Skip to main content
Elsevier

Books in Astronomy astrophysics space science

This comprehensive portfolio covers the fundamental principles, observational techniques, and theoretical frameworks of astronomy and space science. Featuring the latest research on celestial phenomena, instrumentation, and data analysis, it supports astronomers, astrophysicists, and students in exploring the universe’s origins, structure, and evolution. From planetary systems to cosmology, these resources facilitate ground breaking discoveries and innovative methodologies, addressing key scientific challenges and inspiring future exploration in the vast realm of space science.

  • The Physics of Cosmology

    • 1st Edition
    • Fulvio Melia
    • English
    The Physics of Cosmology presents modern advances in the field, especially in the face of much higher precision measurements at all redshifts, such as in the early Universe, where the James Webb Space Telescope has been revolutionizing our view of cosmic evolution. These discoveries reveal significant defects in theoretically unmotivated assumptions characterizing the spacetime metric used to interpret the data. This book methodically and self-consistently analyzes to arrive at a more complete and accurate standard model of the Universe. From chapters on the Early Universe to the Semi-Classical Universe, this is a valuable new resource that showcases the principal players and contributions in this field. Characterized by clarity of material and coverage of current topics, students and researchers working in general relativity and astrophysics will find it a useful introduction to the most up-to-date research in cosmology. Given how much the field has evolved over the last decade, and how rapidly it continues to change, the book's material is original and timely to aid in students’ comprehension and instructors’ lessons.

  • Interstellar Travel

    After Arrival
    • 1st Edition
    • Les Johnson + 1 more
    • English
    Interstellar Travel: After Arrival is a comprehensive, technical look at the necessary considerations for settlement on an extra solar planet following interstellar travel, addressed by leading experts in the fields of space development. The book features the current and future plans for lunar, Mars, and asteroid settlement, and how what we learn from such future endeavors might apply to settlement at destinations around other stars. In addition, scientists who have been considering the construction of large space structures and terraforming discuss realistic options to be considered.Other chapters cover necessary considerations such as whether terraforming is possible and how it might be accomplished, the ethical issues and scientific constraints to interacting with an alien biosphere, and what we might learn from settling within our own Solar System that would apply to settling elsewhere. The third book of a three-book compilation, this new release presents up-to-date and realistic technical and scientific considerations of the challenges that settling on an exoplanet would bring, including review of the current technological capabilities and how they might be put towards life on an extra solar planet.

  • Encyclopedia of Astrophysics

    • 1st Edition
    • Ilya Mandel
    • English
    Encyclopedia of Astrophysics, Five Volume Set is a brand new, up to date reference work consisting of 153 chapters, headed up by an editorial board of world-leading astrophysicists. It provides a first point of entry to the literature for all graduate/post-gradua... students and early career-researchers working in and studying physics, especially those with an interest in astrophysics and cosmology. It is indispensable to all serious readers in the interdisciplinary areas where astrophysics is of utility.With a clear and logical template binding all chapters, content is divided into the following five sections, each of which contains chapters written by leading scientists who have evaluated and summarized the most important data published within the field:Cosmology: including Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy, Hubble’s law, cosmic microwave background, distance ladder, BAO, lensing, tests of general relativityGalaxies: including morphology, galaxy zoo, active galactic nuclei, star formation / feedback / quenching, blue & red peaks and green valley, galactic chemical evolution, galaxy groups & clusters, young stellar / globular / nuclear clusters & dynamics, inter-stellar mediumStars: including star formation, stellar evolution, the Sun as a star, asteroseismology, stellar rotation, stellar winds, binary interactions (tides, mass transfer, common envelopes, luminous red novae…), chemical abundance, evolutionCompact objects: including white dwarfs, neutron stars (pulsars), black holes, supernovae (type IA vs core-collapse), accretion, Eddington limit, X-ray binaries, supermassive black holes, tidal disruption events, mergers: gamma ray bursts, kilonovae, gravitational waves(Exo)planets: including formation, Solar system, comets / meteors, dynamics, stability, exoplanet observations (radial velocity, transits)Advanced interactive features such as videos and 3D viewers are included, significantly increasing the practicality and learning outcomes for the modern-day reader for whom online usage is preferred. The result is the ideal one-stop foundational resource to the complex field of astrophysics and an essential tool for physicists to refer to time and again.

  • The Chemistry of Mars

    • 1st Edition
    • Inamuddin
    • English
    The Chemistry of Mars focuses on the chemical exploration of Mars, with diverse viewpoints on the future of Mars research in terms of terrestrial missions. The holistic view of Mars’s chemistry is elucidated through a full scale picture of current knowledge and future intentions and explorations, including a review of temperature, surface pressure, wind, dust-cover, water-ice, and CO2 surface ice. This book provides a dedicated resource for space and planetary scientists, astrochemists, and chemists looking beyond Earth applications, including students, academics, and professionals.

  • Machine Learning for Small Bodies in the Solar System

    • 1st Edition
    • Valerio Carruba + 2 more
    • English
    Machine Learning for Small Bodies in the Solar System provides the latest developments and methods in applications of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to different aspects of Solar System bodies, including dynamics, physical properties, and detection algorithms. Offering a practical approach, the book encompasses a wide range of topics, providing both readers with essential tools and insights for use in researching asteroids, comets, moons, and Trans-Neptunian objects. The inclusion of codes and links to publicly available repositories further facilitates hands-on learning, enabling readers to put their newfound knowledge into practice. Machine Learning for Small Bodies in the Solar System serves as an invaluable reference for researchers working in the broad fields of Solar System bodies; both seasoned researchers seeking to enhance their understanding of ML and AI in the context of Solar System exploration or those just stepping into the field looking for direction on methodologies and techniques to apply ML and AI in their work.

  • Black Holes in the Era of Gravitational-Wave Astronomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Manuel Arca Sedda + 2 more
    • English
    Black Holes in the Era of Gravitational-Wave Astronomy provides a multidisciplinary, up-to-date view of the physics of black holes, along with an exhaustive overview of crucial open questions and recent advancements in the astrophysics of black holes in the wake of incredible advancements made in the last decade. It includes discussions on improvements in theoretical modeling and observational perspectives for black holes of all sizes, along with associated challenges. The book's structure and themes will enable an entwined understanding of black hole physics at all scales, thus avoiding the compartmentalized view that is typical of more specialized manuscripts and reviews.This book is a complete reference for scientists interested in a multidirectional approach to the study of black holes. It provides substantial discussions about the interplay of different types of black holes and gives professionals a heterogeneous and comprehensive overview of the astrophysics of black holes of all masses.

  • Introductory Astrochemistry

    From Inorganic to Life-Related Materials
    • 1st Edition
    • Akio Makishima
    • English
    Introductory Astrochemistry: From Inorganic to Life-Related Materials provides a detailed examination of the origins of planets, their satellites, and the conditions that led to life itself. Drawing on theories, experiments, observations, calculations, and analytical data from five distinct astrosciences, including astronomy, astrobiology, astrogeology, astrophysics, and astrochemistry, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the formation and evolution of our Solar System and applies it to other solar systems. The book begins with fundamental knowledge in the astrosciences, building upon understanding systematically up to the formation of the early Solar System.This book is an interdisciplinary reference for researchers and advanced students in astrogeology, astrophysics, astrochemistry, astrobiology, astronomy, and other space sciences, helping to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnections between these disciplines.

  • Relativity and Cosmology

    From First Principles to Interpretations
    • 1st Edition
    • Balša Terzić
    • English
    Relativity and Cosmology: From First Principles to Interpretations provides a high-quality and highly relevant astrophysics grounding for senior undergraduate students. This comprehensive textbook emphasizes an illustrative, pedagogical approach and aims to strike a balance between the breadth and depth of the material presented, frequently tying new material – relativistic mechanics and gravity – to the classical mechanics and gravity with which readers are more familiar. It includes robust content and corresponding exercises, figures, and appendices on many exciting developments, including relativistic mechanics; Newtonian classical mechanics; relativistic spacetime; special relativity; general relativity; tensor calculus; cosmology; Einstein’s field equations; dark matter; dark energy; and black holes.This accessible edition delivers helpful and engaging additions to the role and importance of physics in cosmology and relativity. It is ideal for courses in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, and related subjects.

  • Spatial Cognitive Engine Technology

    • 1st Edition
    • Jianjun Zhang + 1 more
    • English
    Spatial Cognitive Engine Technology discusses the increase in user demand for satellite wireless communication services that has led to the increasing development of spectrum resources and the fixed spectrum allocation mode which makes the utilization rate of spectrum resources lower. As an intelligent spectrum sharing technology, cognitive radio has innovated the traditional spectrum management system and is one of the effective ways to solve the above-mentioned problems. As the core of satellite cognitive radio, the spatial cognitive engine can use artificial intelligence to dynamically configure working parameters according to changes in the communication environment and user needs.

  • Interstellar Travel

    Purpose and Motivations
    • 1st Edition
    • Les Johnson + 1 more
    • English
    Interstellar Travel: Purpose and Motivations is a comprehensive, technical look at the necessary considerations for interstellar travel addressed by leading experts in the field, from scientists studying possible destinations (exoplanets) and the vast distances between, to those concerned with building institutions and capabilities in society that could sustain such endeavors. In addition to the technical, medical, and anthropological aspects of deep space travel, the ethics and morality of spreading Earth-based life to other worlds is also examined. In the first book of a three-book compilation, Interstellar Travel: Purpose and Motivations offers in-depth, up-to-date and realistic technical and scientific considerations in the pursuit of interstellar travel and is an integral reference for scientists, engineers, researchers and academics working on, or interested in, space development and space technologies. With a renewed interest in space exploration and development evidenced by the rise of the commercial space sector and various governments now planning to send humans back to the moon and to Mars, so also is interest in taking the next steps beyond the Solar System and to the ultimate destination – planets circling other stars.

  • Machine Learning for Planetary Science

    • 1st Edition
    • Joern Helbert + 3 more
    • English
    Machine Learning for Planetary Science presents planetary scientists with a way to introduce machine learning into the research workflow as increasingly large nonlinear datasets are acquired from planetary exploration missions. The book explores research that leverages machine learning methods to enhance our scientific understanding of planetary data and serves as a guide for selecting the right methods and tools for solving a variety of everyday problems in planetary science using machine learning. Illustrating ways to employ machine learning in practice with case studies, the book is clearly organized into four parts to provide thorough context and easy navigation. The book covers a range of issues, from data analysis on the ground to data analysis onboard a spacecraft, and from prioritization of novel or interesting observations to enhanced missions planning. This book is therefore a key resource for planetary scientists working in data analysis, missions planning, and scientific observation.

  • Big Data in Astronomy

    Scientific Data Processing for Advanced Radio Telescopes
    • 1st Edition
    • Linghe Kong + 3 more
    • English
    Big Data in Radio Astronomy: Scientific Data Processing for Advanced Radio Telescopes provides the latest research developments in big data methods and techniques for radio astronomy. Providing examples from such projects as the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope that generates over an Exabyte of data every day, the book offers solutions for coping with the challenges and opportunities presented by the exponential growth of astronomical data. Presenting state-of-the-art results and research, this book is a timely reference for both practitioners and researchers working in radio astronomy, as well as students looking for a basic understanding of big data in astronomy.

  • Knowledge Discovery in Big Data from Astronomy and Earth Observation

    Astrogeoinformatics
    • 1st Edition
    • Petr Skoda + 1 more
    • English
    Knowledge Discovery in Big Data from Astronomy and Earth Observation: Astrogeoinformatics bridges the gap between astronomy and geoscience in the context of applications, techniques and key principles of big data. Machine learning and parallel computing are increasingly becoming cross-disciplinary as the phenomena of Big Data is becoming common place. This book provides insight into the common workflows and data science tools used for big data in astronomy and geoscience. After establishing similarity in data gathering, pre-processing and handling, the data science aspects are illustrated in the context of both fields. Software, hardware and algorithms of big data are addressed. Finally, the book offers insight into the emerging science which combines data and expertise from both fields in studying the effect of cosmos on the earth and its inhabitants.

  • Special Relativity, Electrodynamics, and General Relativity

    From Newton to Einstein
    • 2nd Edition
    • John B. Kogut
    • English
    Special Relativity, Electrodynamics, and General Relativity: From Newton to Einstein is intended to teach students of physics, astrophysics, astronomy, and cosmology how to think about special and general relativity in a fundamental but accessible way. Designed to render any reader a "master of relativity,” all material on the subject is comprehensible and derivable from first principles. The book emphasizes problem solving, contains abundant problem sets, and is conveniently organized to meet the needs of both student and instructor.

  • Vistas in Astronomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Arthur Beer
    • English
    Vistas in Astronomy, Volume 1: Co-operation and Organization, History and Philosophy, Dynamics, Theoretical Astrophysics, Instruments, Radio Astronomy, Solar Physics brings together the ideas that form the structural units of what is known about astronomy. This book is organized into seven sections encompassing 93 chapters. Section I provides a summary of the significant contributions of international cooperation and various astronomy-related organizations in the advancement of astronomy. Section II highlights the historical developments in astronomy, from the early studies of the Egyptians to the formulation of philosophical concepts of cosmology. Sections III and IV describes the dynamic and theoretical aspects of astrophysics. These sections consider research studies on stellar dynamics, atmospheres, and magnetic fields, as well as the formation of condensation in a gaseous nebula. Part V is devoted o the developments in telescope optics and mirrors, spectrographs, electronic calculating machines, and photometers, while Section VI examines the field of radio astronomy. Part VII looks into solar physics related studies, including the structure and movements of sunspots, eclipse observation, and spectroscopic investigations of the solar corona. This book is of great value to astronomers, astrophysicists, solar physicists, and researchers in the allied fields.

  • Geomagnetism

    Volume 4
    • 1st Edition
    • John A. Jacobs
    • English
    Geomagnetism, Volume 4 focuses on the processes, methodologies, technologies, and approaches involved in geomagnetism, including electric fields, solar wind plasma, pulsations, and gravity waves. The selection first offers information on solar wind, magnetosphere, and the magnetopause of the Earth. Discussions focus on magnetopause structure and transfer processes, magnetosphere electric fields, geomagnetically trapped radiation, microstructure of the solar wind plasma, and hydro magnetic fluctuations and discontinuities. The text then examines geomagnetic tail, neutral upper atmosphere, and geomagnetic pulsations and plasma waves in the Earth's magnetosphere. Topics include plasma waves and instabilities in the magnetosphere, waves in a magneto plasma, gravity waves, atmospheric tides, balance equations for mass, momentum and energy, and absorption of solar and particle radiation. The publication takes a look at auroras and physical processes producing magnetosphere substorms and magnetic storms, including aurora theory and morphology, structure of the magnetosphere, and models of magnetosphere substorms. The selection is a valuable source of data for researchers wanting to explore geomagnetism.

  • Dynamics of the Earth's Evolution

    • 1st Edition
    • Roman Teisseyre + 2 more
    • English
    This sixth volume in the monograph series Physics and Evolution of the Earth's Interior presents the problems of the mature evolution of the Earth's interior. It provides comprehensive coverage of the present state of the mantle convection theory. The relations between paleomagnetism, plate tectonics and mantle convection theory are discussed. A more general view of the evolution based on the thermodynamics of irreversible processes is also given. This book will interest geophysicists, geologists, geodesists and planetologists.

  • Interacting Binary Stars

    International Series in Natural Philosophy
    • 1st Edition
    • Jorge Sahade + 1 more
    • D. Ter Haar
    • English
    Interacting Binary Stars deals with the development, ideas, and problems in the study of interacting binary stars. The book consolidates the information that is scattered over many publications and papers and gives an account of important discoveries with relevant historical background. Chapters are devoted to the presentation and discussion of the different facets of the field, such as historical account of the development in the field of study of binary stars; the Roche equipotential surfaces; methods and techniques in space astronomy; and enumeration of binary star systems that are studied meticulously by scientists. Astronomers, astrophysicists, physicists, researchers, and students in related fields will find the book interesting.

  • Tensors, Relativity, and Cosmology

    • 2nd Edition
    • Mirjana Dalarsson + 1 more
    • English
    Tensors, Relativity, and Cosmology, Second Edition, combines relativity, astrophysics, and cosmology in a single volume, providing a simplified introduction to each subject that is followed by detailed mathematical derivations. The book includes a section on general relativity that gives the case for a curved space-time, presents the mathematical background (tensor calculus, Riemannian geometry), discusses the Einstein equation and its solutions (including black holes and Penrose processes), and considers the energy-momentum tensor for various solutions. In addition, a section on relativistic astrophysics discusses stellar contraction and collapse, neutron stars and their equations of state, black holes, and accretion onto collapsed objects, with a final section on cosmology discussing cosmological models, observational tests, and scenarios for the early universe. This fully revised and updated second edition includes new material on relativistic effects, such as the behavior of clocks and measuring rods in motion, relativistic addition of velocities, and the twin paradox, as well as new material on gravitational waves, amongst other topics.

  • Advances in Astronomy and Astrophysics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • Zdeněk Kopal
    • English
    Advances in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 1 brings together numerous research works on different aspects of astronomy and astrophysics. This book is divided into five chapters and begins with an observational summary of the shock-wave theory of novae. The subsequent chapter provides the properties and problems of T tauri stars and related objects. These topics are followed by discussions on the structure and origin of meteorites and cosmic dust, as well as the models for evaluation of mass distribution in oblate stellar systems. The final chapter describes the methods of polarization measurements of starlight. This book is of value to astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers in the allied fields.

  • Physics of the Outer Heliosphere

    Proceedings of the 1st COSPAR Colloquium Held in Warsaw, Poland, 19-22 September 1989
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • S. Grzedzielski + 1 more
    • English
    This is the first volume in the new COSPAR Colloquia series which will provide a forum for an in-depth discussion on selective topics of importance to the international community. The International Heliospheric Study (IHS) was initially approved by COSPAR in 1982 when it was anticipated that the study would centre on the ESA/NASA Ulysses spacecraft. This mission was delayed until October 1990, but it was decided to commence the study in 1986 in order to exploit the existence of the Pioneer 10 and 11 and the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft in the outer heliosphere. The primary purpose of Physics of the Outer Heliosphere is to study the three-dimensional structure of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field carried by it, the propagation of energetic solar particles throughout the heliosphere and the modulation of galactic cosmic rays by the heliosphere. This volume provides information for scientists interested in spectroscopic studies of the local interstellar medium, galactic and solar cosmic ray populations in the outer heliosphere and also plasma and magnetic field aspects of the distant solar wind.

  • The Environmental Model of Mars

    Proceedings of the 2nd COSPAR Colloquium Held in Sopron, Hungary, 22-26 January 1990
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • K. Szego
    • English
    The twenty-two papers contained in this volume have been selected from the Proceedings of the 2nd COSPAR Colloquium. The exploration of planet Mars will be the focal point of the planetary missions in the coming years, so the investigation of the surface and the upper layers of the soil is of primary importance. The major space agencies are actively working to understand the environmental and technical requirements of the planned missions and experiments and it is predicted that the planet will be host to both ground based and atmospheric investigations in the near future.

  • Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics

    • 1st Edition
    • V.L. Ginzburg
    • D. ter Haar
    • English
    The aim of this book is to present, on the one hand various topics in theoretical physics in depth - especially topics related to electrodynamics - and on the other hand to show how these topics find applications in various aspects of astrophysics. The first text on theoretical physics and astrophysical applications, it covers many recent advances including those in X-ray, &ggr;-ray and radio-astronomy, with comprehensive coverage of the literature

  • Extreme Ultraviolet Astronomy

    A Selection of Papers Presented at the First Berkeley Colloquium on Extreme Ultraviolet Astronomy, University of California, Berkeley January 19-20, 1989
    • 1st Edition
    • Roger F. Malina
    • English
    The field of extreme ultraviolet astronomy will see two major satellite observatories to be launched in 1991, one by ESA (ROSAT mission), one by NASA (EUVE mission). These Proceedings discuss the potential for EUV Astronomy, results from recent missions, approved and possible future missions and new developments in EUV technology.

  • The Solar System

    • 1st Edition
    • B. W. Jones
    • English
    Presents a contemporary picture of the solar system, including a description of the Earth, Mars, Venus, cratered worlds, exotic rocks and ices, and giant planets. It is pitched at an introductory level and assumes no previous knowledge of planetary astronomy. Little mathematics is used in the text and the numerous graphs and diagrams are kept as simple as possible. End of chapter exercises are provided. The book can be used as an end in itself, or as a preparation for more advanced study, for which references are given.

  • Advances in Astronomy and Astrophysics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 9
    • Zdeněk Kopal
    • English
    Advances in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 9 covers reviews on the advances in astronomy and astrophysics. The book presents reviews on the Roche model and its applications to close binary systems. The text then describes the part played by lunar eclipses in the evolution of astronomy; the classical theory of lunar eclipses; deviations from geometrical theory; and the methods of photometric observations of eclipses. The problems of other phenomena related in one way or another to lunar eclipses are also considered. The book further tackles the infrared observation on the eclipsed moon, as well as some of the experimental measurements at infrared wavelengths which have proved useful in evaluating various theoretical models and, more generally, in specifying the radiation environment on the lunar surface. Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students taking related courses will find the book invaluable.

  • Propulsion Space Science and Space Exploration

    • 1st Edition
    • C Morrow
    • English
    Ballistic Missile and Aerospace Technology, Volume III: Propulsion, Space Science and Space Exploration covers the proceedings of the Sixth Symposium on Ballistic Missile and Aerospace Technology, held in University of Southern California, Los Angeles, on August 29-31, 1961. This book contains three parts encompassing 18 chapters that explore the components of the propulsion systems, space science and experiments, and exploration of the moon and planets. Part I demonstrates first the advantage of using factorial experimental designs for a wide variety of missile propulsion design problems. This topic is followed by an outline of the component designs of rocket design simulators and a systematic method for determination of ablation rates in a corrosive environment. This part also presents an analysis of the open cycle technique for the removal of afterheat from a nuclear rocket and the design conditions for convergent nozzles. Part II describes the determination of the magnetic dipole of TIROS II, a spin-stabilized meteorological satellite, as well as a method for the acquisition of meteorological data, which provides information not readily available on a global scale and/or in real time. Part III discusses the principles of small payload dropping for space exploration; the geological problems involved in the location of a lunar base; and the features of a planetary entry vehicle. This concluding part also examines the degree of radiation safety resulting from different lunar spacecraft design and mission operations and the feasibility of placing and maintaining space vehicles in the earth-moon libration points. Aerospace engineers and scientists will find this book invaluable.

