Most stars appear to show some degree of magnetic activity. For example, the varying magnetic field of the Sun shows up in the familiar sun-spot cycle. Radio and X-ray pulsars are enormously dense, rapidly rotating neutron stars which carry steady magnetic fields that are far stronger than the average magnetic field of the Sun. Likewise, many uncollapsed stars behave like rotating permanent magnets. Furthermore, magnetic fields may partly control the formation of new stars as well as the spectacular behaviour observed in galactic nuclei.Stellar magnetism is therefore a rapidly develoing field of astrophysics, and this book has grown out of the lifelong work of an outstanding researcher in the area. It is an authoritative account with broad astronomical scope, and its thorough, careful, and well-argued approach make it a fine addition to the professional literature. Most of the important topics are treated in mathematical depth with reference given to other relevant literature. Some of the studies, especially those on accretion discs, dynamos, and winds, are applicable to galaxies and galactic nuclei. As well as acting as a professional reference and guide to current thinking, this book will be of interest to graduate students, for whom it shows how the subject has developed and leads on to research problems in the field.
Professor Leon Mestel, Astronomy Centre, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJTel: 01273 606755; fax 01273 678097; email: lmestel@star.pact.cpes.susx.ac.ukEmeritus Professor of Astronomy 1992-F.R.S. 1977Eddington Medal, Royal Astronomical Society 1993
1. Introduction ; 2. Theoretical basis ; 3. Applications ; 4. Magnetism and convection ; 5. Magnetic fields in stellar interiors ; 6. Stellar dynamos ; 7. Magnetic braking of stars by winds ; 8. Late-type stars ; 9. The early-type magnetic stars ; 10. Pre-main sequence stars ; 11. Magnetism and star formation I ; 12. Magnetism and star formation II ; 13. Pulsar electrodynamics I ; 14. Pulsar electrodynamics II ; Index
It was a real pleasure to hold this magnificent tome in my hands for the first time, to savour it and eagerly to read through its pages. Written by a world authority on cosmic magnetism, it is likely to become a classic in its field...This remarkable book is essential reading for all wanting an up-to-date and authoritative account of the key role of magnetic fields in modern astrophysics.
Glenn H. Fredrickson, Kris T. Delaney, Santa Barbara) Fredrickson, Glenn H. (Distinguished Professor, Distinguished Professor, Departments of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara) Delaney, Kris T. (Project Scientist, Project Scientist, Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Glenn H Fredrickson, Kris T Delaney
Vladimir Z. Kresin, Hans Morawitz, Stuart A. Wolf, Berkeley) Kresin, Vladimir Z. (Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, California) Morawitz, Hans (Research Staff Member, Almaden Research Center, San Jose, California, Research Staff Member, Almaden Research Center, San Jose, DC) Wolf, Stuart A. (Head, Materials Physics Branch of Material Science Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, Head, Materials Physics Branch of Material Science Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington
Eugen Simánek, CA 92521) Simanek, Eugen (Professor, Department of Physics, Professor, Department of Physics, University of California, Riverside, Eugen Simanek, Eugen Sim?nek
Jürgen Kübler, Darmstadt University of Technology) Kubler, Jurgen (Professor of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics