Exploding superstars: understanding supernovae and gamma-ray bursts

The exceptional cosmic history and the fabulous destinies of exploding stars – supernovae and gamma-ray bursters – are highly fertile areas of research andare also very special tools to further our understanding of the universe. In this book, cosmologists Dr Alain Mazure and Dr Stéphane Basa throw light on the assemblage of facts, hypotheses and cosmological conclusions and show how these ‘beacons’ illuminate their immediate surroundings and allow us to study the vast cosmos, like searchlights revealing the matter comprising our universe.Describes at a popular level the causes of the greatest explosions in the universe Demonstrates how the study of exploding superstars may reveal hidden aspects of the universe in which we live Explains step by step the processes thatgive rise to these catastrophic events Introduces gamma-ray bursters, whose intense bursts of highly energetic photons last for perhaps a fraction of a second INDICE: Foreword.- Appetizer.- Expanding Universe.- From the Universe to the Stars.- Supernova.- Supreme Stars: Gamma-Ray Bursters.- Markers for Cosmic Surveys.- Beacons in the Cosmos.- A Bright, Dark Future.- Appendices.- Table of Constants.- Bibliography.

• ISBN: 978-0-387-09547-9
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Rústica
• Páginas: 190
• Fecha Publicación: 01/10/2008
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés