Invitation to Astrophysics

This unique book provides a clear and lucid description of several aspects of astrophysics and cosmology in a language understandable to a physicist or beginner in astrophysics. It presents the key topics in all branches of astrophysics and cosmology in a simple and concise language. The emphasis is on currently active research areas and exciting new frontiers rather than on more pedantic topics. Many complicated results are introduced with simple, novel derivations which strengthen the conceptual understanding of the subject. The book also contains over one hundred exercises which will help students in their self study. Contents: Gravitation; Radiative Processes; Matter; Stars and Stellar Evolution; Relics of Stars; Cosmology and the Early Universe; Universe at z < 20; Normal Galaxies; Active Galaxies. Key Features A unique book for physicists who would like to appreciate and share the current excitement in astrophysics Covers foundations and frontiers of astrophysics Explains astronomical jargon and concepts in a self-contained manner Includes topics in frontier research areas such as cosmic microwave background, inflation, and blackhole physics Innovative derivations and description of several topics with an emphasis on physical concepts rather than algebraic details Includes exercises titled 'Real Life Astronomy' that relate to the research literature Readership: Physicists, astronomers, undergraduate and graduate students in physics and astrophysics.Padmanabhan, Thanu is the author of 'Invitation to Astrophysics', published 2006 under ISBN 9789812566386 and ISBN 9812566384.