Plasma Astrophysics

This textbook is a basic introduction to kinetic plasma phenomena in solar and stellar coronae. The author unifies observations and theory which gives a wide perspective to the subject. An important feature is the lucidly written presentation of the fundamentals of plasma physics. The basic theory developed is then extended to some exemplary and important observations of coronal dynamics, such as coronal current, particle acceleration, propagation of particle beams, and shocks. The book has grown from the author's introductory courses on plasma astrophysics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technnology (ETH). It is aimed at advanced undergraduates and first-year graduate students without a background in plasma physics. It should also be of interest to more senior research workers involved in coronal physics, solar/stellar winds, and various other fields of plasma astrophysics. Problems suitable for class use are included at the end of each chapter.