The distribution of elements in the cosmos is the result of many processes, and it provides a powerful tool to study the Big Bang, the density of baryonic matter, nucleosynthesis and the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. Covering many exciting topics in astrophysics and cosmology, this textbook, by a pioneer of the field, provides a lucid and wide-ranging introduction to the interdisciplinary subject of galactic chemical evolution for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. It is also an authoritative overview for researchers and professional scientists. This new edition includes results from recent space missions and new material on abundances from stellar populations, nebular analysis, and meteoric isotopic anomalies, and abundance analysis of X-ray gas. Simple derivations for key results are provided, together with problems and helpful solution hints, enabling the student to develop an understanding of results from numerical models and real observations.

A lucid introduction for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, and an authoritative overview for researchers and professional scientists.

About the Author
Bernard Pagel won the Gold Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) in 1990, and became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1992. He served as a member of the MNRAS editorial board from 1970-1984, and was Vice President of the RAS from 1973-1976.

Reviews
From reviews of the first edition: 'Pagel covers all these aspects of nucleosynthesis and links them together to form a coherent picture of the way galaxies' compositions vary with time. For its stated purpose as a text book for graduate students, it is excellent.' C. R. Kitchin, Astronomy Now
'Each topic is explained from the ground up, giving the reader all the information needed to proceed further. The book manages to present (without losing scientific rigour) one of the most fascinating subjects of modern astrophysics.' Cesare Chiosi, Nature
'This is a good and useful book ... The astrophysicist will find the astronomical lore enlightening, and the astronomer will find references to discussions of the underlying physics.' Physics Today
'... this is an excellent book - in fact, the best I know in this field. It provides an excellent introduction to more detailed review articles on specific topics, it contains a wealth of information, and it evidences an exceptionally broad and sound understanding of a key part of the formation and evolution of the universe.' Gerry Gilmore, Astronomy and Geophysics
'This book fills a gap in astrophysical literature ... certainly helpful for any instructor who wishes to teach a one-semester course on these subjects, especially because the author has included many end-chapter problems with hints for their solutions ... a conceptually very successful and useful book.' Mounib El Eid, Transport in Porous Media



Book Information
ISBN 9780521840309
Author Bernard E. J. Pagel
Format Hardback
Page Count 484
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 1090g
Dimensions(mm) 253mm * 179mm * 28mm