Unsolved Problems In Stellar Physics

The field of astrophysics is in the midst of a technologically driven renaissance, as fundamental discoveries are being made with astonishing frequency. In the last decade, new detectors in space, on earth, and deep underground have, when coupled with the computational power of modern computers, revolutionized our knowledge and understanding of the astronomical world. This is a great time for a student of any age to become acquainted with the remarkable universe in which we live. This volume is a collection of essays, originally presented orally to a diverse group of students and professionals, which reveal the most fertile areas for future study of astronomy and astrophysics. The emphasis of this work is on the clear description of the current state of our knowledge as a preparation for the future unraveling of the mysteries of the universe that appear today as most fundamental and most amenable to solution. A stellar group of astronomers and astrophysicists describes the directions and styles of work that they think are most likely to lead to progress. Bibliographical notes at the end of each presentation provide guidance for the reader who wishes to go more deeply into a given subject. Unsolved Problems in Astrophysics is a uniquely stimulating introduction to some of the most important topics in modern astrophysics.

This volume is comprised of a series of papers dealing with some of the current unsolved problems in the field of stellar physics. It is also a celebration of the many contributions that Prof. Douglas Gough has made to this subject. Topics discussed include: stars, interiors, stars: evolution, asteroseismology, helioseismology, and fluid dynamics.

The most comprehensive and up-to-date survey available on stellar structure and evolution, with a special emphasis on currently unsolved problems.

Although the Milky Way is the most studied and best understood galactic system, there are many fundamental questions about our Galaxy that remain unanswered. This book concentrates on those questions which have the widest applicability in all of astrophysics, and for which answers are most likely to be forthcoming in the next few years. Is the Milky Way a barred spiral, and if so, what are its properties? Is the disk of the Milky Way axisymmetric and what does the answer tell us about its dynamical history? Is there a black hole at the center of the Galaxy? How far does the Galaxy extend? How much dark matter is there in the Milky Way system? And more.

Essays discuss the present state of knowledge following recent discoveries about the structure of the universe, galaxies, quasars, neutrinos, and other topics, and suggest areas for future research

Although the Milky Way is the most studied and best understood galactic system, there are many fundamental questions about our Galaxy that remain unanswered. This book concentrates on those questions which have the widest applicability in all of astrophysics, and for which answers are most likely to be forthcoming in the next few years. Is the Milky Way a barred spiral, and if so, what are its properties? Is the disk of the Milky Way axisymmetric and what does the answer tell us about its dynamical history? Is there a black hole at the center of the Galaxy? How far does the Galaxy extend? How much dark matter is there in the Milky Way system? And more.

Stars are the main factories of element production in the universe through a suite of complex and intertwined physical processes. Such stellar alchemy is driven by multiple nuclear interactions that through eons have transformed the pristine, metal-poor ashes leftover by the Big Bang into a cosmos with 100 distinct chemical species. The products of

Stellar Physics is a rather unique book among the growing literature on star formation and evolution. Not only does the author, a leading expert in the field, give a very thorough description of the current knowledge about stellar physics but he handles with equal care the many problems that this field of research still faces. A bibliography with well over 650 entries makes this book an unparalleled source of references. Fundamental Concepts and Stellar Equilibrium is the first of two volumes, and can be read, as can the second volume, as an independent work. It provides an extensive introduction into all physical processes that play a role in star formation and evolution. The basic equations describing stellar equilibrium are discussed, where attention is paid to both the theoretical and the numerical aspects.