  • The Three-Body Problem

    • 1st Edition
    • C. Marchal
    • English
    Recent research on the theory of perturbations, the analytical approach and the quantitative analysis of the three-body problem have reached a high degree of perfection. The use of electronics has aided developments in quantitative analysis and has helped to disclose the extreme complexity of the set of solutions. This accelerated progress has given new orientation and impetus to the qualitative analysis that is so complementary to the quantitative analysis.The book begins with the various formulations of the three-body problem, the main classical results and the important questions and conjectures involved in this subject. The main part of the book describes the remarkable progress achieved in qualitative analysis which has shed new light on the three-body problem. It deals with questions such as escapes, captures, periodic orbits, stability, chaotic motions, Arnold diffusion, etc. The most recent tests of escape have yielded very impressive results and border very close on the true limits of escape, showing the domain of bounded motions to be much smaller than was expected. An entirely new picture of the three-body problem is emerging, and the book reports on this recent progress.The structure of the solutions for the three-body problem lead to a general conjecture governing the picture of solutions for all Hamiltonian problems. The periodic, quasi-periodic and almost-periodic solutions form the basis for the set of solutions and separate the chaotic solutions from the open solutions.

  • Optimal Spacecraft Rotational Maneuvers

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 3
    • J.L. Junkins + 1 more
    • English
    This monograph has grown out of the authors' recent work directed toward solving a family of problems which arise in maneuvering modern spacecraft. The work ranges from fundamental developments in analytical dynamics and optimal control to a significant collection of example applications. The primary emphasis herein is upon the most central analytical and numerical methods for determining optimal rotational maneuvers of spacecraft. The authors focus especially upon the large angle nonlinear maneuvers, and also consider large rotational maneuvers of flexible vehicles with simultaneous vibration suppression/arrest. Each chapter includes a list of references.The book provides much new material which will be of great interest to practising professionals and advanced graduate students working in the general areas of spacecraft technology, applied mathematics, optimal control theory, and numerical optimization. Chapter 11 in particular presents new information that will be found widely useful for terminal control and tracking maneuvers.

  • Thermophysics and Temperature Control of Spacecraft and Entry Vehicles

    • 1st Edition
    • Gerhard Heller
    • English
    Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics, Volume 18: Thermophysics and Temperature Control of Spacecraft and Entry Vehicles is a selection of technical papers based on two American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics meetings, namely, The Thermophysics Specialist Conference, held in Monterey, California on September 13-15, 1965 and the Third Aerospace Sciences Conference, held in New York on January 1966. This book covers the most important problems of thermophysical research and technology. This volume is composed of six parts encompassing 42 chapters. Part I contains papers on the thermal radiation properties of solids, including measuring techniques for solar reflectance and infrared emittance determination, and a paper on radiative transfer. Part II deals with the lunar and planetary thermal environment and includes research papers on emissivities, reflectivities, and polarization by planetary atmospheres and planetary surfaces. Part III discusses the effects of the space environment on the optical properties of thermal control surfaces. This part also presents results of flight experiments with sensors of environmental effects and flight experience with thermal coatings of satellites. Part IV covers the thermophysical measurements of ablative materials and with the char layers formed during the actual vehicle entry period or during laboratory simulation tests. Part V looks into the two comparatively areas of thermophysics, namely, the thermal similitude (thermal modeling) and interface resistance of joints under space conditions. Part VI summarizes the practical experience in thermal design gained on spacecraft flights. Thermophysicists, space engineers and designers, and research workers who are interested in thermophysical technology will find this book invaluable.

  • Astronomical Optics

    • 1st Edition
    • Daniel J. Schroeder
    • English
    Written by a recognized expert in the field, this clearly presented, well-illustrated book provides both advanced level students and professionals with an authoritative, thorough presentation of the characteristics, including advantages and limitations, of telescopes and spectrographic instruments used by astronomers of today.

  • An Introduction to Astrophysical Hydrodynamics

    • 1st Edition
    • Steven N. Shore
    • English
    This book is an introduction to astrophysical hydrodynamics for both astronomy and physics students. It provides a comprehensive and unified view of the general problems associated with fluids in a cosmic context, with a discussion of fluid dynamics and plasma physics. It is the only book on hydrodynamics that addresses the astrophysical context. Researchers and students will find this work to be an exceptional reference. Contents include chapters on irrotational and rotational flows, turbulence, magnetohydrodynamics... and instabilities.

  • Particle Physics and Cosmology: Dark Matter

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 6
    • M. Srednicki
    • English
    At least eighty percent of the mass of the universe consists of some material which, unlike ordinary matter, neither emits nor absorbs light. This book collects key papers related to the discovery of this astonishing fact and its profound implications for astrophysics, cosmology, and the physics of elementary particles. The book focuses on the likely possibility that the dark matter is composed of an as yet undiscovered elementary particle, and examines the boundaries of our present knowledge of the properties such a particle must possess.

  • Dynamics of Tethered Satellite Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • Vladimir Aslanov + 1 more
    • English
    Aimed at engineering students and professionals working in the field of mechanics of space flight, this book examines space tether systems – one of the most forward-thinking directions of modern astronautics. The main advantage of this technology is the simplicity, profitability and ecological compatibility: space tethers allow the execution of various manoeuvers in orbit without costs of jet fuel due to the use of gravitational and electromagnetic fields of the Earth. This book will acquaint the reader with the modern state of the space tether’s dynamics, with specific attention on the research projects of the nearest decades. This book presents the most effective mathematical models and the methods used for the analysis and prediction of space tether systems’ motion; attention is also given to the influence of the tether on spacecraft’s motion, to emergencies and chaotic modes.

  • Orbital Mechanics and Formation Flying

    A Digital Control Perspective
    • 1st Edition
    • P A Capó-Lugo + 1 more
    • English
    Aimed at students, faculty and professionals in the aerospace field, this book provides practical information on the development, analysis, and control of a single and/or multiple spacecraft in space. This book is divided into two major sections: single and multiple satellite motion. The first section analyses the orbital mechanics, orbital perturbations, and attitude dynamics of a single satellite around the Earth. Using the knowledge of a single satellite motion, the translation of a group of satellites called formation flying or constellation is explained. Formation flying has been one of the main research topics over the last few years and this book explains different control approaches to control the satellite attitude motion and/or to maintain the constellation together. The control schemes are explained in the discrete domain such that it can be easily implemented on the computer on board the satellite. The key objective of this book is to show the reader the practical and the implementation process in the discrete domain.

  • Lakes on Mars

    • 1st Edition
    • Nathalie A. Cabrol + 1 more
    • English
    On Earth, lakes provide favorable environments for the development of life and its preservation as fossils. They are extremely sensitive to climate fluctuations and to conditions within their watersheds. As such, lakes are unique markers of the impact of environmental changes. Past and current missions have now demonstrated that water once flowed at the surface of Mars early in its history. Evidence of ancient ponding has been uncovered at scales ranging from a few kilometers to possibly that of the Arctic ocean. Whether life existed on Mars is still unknown; upcoming missions may find critical evidence to address this question in ancient lakebeds as clues about Mars’ climate evolution and its habitability potential are still preserved in their sedimentary record. Lakes on Mars is the first review on this subject. It is written by leading planetary scientists who have dedicated their careers to searching and exploring the questions of water, lakes, and oceans on Mars through their involvement in planetary exploration, and the analysis of orbital and ground data beginning with Viking up to the most recent missions. In thirteen chapters, Lakes on Mars critically discusses new data and explores the role that water played in the evolution of the surface of Mars, the past hydrological provinces of the planet, the possibility of heated lake habitats through enhanced geothermal flux associated with volcanic activity and impact cratering. The book also explores alternate hypotheses to explain the geological record. Topographic, morphologic, stratigraphic, and mineralogic evidence are presented that suggest successions of ancient lake environments in Valles Marineris and Hellas. The existence of large lakes and/or small oceans in Elysium and the Northern Plains is supported both by the global distribution of deltaic deposits and by equipotential surfaces that may reflect their past margins. Whether those environments were conducive to life has yet to be demonstrated but from comparison with our planet, their sedimentary deposits may provide the best opportunity to find its record, if any. The final chapters explore the impact of climate variability on declining lake habitats in one of the closest terrestrial analogs to Mars at the Noachian/Hesperian transition, identify the geologic, morphologic and mineralogic signatures of ancient lakes to be searched for on Mars, and present the case for landing the Mars Science Laboratory mission in such an environment.

  • Watchers of the Stars

    The Story of a Revolution
    • 3rd Edition
    • Sir Patrick Moore CBE DSc FRAS
    • English
    This is the third edition by Sir Patrick Moore, one of the great presenters of astronomy in our time. It tells the epic story of the historical development of astronomy which caused a revolutionary change in human outlook, in its impact upon both scientific thinking and religious belief.

  • String Theory and the Real World: From particle physics to astrophysics

    Lecture Notes of the Les Houches Summer School 2007
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 87
    • English
    This book is a collection of lectures given in July 2007 at the Les Houches Summer School on "String Theory and the Real World: From particle physics to astrophysics."

  • The Ontology of Spacetime II

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 4
    • English
    The sixteen papers collected in this volume are expanded and revised versions of talks delivered at the Second International Conference on the Ontology of Spacetime, organized by the International Society for the Advanced Study of Spacetime (John Earman, President) at Concordia University (Montreal) from 9 to 11 June 2006. Most chapters are devoted to subjects directly relating to the ontology of spacetime. The book starts with four papers that discuss the ontological status of spacetime and the processes occurring in it from a point of view that is first of all conceptual and philosophical. The focus then slightly shifts in the five papers that follow, to considerations more directly involving technical considerations from relativity theory. After this, Time, Becoming and Change take centre stage in the next five papers. The book ends with two excursions into relatively uncharted territory: a consideration of the status of Kaluza-Klein theory, and an investigation of possible relations between the nature of spacetime and condensed matter physics, respectively.

  • Encyclopedia of the Solar System

    • 2nd Edition
    • Lucy-Ann McFadden + 2 more
    • English
    Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter, lunar craters, and the Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610, people were fascinated with the planets and stars around them. That interest continues today, and scientists are making new discoveries at an astounding rate. Ancient lake beds on Mars, robotic spacecraft missions, and new definitions of planets now dominate the news. How can you take it all in? Start with the new Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Second Edition.This self-contained reference follows the trail blazed by the bestselling first edition. It provides a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, historical discoveries, and details about planetary bodies and how they interact—and has jumped light years ahead in terms of new information and visual impact. Offering more than 50% new material, the Encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observations, hundreds of new color digital images and illustrations, and more than 1,000 pages. It stands alone as the definitive work in this field, and will serve as a modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the future of our solar system.

