Classical Novae

This volume has been developed to cover all theoretical and observational aspects of the phenomenon of classical novae, including relevant multi-wavelength material, and draws on the collected research of an international group of contributors in an effort to present a definitive textbook on the subject. The book begins with an overview of the general properties of novae, which includes a discussion of the accretion process in nova systems and the physics of the nova outburst. It progresses to optical data, relating to the major aspects of the nova outburst and to observations at other wavelengths. The observational data at radio, infrared, ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths are discussed in turn, followed by an attempt to place classical novae in the broader family of cataclysmic variables.