Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos

The new edition of the popular textbook for undergraduate astronomers, covers the “how” of astrophysics

Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos, Second Edition, describes how information about the physical nature of stars and other celestial bodies is obtained and analyzed to gain a better understanding of the universe. This acclaimed introductory textbook makes the complex principles and theories underlying astrophysics accessible to students with basic knowledge of first-year calculus-based physics and introductory astronomy. Reader-friendly chapters explore physical processes using relevant examples and clear explanations of how radiation and particles are analyzed. Such analysis leads to the density, temperature, mass, and energy of astronomical objects.

In the time since the first publication of Astrophysics, the power of telescopes has increased considerably. Reflecting advancements in the field, this new edition includes carefully reviewed and updated material throughout, including recent GAIA satellite results, new information from subatomic particles, neutrinos, and cosmic rays, and brand-new case studies on Gamma-ray bursters, soft repeaters, fast radio bursts, exoplanets, and signals from exoplanetary atmospheres. Retaining its focus on electromagnetic radiation, the second edition now covers more of the ways that information about the universe is acquired, such as particles, gravitational radiation, and meteoritics. This textbook:

• Describes complex processes in a clear and accessible manner
• Provides relevant background information on the physics and examples of the theory in practice to place the subject into context
• Includes new figures, case studies, examples, further readings, end-of-chapter problems of varying difficulty levels, and open-ended “Just for Fun” problems
• Features a companion website containing information required to solve the designated web-based problems in the text and a range supplementary learning material

Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos, Second Edition, is the ideal intermediate textbook for second- and third-year undergraduate students in Astrophysics courses, as well as a useful resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students looking to refresh their knowledge in basic concepts.

Judith Irwin is an Astrophysicist and Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Queen’s University, Canada, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate level physics, astrophysics, and astronomy.

Her research focuses on gaseous halos and magnetic fields that surround spiral galaxies. Professor Irwin has published numerous papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals.