Preface

Summary

Astrophysics strives to describe the Universe through the application of fundamental physics. The Cosmos manifests phenomena in which the physics can appear in its most extreme, and therefore more insightful, forms. Consequently, developing astrophysical concepts from fundamental physics has the potential to achieve two goals: to derive a better understanding of astrophysical phenomena from first principles, and to illuminate the physics from which the astrophysics is developed. To that end, astrophysical topics are grouped, in this book, according to the relevant areas of physics. For example, the derivation of the laws of orbital motion, used in the detection of extrasolar planets, takes place in the classical mechanics part of the book while the derivation of transition rates for the 21 cm neutral hydrogen line, used to probe galaxy kinematics, is performed in the quantum mechanics part. The book could serve as a text for graduate students and as a reference for established researchers.

The content of this book is based on the material used by the author in support of advanced astrophysics courses taught at the University of New Mexico. The intended audience consists of graduate students and senior undergraduates pursuing degrees in physics and/or astrophysics. Perhaps the most directly relevant demographic is the combined Physics and Astronomy departments. These departments tend to emphasize the fundamental physics regardless of the research track pursued by the student. In many cases a separate astrophysics degree is not an option.