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The Birth of Stars and Planets

The Birth of Stars and Planets

by JohnBally (Author), Bo Reipurth (Author)

  • Used

    Hardcover 2006

    $4.19
Synopsis

Star formation is the fundamental cosmic process which makes galaxies visible, and regulates the evolution of normal matter in the Universe. New instruments and technologies are now enabling the exploration of fundamental cosmic processes. Scientists are beginning to understand the beauty and complexity of star and planet formation and their role in cosmic evolution. This fascinating book combines the latest astronomical images and data with descriptions of the exciting recent developments in the study of star and planet formation. The authors discuss isolated star birth in dark clouds, the formation of star clusters and nebulae, the 'ecology' of interstellar gas and dust, and the violent starbursts that may produce black holes. They relate these processes to the evolution of galaxies and the origin of life on Earth. Written using non-technical language, the book will appeal to readers with an interest in understanding the Universe and our cosmic origins.

$4.19

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
 Pages: 306
 Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 24 Aug 2006
ISBN 10: 0521801052
ISBN 13: 9780521801058
Book Overview: A beautifully illustrated description of recent developments in our understanding of star and planet formation.

Media Reviews
'Most of us imagine stars as big or small spheres of incandescent gas, but in the main all very similar to our Sun. Bally and Reipurth dispel that notion in this gripping book. The Birth of Stars and Planets takes the reader on a journey from the very moment interstellar gas, dust and ice starts to fell the vaguest of mutual attraction, right up to the moment stars veil themselves with a retinue of tiny planetary jewels ... This book is one that can be read from the beginning to end or used as part of a research project for simple reference.' Astronomy Now
'... a book of marvellous clarity that summarises the current state of our knowledge in a fairly detailed but non-technical way that will appeal to all who have an interest in where it all begins ... illustrated throughout by many of the finest images from modern observatories ... and they are beautifully reproduced ... but it doesn't have a coffee-table feel about it - the illustrations are vital for the understanding of the extensive text ... a well-written, accessible summary of that story so far, with the promise of more wonders to be revealed.' Journal of the British Astronomical Association
'Besides having an excellent and clear description of how our current theories think stars are being born, this book has the most spectacular set of photographs I've seen collected in one book. ...This book is aimed at the casual, non-technical reader. It is 'math free.' But it still manages to convey the tremendous magnitude, majesty, and mysteries of the universe we can see.' Publisher Review
'... written in an informal, chatty, and largely approachable style, and is liberally sprinkled with some of the most beautiful images our subject has to offer. ... the authors treat each aspect of the subject in careful and correct detail. ... I wished that some of our undergraduate students would read parts of the book to obtain a qualitative understanding of topics they sometimes do not grasp from our more orthodox, quantitative approach. Consequently I will be recommending it as background reading for our first-year students. ... the book appears to work on many levels: the quality of the pictures allows it to pose as a coffee-table book (something the authors point out that they do no want it to be!); the approachable style of the text means that the keen amateur will learn something of this subject; and the level of detail and rigorous explanation would also allow it to be used by students embarking on their first course in astronomy to get a good background overview before they become embroiled in the detailed mathematics of the subject. All in all the authors are to be congratulated on producing a very useful addition to the growing library of books on star formation.' The Observatory
' ... a well written, accessible summary of that story so far, with the promise of more wonders to be revealed. the book can be thoroughly recommended to anyone with an interest in astronomy, and should inspire even those without!' Journal of the British Astronomical Association
Besides having an excellent and clear description of how our current theories think stars are being born, this book has the most spectacular set of photographs I've seen collected in one book. The photographs are from virtually every major telescope on Earth and those that we have put into space. Further the photographs are in every frequently from radio waves to x-rays. This book is aimed at the casual, non-technical reader. It is 'math free.' But it still manages to convey the tremendous magnitude, majesty, and mysteries of the universe we can see. Its main subject is the birth of stars, and mostly within our own galaxy, the Milky Way. With the birth of the stars, there is also the death of stars. The book was published in 2006. That was back when Pluto was still a planet -- and that's OK with me, I still think of it as a planet in spite of how the vote went. In its discussion about planets around other stars, it is pretty up to date, but of course new ones are being discovered all the time. Publisher Review
This book will appeal to a broad, informed audience and is highly recommended for public and general academic libraries. -- American Reference Books Annual
The book is written in an informal, chatty, and largely approachable style, and is liberally sprinkled with some of the most beautiful images our subject as to offer.... the approachable style of the text means that the keen amateur will learn something of this subject; and the level of detail and rigorous explanation would also allow it to be used by students embarking on their first course in astronomy to get a good background overview before they become embroiled in the detailed mathematics of the subject. All in all the authors are to be congratulated on producing a very useful addition to the growing library of books on star formation. Derek Ward-Thompson
...a great addition to anybody's reading list. It tells its story well and couples theoretical and observational evidence with a wealth of beautiful images from ground- and space-based observatories. Sky and Telescope, March 2008 Carolyn Collins Peterson
...a book of marvelous clarity that summarizes the current state of our knowledge in a fairly detailed by nontechnical way that will appeal to all who have an interest in where it all begins...illustrated throughout by many of the finest images from modern observatories...a well-written, accessible summary of that story [the birth of stars & planets], with the promise of more wonders to be revealed. --Journal of the British Astronomical Association
This book is one that can be read from beginning to end or used as part of a research project for simple reference...the language is direct and clear, diagrams and tables are included that I found helpful and the book serves as a source of information on large areas of physical astronomy from the nature of light and radiation onwards, as well as explaining what makes our subject not only possible but indeed essential to the future of mankind. --Astronomy Now
Author Bio
John Bally is a Professor in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Bo Reipurth is a Professor at the Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii.