Dynamics of Galaxies
Published on 12. June 2000
Book
Paperback/Softback
430 pages
978-0-521-47855-7 (ISBN)
Description
Our understanding of galaxies has advanced significantly in recent years. New observations from ground- and space-based telescopes, the discovery of dark matter, and powerful computer simulations have been instrumental in this. This textbook provides graduate students with a complete and thorough introduction to galactic dynamics. The first two parts of the book define the astrophysical problems and the methods for building sound physical models. Next, the observational properties and models of spiral then elliptical galaxies are examined in detail. Finally, a selection of exciting topics from contemporary research are introduced, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, cooling flows, accretion disks, and galaxies at high redshift. Throughout, the emphasis is on developing a clear understanding and good physical intuition of the processes involved. Full derivations are provided for key results and helpful problems are included. This textbook provides graduate students with a self-contained and accessible introduction to modern galactic dynamics.
Reviews / Votes
'This textbook provides graduate students with a self-contained and accessible introduction to modern galactic dynamics and help equip them with useful tools and sound intuition for research beyond.' Europe and Astronomy 'In Dynamics of Galaxies [the author] provides graduate students with a complete and thorough introduction to galactic dynamics and leads them right up to the forefront of current research. Throughout, the emphasis is on developing a clear understanding and good physical intuition of the processes involved ... mathematics is kept to a minimum. This makes the book readable for advanced amateurs, as well. This textbook provides graduate students with a self-contained and accessible introduction to modern galactic dynamics and help equip them with useful tools and sound intuition for research beyond.' Orion (Societe Astronomique de Suisse) 'Giuseppe Bertin's Dynamics of Galaxies is an elucidating account of a graduate course given by Bertin over the past two decades ... Bertin's book is particularly useful for students interested in mathematical methods of galactic dynamics. Bertin's comparisons between galactic dynamics and plasma physics are also innovative and illustrative.' Debra Elmegreen and Bruce C. Elmegreen, Physics Today 'Many of his descriptions are particularly good for beginning graduate students: his chapter on dispersive waves, for example. Each chapter includes thought-provoking questions.' Physics TodayMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
18 Tables, unspecified; 18 Halftones, unspecified; 90 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 249 mm
Width: 175 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
725 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-47855-7 (9780521478557)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Giuseppe Bertin
Dynamics of Galaxies
Book
04/2014
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€72.20
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Person
Content
Part I. Basic Phenomenology: 1. Scales; 2. Observational windows; 3. Classifications; 4. Photometry, kinematics, dark matter; 5. Basic questions, semi-empirical approach, dynamical window; Part II. Physical Models: 6. Self-gravity and relation with plasma physics; 7. Relaxation times, absence of thermodynamical equilibrium; 8. Models; 9. Equilibrium and stability: symmetry and symmetry breaking; 10. Classical ellipsoids; 11. Introduction to dispersive waves; 12. Jeans instability; Part III. Spiral Galaxies: 13. Orbits; 14. The basic state: vertical and horizontal equilibrium in the disk; 15. Density waves; 16. Role of gas; 17. Global spiral modes; 18. Spiral structure in galaxies; 19. Bending waves; 20. Dark matter in spiral galaxies; Part IV. Elliptical Galaxies: 21. Orbits; 22. Stellar dynamical approach; 23. Stability; 24. Dark matter in elliptical galaxies; Part V. In Perspective: 25. Selected aspects of formation and evolution; Notes; Index.