Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- Part I Idealized homogeneous systems – basic ideas and gentle relaxation
- Part II Infinite inhomogeneous systems – galaxy clustering
- Part III Finite spherical systems – clusters of galaxies, galactic nuclei, globular clusters
- Part IV Finite flattened systems – galaxies
- Index
Part I - Idealized homogeneous systems – basic ideas and gentle relaxation
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2011
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- Part I Idealized homogeneous systems – basic ideas and gentle relaxation
- Part II Infinite inhomogeneous systems – galaxy clustering
- Part III Finite spherical systems – clusters of galaxies, galactic nuclei, globular clusters
- Part IV Finite flattened systems – galaxies
- Index
Summary
In reality we apprehend nothing exactly, but only as it changes according to … the things that impinge on or offer resistance to it.
DemocritusTo understand some of the most important properties of gravitating systems we temporarily put aside the effects of their density and velocity gradients, their components of different masses and sizes, and any external forces which may act upon them. Imagine an idealized, isolated, homogeneous gravitating system of particles. Usually in discussing the physics of these systems we will call their particles stars for brevity, although when discussing many astronomical contexts they will often be galaxies, or even clusters of galaxies. These idealized systems will sometimes be finite, sometimes infinite. In later sections we will find that both sizes of homogeneous clusters turn out to be unstable. But never mind that for now; there are more basic properties to consider.
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- Information
- Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1985