Galaxies in the Universe: An IntroductionThis textbook provides a comprehensive and lucid modern introduction to galaxies for advanced undergraduate students in astronomy and physics. Basic astrophysics, multiwavelength observations and theoretical concepts are carefully combined to develop an integrated understanding. All the necessary background astronomy is included and mathematics has been kept to the minimum required to enable the student to quickly grasp the essence of a calculation, or the basis for a method. The clear and friendly style of the text, thorough coverage of fundamentals, extensive use of up-to-date observations, and helpful problems make this an ideal introduction to galaxies and thorough preparation for more advanced texts and the research literature. |
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Mapping our Milky Way | 51 |
The orbits of the stars | 95 |
the Local Group | 132 |
Spiral and SO galaxies | 172 |
Elliptical galaxies | 231 |
Largescale distribution of galaxies | 281 |
Active galactic nuclei and the early history of galaxies | 313 |
Appendix | 361 |
Other editions - View all
Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction Linda S. Sparke,John S. Gallagher, III No preview available - 2000 |
Common terms and phrases
angular momentum apparent magnitude appear arcsecond astronomers atoms average axis brighter bulge central circular orbit color constant core cosmic dark matter dense density disk galaxies disk stars distance dust dwarf spheroidals electrons elliptical galaxies emission lines emitted energy Equation Figure fraction Galactic center galaxy's gas clouds giant gigayears globular clusters Group heavy elements helium Hubble hydrogen interstellar ionized isophotes km s¯¹ larger light luminosity luminous Magellanic Cloud main sequence main-sequence mass massive stars measured metal metal-poor Milky Milky Way's moving nearby nucleus observed open clusters optical outer parsec photons potential Problem quasars radial velocity radiation radii radio radius ratio redshift region Section Seyfert solar spectral spectrum spiral arms spiral galaxies star clusters star's stellar Sun's supernova surface brightness telescope temperature ultraviolet Universe velocity dispersion Virgo Virgo cluster virial theorem wavelengths X-ray