This book, first published in 1991, tells the story of how astronomy and physics work together to unravel many mysteries of stars and nebulae. Stress is laid on a non-technical description of how an understanding of these objects is obtained, not on just a mere review of facts. After a succinct, non-mathematical excursion into the principles of radiation and atomic structure, the text explains in simple terms the physical processes at work in stars and gaseous nebulae. A survey of masses, dimensions, luminosities, temperatures and chemical composition of stars is followed by an exploration of their interiors and how stars generate energy. An account of the exciting new field of high energy astronomy and the origin of cosmic rays is given at the end of the book. This is the ideal introduction for physics and astronomy students to the important field of modern astronomics. It should also appeal to amateur astronomers and the reader interested in the life history of a star.

A semi-popular account of stars and gaseous nebulae, treating topics such as stellar evolution, the origin of elements, supernovae and cosmic rays.
Reviews
"Aiming his book at the interested lay reader, Aller has written an excellent and detailed account of where stars come from, what makes them shine, how they evolve, and what happens when their lives have run their course." Astronomy
"Aller's remarkable book is highly recommended as a brief, nonmathematical survey of the basics of modern astrophysics." Choice



Book Information
ISBN 9780521325127
Author Lawrence H. Aller
Format Hardback
Page Count 384
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 880g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 22mm