stars, and so contain the history of their galaxy. By studying these stars we can gain valuable insights into how metals change the formation and evolution of stars, and explain the extraordinary massive star populations observed in the metal-rich region of our own galaxy. Observations of metal-rich regions have shown that stars hosting giant planets are generally metal-rich, which has triggered further observations of metal-rich stars. This has led to the discovery of new exoplanets, and advances in the study of planet formation and the late chemical evolution of galaxies. This book covers many aspects, from spectral line formation to stellar formation and evolution in high metallicity regimes. It is invaluable to researchers and graduate students in stellar evolution, extragalactic astronomy, and planet formation.

Cosmic Explosions in Three Dimensions
  • Asymmetries in Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursts
  • Edited by Peter Höflich, Pawan Kumar, J. Craig Wheeler
  • Published online:
    11 August 2009
    Print publication:
    16 December 2004
  • Supernovae and gamma-ray bursts are the strongest explosions in the Universe. Observations show that, rather than being symmetrical, they are driven by strong jets of energy and other asymmetrical effects. These observations demand theories and computations that challenge the biggest computers. This volume marks the transition to a fresh paradigm in the study of stellar explosions. It highlights the burgeoning era of routine supernova polarimetry and the insights into core collapse and thermonuclear explosions. With chapters by leading scientists, the book summarises the status of a fresh perspective on stellar explosions and should be a valuable resource for graduate students and research scientists.

Cosmochemistry
  • The Melting Pot of the Elements
  • Edited by C. Esteban, R. J. García López, A. Herrero, F. Sánchez
  • Published online:
    12 August 2009
    Print publication:
    18 March 2004
  • The chemical composition of the Universe has evolved over billions of years. A host of astrophysical processes and observations must be understood in order to explain why celestial objects have the chemical compositions observed. Originally published in 2004, this book contains the lectures delivered at the XIII Canary Islands Winter School of Astrophysics, which was dedicated to reviewing current knowledge about the origin and evolution of the chemical elements in the Universe. Written by seven prestigious astrophysics researchers, it covers cosmological and stellar nucleosynthesis, abundance determinations in stars and ionised nebulae, chemical composition of nearby and distant galaxies, and models of chemical evolution of galaxies and intracluster medium. This is a timely review of developments in cosmochemistry over the last decade.

Very Low-Mass Stars and Brown Dwarfs
  • Edited by Rafael Rebolo, Maria Rosa Zapatero-Osorio
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    27 November 2000
  • This volume provides a state-of-the-art review of our current knowledge of brown dwarfs and very low-mass stars. The hunt for and study of these elusive objects is currently one of the most dynamic areas of research in astronomy for two reasons. Brown dwarfs bridge the gap between stars and planets. They could be as numerous as stars in galaxies and contribute to the 'dark matter' of the Universe. This volume presents review articles from a team of international authorities who gathered at a conference in La Palma to assess the spectacular progress that has been made in this field in the last few years. This volume reviews both the latest observations and theory to provide an essential reference to one of the most exciting fields in contemporary astronomy.

Molecular Hydrogen in Space
  • Edited by F. Combes, G. Pineau des Forets
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    06 November 2000
  • Molecular hydrogen is the most abundant molecule in the Universe. In recent years, advances in theory and laboratory experiments coupled with breakthrough observations with important new telescopes and satellites have revolutionized our understanding of molecular hydrogen in space. It is now possible to address the question of how molecular hydrogen formed in the early Universe and the role it played in the formation of primordial structures. This timely volume presents articles from a host of experts who reviewed this new understanding at an international conference in Paris. This book provides the first multi-disciplinary synthesis of our new understanding of molecular hydrogen. It covers the theory of the physical processes and laboratory experiments, as well as the latest observations. It will therefore be an invaluable reference for all students and researchers in astrophysics and cosmology.