  • Tensors, Relativity, and Cosmology

    • 1st Edition
    • Nils Dalarsson + 1 more
    • English
    This book combines relativity, astrophysics, and cosmology in a single volume, providing an introduction to each subject that enables students to understand more detailed treatises as well as the current literature. The section on general relativity gives the case for a curved space-time, presents the mathematical background (tensor calculus, Riemannian geometry), discusses the Einstein equation and its solutions (including black holes, Penrose processes, and similar topics), and considers the energy-momentum tensor for various solutions. The next section on relativistic astrophysics discusses stellar contraction and collapse, neutron stars and their equations of state, black holes, and accretion onto collapsed objects. Lastly, the section on cosmology discusses various cosmological models, observational tests, and scenarios for the early universe.

  • Frontiers in Magnetospheric Plasma Physics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 16
    • English
    This COSPAR Colloquium Series deals with the main achievements that were accomplished through the collaborative efforts among ISTP participants; the plasma dynamics of magnetic reconnection in a thin plasma sheet, the action of the solar wind on the plasma population in the plasma sheet and around the magnetotail boundary layer, the relationship between the substrom expansion region and the X-line formation in the magnetotail, and the temporal evolution of the dipolarization from from the near-Earth to the distant tail.

  • Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System

    • 2nd Edition
    • Volume 87
    • John S. Lewis
    • English
    Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System, 2nd Edition, is a comprehensive survey of the planetary physics and physical chemistry of our own solar system. It covers current research in these areas and the planetary sciences that have benefited from both earth-based and spacecraft-based experimentation. These experiments form the basis of this encyclopedic reference, which skillfully fuses synthesis and explanation. Detailed chapters review each of the major planetary bodies as well as asteroids, comets, and other small orbitals. Astronomers, physicists, and planetary scientists can use this state-of-the-art book for both research and teaching. This Second Edition features extensive new material, including expanded treatment of new meteorite classes, spacecraft findings from Mars Pathfinder through Mars Odyssey 2001, recent reflections on brown dwarfs, and descriptions of planned NASA, ESA, and Japanese planetary missions.

  • Modern Cosmology

    • 1st Edition
    • Scott Dodelson
    • English
    Modern Cosmology begins with an introduction to the smooth, homogeneous universe described by a Friedman-Robertson-W... metric, including careful treatments of dark energy, big bang nucleosynthesis, recombination, and dark matter. From this starting point, the reader is introduced to perturbations about an FRW universe: their evolution with the Einstein-Boltzmann equations, their generation by primordial inflation, and their observational consequences. These consequences include the anisotropy spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) featuring acoustic peaks and polarization, the matter power spectrum with baryonic wiggles, and their detection via photometric galaxy surveys, redshift distortions, cluster abundances, and weak lensing. The book concludes with a long chapter on data analysis. Modern Cosmology is the first book to explain in detail the structure of the acoustic peaks in the CMB, the E/B decomposition in polarization which may allow for detection of primordial gravity waves, and the modern analysis techniques used on increasingly large cosmological data sets. Readers will gain the tools needed to work in cosmology and learn how modern observations are rapidly revolutionizing our picture of the universe.

  • Dust in the Solar System and Other Planetary Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 15
    • S.F. Green + 3 more
    • English
    Since the last joint IAU and COSPAR Colloquium in Gainesville in 1995, there have been dramatic changes in the field resulting from in-situ space experiments, Earth orbiting satellites and ground based observations. The brightest comet since the early years of the twentieth century, comet Hale-Bopp, appeared, giving an invaluable opportunity to see in action one great source of interplanetary dust. Similarly, the Leonid meteor shower has been at its most active since 1966, producing spectacular displays of meteors and allowing for an array of observational techniques, not available in 1966 to be used, while theory has also been refined to a level where very accurate predictions of the timing of meteor storms has become possible. Prior to the meeting a total eclipse of the Sun in South West England and North Europe was observed, traditionally a good opportunity to observe the Zodiacal cloud. The knowledge of the Near-Earth Asteroid population has also increased dramatically, with the increased study arising from the heightened awareness of the danger to Earth from such bodies. Extrasolar planets have been discovered since the last meeting and it is recognised that interplanetary dust in other Planetary Systems can now be studied. Since much of the dust observed in such systems is at a distance of order 100 AU from the star, this brings into focus the production of dust in the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt of our own system. Recent years have seen a recognition of the importance of dust originating outside our own system, that is now present in the near-Earth environment. As is always the case when great strides take place observationally, much theoretical work follows, and the same is true in this instance. While data about the planetary medium from Venus to Jupiter was beginning to be available at the meeting in 1995, the data from both Galileo and Ulysses have now been more fully analysed, with a corresponding increase in our knowledge. This book reflects the thematic approach adopted at the meeting, with a flow outwards (from meteors in the atmosphere, through zodiacal dust observation and interplanetary dust, to extra solar planetary systems) and returning (via the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt and comets) to the Earth, with laboratory studies of physical and chemical processes and the study of extra-terrestrial samples.

