X-ray binaries are some of the most varied and perplexing systems known to astronomers. The compact object which accretes mass from its companion star may be a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole, whereas the donor star can be a 'normal' star or a white dwarf. The various combinations differ widely in their behaviour, and this timely volume provides a unique reference of our knowledge to date of all of them. Fifteen specially written chapters by a team of the world's foremost researchers in the field explore all aspects of the X-ray binaries. They cover the X-ray, ultraviolet, optical and radio properties of these violent systems and address key issues such as: how were these systems formed, and what will be their fate; how can we understand X-ray bursts, and how the quasi-periodic oscillations; what is the connection between millisecond radio pulsars and low-mass X-ray binaries; and how does the magnetic field of a neutron star decay? This long awaited review provides graduate students and researchers with the standard reference on X-ray binaries for many years to come.

This long-awaited volume provides graduate students and researchers with the standard reference on X-ray binaries.
Reviews
"This book will be a valuable addition to any physics or astronomy library; even the nonexpert will benefit from a few hours browsing through it." Herbert Gursky, American Scientist



Book Information
ISBN 9780521599344
Author Walter H. G. Lewin
Format Paperback
Page Count 676
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 1385g
Dimensions(mm) 248mm * 175mm * 31mm