The Formation of Galactic Bulges
  • Edited by C. Marcella Carollo, Henry C. Ferguson, Rosemary F. G. Wyse
  • Published online:
    10 November 2010
    Print publication:
    13 January 2000
  • Bulges lie at the center of spiral galaxies. Until recently, they were thought to host uniquely old stellar populations and thus provide a key for understanding galaxy formation. Recent observations from the ground and space have drastically changed our view on the nature of bulges and shown that they can also contain dust, gas, and star-forming regions. This timely volume presents review articles by a panel of international experts who gathered at a conference at the Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, to address several fundamental questions: What is a bulge? When and how did bulges form? And, on what timescales? This volume provides a state-of-the-art picture of our new understanding of these fundamental building-blocks of galaxies, and a stimulating reference point for all those interested in galaxy formation.

Globular Clusters
  • Edited by C. Martinez Roger, F. Sanchez, I. Perez Fournon
  • Published online:
    07 September 2010
    Print publication:
    28 October 1999
  • Globular clusters are spherical, densely packed groups of stars found around galaxies. They are thought to have formed at the same time as their host galaxy and thus provide a powerful probe for understanding stellar and galaxy evolution, as well as being studied as objects of interest in their own right. This timely volume presents invited articles by a team of world leaders who gathered at the X Canary Islands Winter School of Astrophysics to review our current understanding of globular clusters. It provides an accessible introduction to the field for graduate students, and a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for researchers.

Interstellar Turbulence
  • Edited by Jose Franco, Alberto Carraminana
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    28 May 1999
  • Turbulence is universal and mysterious. It remains one of the major unsolved problems in physics and astrophysics. From star formation to large-scale outflows, turbulence is present in all interstellar and intergalactic media. With advances in observational techniques (from optical to radio) and the development of more efficient computer codes and faster computers, research in this area has made spectacular progress in recent years. This volume presents a series of review articles covering every aspect of interstellar turbulence - from accretion disks, molecular clouds, atomic and ionized media, through to spiral galaxies - based on a major international conference held in Mexico City. The result is a comprehensive overview of the most important developments in observing and modelling turbulent flows in the cosmos. It provides graduate students and researchers with a state-of-the-art summary of observational, theoretical and computational research in interstellar turbulence.

Nuclear and Particle Astrophysics
  • Edited by Jorge G. Hirsch, Danny Page
  • Published online:
    07 September 2010
    Print publication:
    13 August 1998
  • What is the Universe made of? How old is it? How does a supernova explode? Can we detect black holes? And where do cosmic rays originate? This volume provides a comprehensive and pedagogical introduction to modern ideas and challenging problems in nuclear and particle astrophysics. Based on a graduate school, specially written articles by eight leading experts cover a wealth of exciting topics, including the search for black holes, nucleosynthesis and neutrino transport in supernovae, the physics of neutron stars, massive neutrinos, cosmic ray physics and astrophysics, and physical cosmology. Together, they present the Universe as a laboratory for testing cutting-edge physics and bridge the gap between conference proceedings and specialised monographs. This volume provides an invaluable resource for graduate students and active researchers in nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology.

Instrumentation for Large Telescopes
  • Edited by Jose M. Rodriguez Espinosa, Artemio Herrero, Francisco Sánchez
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    09 October 1997
  • A new generation of large, ground-based telescopes are just coming into operation. They will take astronomical research well into the next century. These extremely powerful telescopes demand specially designed instruments and observing techniques. The VII Canary Islands Winter School of Astrophysics gathered together leading experts from around the world to review this technology. Based on the meeting, this timely volume presents eight specially written chapters covering all aspects of telescope instrumentation. This book provides an essential reference for all astronomers who will be the users of these large telescopes. It reviews both the challenges involved in designing successful instrumentation and the questions in astronomy they must address. We are taken from the fundamentals of astronomical imaging, low- and high-resolution spectroscopy, and polarimetry up to the state-of-the-art technology in adaptive optics and laser guide stars, interferometry, image pattern recognition, and optical, near and mid infrared arrays. This timely volume provides an excellent introduction for graduate students and an invaluable reference for researchers using the latest generation of large astronomical telescopes.