  • Solar-Terrestrial Magnetic Activity and Space Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 14
    • H. Wang
    • R. Xu
    • English
    The COSPAR Colloquium on Solar-Terrestrial Magnetic Activity and Space Environment (STMASE) was held in the National Astronomy Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) in Beijing, China in September 10-12, 2001. The meeting was focused on five areas of the solar-terrestrial magnetic activity and space environment studies, including study on solar surface magnetism; solar magnetic activity, dynamical response of the heliosphere; space weather prediction; and space environment exploration and monitoring. A hot topic of space research, CMEs, which are widely believed to be the most important phenomenon of the space environment, is discussed in many papers. Other papers show results of observational and theoretical studies toward better understanding of the complicated image of the magnetic coupling between the Sun and the Earth, although little is still known little its physical background. Space weather prediction, which is very important for a modern society expanding into out-space, is another hot topic of space research. However, a long way is still to go to predict exactly when and where a disaster will happen in the space. In that sense, there is much to do for space environment exploration and monitoring. The manuscripts submitted to this Monograph are divided into the following parts: (1) solar surface magnetism, (2) solar magnetic activity, (3) dynamical response of the heliosphere, (4) space environment exploration and monitoring; and (5) space weather prediction. Papers presented in this meeting but not submitted to this Monograph are listed by title as unpublished papers at the end of this book.

  • Multi-Wavelength Observations of Coronal Structure and Dynamics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 13
    • Penny Martens + 1 more
    • English
    These are the Proceedings of the Yohkoh 10th Anniversary Meeting, a COSPAR Colloquium held in Kona, Hawaii, USA, on January 20-24, 2002. The title of the meeting was Multi-Wavelength Observations of Coronal Structure and Dynamics. In these proceedings the many and varied advances of the dynamics solar atmosphere in the past ten years of observations by Yohkoh have been reviewed.

  • The Outer Heliosphere: The Next Frontiers

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 11
    • E. Marsch + 2 more
    • H. Fichtner
    • English
    The eleventh COSPAR colloquium The Outer Heliosphere: The Next Frontiers was held in Potsdam, Germany, from 24-28 July, 2000, and is the second dedicated to this subject after the first one held in Warsaw, Poland in 1989.Roughly a century has passed after the first ideas by Oliver Lodge, George Francis Fitzgerald and Kristan Birkeland about particle clouds emanating from the Sun and interacting with the Earth environment. Only a few decades after the formulation of the concepts of a continuous solar corpuscular radiation by Ludwig Bierman and a solar wind by Eugene Parker, heliospheric physics has evolved into an important branch of astrophysical research. Numerous spacecraft missions have increased the knowledge about the heliosphere tremendously. Now, at the beginning of a new millenium it seems possible, by newly developed propulasion technologies to send a spacecraft beyond the boundaries of the heliosphere. Such an Interstellar Proce will start the in-situ exploration of interstellar space and, thus, can be considered as the first true astrophysical spacecraft. The year 2000 appeared to be a highly welcome occassion to review the achievements since the last COSPAR Colloquia 11 years ago, to summarize the present developments and to give new impulse for future activities in heliospheric research.

  • Cosmic Rays at Earth

    • 1st Edition
    • P.K.F. Grieder
    • English
    In 1912 Victor Franz Hess made the revolutionary discovery that ionizing radiation is incident upon the Earth from outer space. He showed with ground-based and balloon-borne detectors that the intensity of the radiation did not change significantly between day and night. Consequently, the sun could not be regarded as the sources of this radiation and the question of its origin remained unanswered. Today, almost one hundred years later the question of the origin of the cosmic radiation still remains a mystery.Hess' discovery has given an enormous impetus to large areas of science, in particular to physics, and has played a major role in the formation of our current understanding of universal evolution. For example, the development of new fields of research such as elementary particle physics, modern astrophysics and cosmology are direct consequences of this discovery. Over the years the field of cosmic ray research has evolved in various directions: Firstly, the field of particle physics that was initiated by the discovery of many so-called elementary particles in the cosmic radiation. There is a strong trend from the accelerator physics community to reenter the field of cosmic ray physics, now under the name of astroparticle physics. Secondly, an important branch of cosmic ray physics that has rapidly evolved in conjunction with space exploration concerns the low energy portion of the cosmic ray spectrum. Thirdly, the branch of research that is concerned with the origin, acceleration and propagation of the cosmic radiation represents a great challenge for astrophysics, astronomy and cosmology. Presently very popular fields of research have rapidly evolved, such as high-energy gamma ray and neutrino astronomy. In addition, high-energy neutrino astronomy may soon initiate as a likely spin-off neutrino tomography of the Earth and thus open a unique new branch of geophysical research of the interior of the Earth. Finally, of considerable interest are the biological and medical aspects of the cosmic radiation because of it ionizing character and the inevitable irradiation to which we are exposed. This book is a reference manual for researchers and students of cosmic ray physics and associated fields and phenomena. It is not intended to be a tutorial. However, the book contains an adequate amount of background materials that its content should be useful to a broad community of scientists and professionals. The present book contains chiefly a data collection in compact form that covers the cosmic radiation in the vicinity of the Earth, in the Earth's atmosphere, at sea level and underground. Included are predominantly experimental but also theoretical data. In addition the book contains related data, definitions and important relations. The aim of this book is to offer the reader in a single volume a readily available comprehensive set of data that will save him the need of frequent time consuming literature searches.

  • Astronomical Optics

    • 2nd Edition
    • Daniel J. Schroeder
    • English
    This book provides a unified treatment of the characteristics of telescopes of all types, both those whose performance is set by geometrical aberrations and the effect of the atmosphere, and those diffraction-limited telescopes designed for observations from above the atmosphere. The emphasis throughout is on basic principles, such as Fermat's principle, and their application to optical systems specifically designed to image distant celestial sources. The book also contains thorough discussions of the principles underlying all spectroscopic instrumentation, with special emphasis on grating instruments used with telescopes. An introduction to adaptive optics provides the needed background for further inquiry into this rapidly developing area.

Related subjects