Overview

This is an introduction to the fundamentals of space physics and astrophysics and covers progress in various aspects of these fields during the late 1990s. In the introductory Chapter 1, a brief historical account of space research is given, followed by short reviews of the space vehicles used and some aspects of the early years of space research. In Chapter 2, the reader is introduced to the discoveries of the radiation belts and the magnetosphere of the Earth. Chapter 3 begins with the phenomena of the quiet Sun, followed by processes in the active Sun (solar flares, radio bursts and X-ray, gamma-ray and neutron emissions). In Chapters 4 and 5, attention is paid to the physical features and properties of large bodies and aggregates in the matter of the solar system, emphasising discoveries obtained from spacecraft. In Chapter 6 solar energetic particles are presented, bringing out their dual role - as a sample of accelerated matter from the Sun and as a sensitive probe of the interplanetary fields in the heliosphere. Chapter 7 presents a discussion on galactic cosmic rays, explaining the basic features and main findings. Highlights of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and possible origins are included. Chapter 8 presents results of extreme UV, infra-red, X-rays and gamma-rays from space. The level of presentation is aimed at senior undergraduate students who are familiar with introductory physics. Graduate students will find more advanced topics discussed through their underlying features. Each chapter is followed by a number of problems; solving these will enable students to obtain a good grasp of the topics.

Full Product Details

Author:   S. Biswas
Publisher:   Springer
Imprint:   Springer
Edition:   1999 ed.
Volume:   242
Dimensions:   Width: 17.00cm , Height: 2.80cm , Length: 24.40cm
Weight:   0.945kg
ISBN:  

9780792358138

ISBN 10:   0792358139
Pages:   495
Publication Date:   30 June 2000
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

1 Introduction to Space Research.- 1.1 Early History of Space Physics.- 1.2 The New Space Age and Global Plans.- 1.3 Space Vehicles and Space Physics.- 1.4 Problems on Chapter 1.- 2 The Magnetosphere of the Earth.- 2.1 Early Concepts.- 2.2 Experimental Methods in Space Studies and Observations.- 2.3 The Structure of the Magnetosphere.- 2.4 Motion of Charged Particles in the Magnetosphere.- 2.5 The Radiation Belts of the Earth.- 2.6 Heavy Ions in the Magnetosphere of the Earth.- 2.7 Problems on Chapter 2.- 3 The Sun and the Heliosphere.- 3.1 The Sun and Space Astrophysics.- 3.2 Sunspots and the Solar Cycles.- 3.3 Solar Wind.- 3.4 Solar and Interplanetary Magnetic Fields.- 3.5 The Active Sun.- 3.6 The Outer Heliosphere.- 3.7 Problems on Chapter 3.- 4 The Moon and the Planets.- 4.1 The Moon.- 4.2 Space Missions and Planetary Exploration.- 4.3 Inner Planets.- 4.4 The Asteroid Belt.- 4.5 Outer Planets.- 4.6 Problems on Chapter 4.- 5 Comets, Meteorites and the origin of the Solar System.- 5.1 Comets and Cometary Probes.- 5.2 The Oort Cloud and the Origin of Comets.- 5.3 Meteorites.- 5.4 Interplanetary Dust.- 5.5 The Origin and Early History of the Solar System.- 5.6 Problems on Chapter 5.- 6 Solar Energetic Particles.- 6.1 General Features and Early Observations.- 6.2 Observational Methods and Early Results.- 6.3 Properties of Energetic Solar Particles.- 6.4 Coronal and Interplanetary Propagation of SEP.- 6.5 Solar Energetic Particles in the Distant Past.- 6.6 Acceleration of Particles in the Sun.- 6.7 Problems on Chapter 6.- 7 Galactic Cosmic Rays.- 7.1 Early Studies and General Features.- 7.2 Interactions of Cosmic Rays with Matter.- 7.3 Methods of Studies of Cosmic Ray Nuclei.- 7.4 Properties of Cosmic Rays and their Implications.- 7.5 Cosmic Ray Propagation in Interplanetary Space.- 7.6 Cosmic Ray Propagation in Interstellar Space.- 7.7 Origin of Cosmic Rays.- 7.8 Problems on Chapter 7.- 8 Space Astrophysics.- 8.1 New Astrophysics from Space Observatories.- 8.2 New Windows to the Universe.- 8.3 Cosmology from Space.- 8.4 Problems on Chapter 8.- 9 The Interstellar Medium (ISM).- 9.1 General Features.- 9.2 Large Scale Dynamical Processes.- 9.3 Physical Features of the ISM.- 9.4 Interstellar Dust.- 9.5 Interstellar Molecules.- 9.6 Organic Molecules in Large Molecular Clouds.- 9.7 The Origin of Life: Terrestrial vs Extra Terrestrial.- 9.8 Problems on Chapter 9.- 10 Concluding Remarks.- References.

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