Pulsar Astronomy

Andrew G. Lyne

Cambridge University Press, Jan 30, 2006 - Science - 309 pages

Since their discovery in 1967, pulsars have assumed a central role in astronomy and astrophysics, offering an opportunity to explore theoretical physics under extreme conditions. Pulsar Astronomy provides an ideal introductory account for those entering the field, and an invaluable reference for established researchers. Now thoroughly revised for its third edition, it covers research over wavelengths ranging from radio through optical and x-ray to gamma-rays. Topics range from the physics of neutron star interiors to the astrophysics of binary stars and the recent tests of general relativity. It is supported by extensive references and a complete catalogue of all known pulsars.

Contents

• Neutron stars: 15
• Searches and surveys: 24
• The distances of the pulsars: 39
• Pulsar timing: 50
• Timing and astrometry of binary pulsars: 64
• Timing irregularities: 74
• The galactic population of pulsars: 90
• The Crab and Vela pulsars: 101
• Other young pulsars: 115
• Solitary and binary millisecond pulsars: 124
• oscillations: 151
• Supernovae and their remnants: 160
• The evolution of pulsars: 174
• Integrated radio pulse profiles: 180
• Location of emitting regions: 213
• Radiation processes: 224
• The emission mechanisms: 233
• Interstellar scintillation and scattering: 242
• The interstellar magnetic field: 263
• Achievements and prospects: 269
• References: 289
• Index: 305

About the author

A pioneer of radio-astronomy, Professor Graham-Smith has been involved in pulsar research since 1967.

Andrew Lyne is head of the pulsar research group at Jodrell Bank.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Pulsar Astronomy; Volume 38 of Cambridge Astrophysics, ISSN 0950-141X
• Author: Andrew G. Lyne
• Editor: Francis Graham-Smith
• Edition: 3, illustrated, reprint, revised
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2006
• ISBN: 0521839548, 9780521839549
• Length: 309 pages
• Subjects: Science / Astronomy; Science / Physics / Astrophysics