The problem of motion of extended bodies in General Relativity is notorious for its analytical difficulty, but at the same time highly relevant for comparison of theoretical predictions with modern precision measurements in relativistic astrophysics and cosmology. Its one of the most important topics in General Relativity and its application to astrophysics. We focus attention on two aspects of equations of motion in general relativity: the motion of extended bodies (stars) and the motion of small black holes. Our objective is to offer a guide to prospective researchers into these areas of general relativity and to point out open questions and topics that are ripe for further development. It is over forty years since a text on this subject was published and in that time the research area of equations of motion in general relativity has undergone extraordinary development, stimulated by the discovery of the binary neutron star PSR 1913+16 in 1974 (which was the first isolated gravitating system found in which general relativity plays a fundamental role in describing theoretically its evolution), and more recently by the advent of kilometre size interferometric gravitational wave detectors which are expected to detect gravitational waves produced by coalescing binary neutron stars.

About the Author
Hideki Asada [Research Fellow, previously: Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kyoto University; Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris] Toshifumi Futamase [Research Fellow, previously: Max Planck Institute, Munich; Washington University, St. Louis; University College Cardiff] Peter Hogan [Research Fellow, previously: School of Theoretical Physics, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies; University of Texas, Austin; Trinity College, Dublin]

Reviews
The book delivers a very readable account of the problem of motion in General Relativity. [] Whenever appropriate, connection with observation is made. A reader with good post-introductory knowledge of the theory of general relativity should find easy access to the book, and will surely benefit from the mathematical and conceptual issues elaborated therein. * Gerhard Schafer, Classical and Quantum Gravity *
This work is a valuable guide for researchers in this field of general relativity, astrophysics and astronomy. Especially theoretical physicists, as well as mathematicians working on applications of differential geometry, will profit by the high quality of this well-written book, the more so as it points out several open problems which may stimulate further investigations ... I am sure that this work will be a standard reference on its topic for the current decade at least. * Wolfgang Hasse, General Relativity and Gravitation *
This very useful and well-written book covers in-depth our theoretical and observational knowledge in the motion of gravitating compact bodies including charge, spin and gravitational radiation effects. * Gerhard Schaefer, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199584109
Author Hideki Asada
Format Hardback
Page Count 164
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 440g
Dimensions(mm) 252mm * 175mm * 15mm