The Physical Universe
The Physical Universe
By: Frank Shu
For all sales outside of the United States, please contact Felicity Henson, fhenson@aip.org
Title information
THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE: An Introduction to Astronomy by Frank Shu is a classic text that despite its age, still offers up concise and exact explanations of concepts in physics from basic thermodynamics and quantum up to solar and galactic physics and on to cosmology. The philosophical ruminations on life not only add to this book's depth, but also to its basic sense of humanity.
Part 1: Basic Principles
1. The Birth of Science
2. Classical Mechanics, Light, and Astronomical Telescopes
3. The Great Laws of Microscopic Physics
4. The Great Laws of Macroscopic Physics
Part II: The Stars
5. The Sun as a Star
6. Nuclear Energy and Synthesis of the Elements
7. The End States of Stars
8. Evolution of the Stars
9. Star Clusters and the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
10. Binary Stars
Part III: Galaxies and Cosmology
ll.The Material Between the Stars
12. Our Galaxy: The Milky Way System
13. Quiet and Active Galaxies
14. Clusters of Galaxies and the Expansion of the Universe
15. Gravitation and Cosmology
16. The Big Bang and the Creation of the Material World
Part IV: The Solar System and Life
17. The Solar System
18. Origin of the Solar System
19. The Nature of Life on Earth
20. Life and Intelligence in the Universe
Epilogue
Appendices
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“This is a truly astonishing book, invaluable for anyone with an interest in astronomy and surely the bargain of the year.” “Just the thing for a first year university science course.” “This is a beautiful book in both concept and execution.” |