Books about Cataclysmic from Amazon.com

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Price: $13.89 [Notify me when price goes down.]

This book is about observing dramatic and often bizarre cosmic events. Observation of gamma ray bursts, cataclysmic variable star outbursts, distant supernovae, and even active galactic nuclei might be thought to be far beyond the range of amateur observers – but this is not the case. Recent technical developments in CCD equipment, powerful PCs, new observing and processing techniques, and professional satellite monitoring systems have opened a range of high-value niche areas of scientific astronomy to amateurs.

Cataclysmic Cosmic Events and How to Observethem explains what these events are, what we know of their physics, and how amateur astronomers can observe them.

For example, it might be thought that events as distant as gamma ray bursts (GRB) and active galaxies could not possibly be observed by amateur astronomers - but gamma ray bursts have been recorded using simple cameras with telephoto lenses. These incredibly powerful events fade dramatically, and once an orbiting satellite detects a GRB it is primarily a question of response time – so it is easily possible for amateur astronomers to be the first to respond.

There are a dozen active galaxies which are easily visible in amateur telescopes visually, let alone with CCD equipment. In this era of CCDs and automated telescopes, amateur astronomers are reaching deeper than most professional astronomers were able to in the film-based era of the 1980s. The Internet allows rapid emailing of alerts, finder charts and large image files: this simply was not technically possible even 15 years ago. Monitoring cataclysmic variables is an increasingly popular aspect of amateur astronomy, with many visual observers checking dozens of these objects every clear night.

Closer to home, amateurs are observing high-energy outbursts on the Sun. using the latest generation of H-alpha telescopes and filters and webcams. More and more of these outbursts will occur as we move towards the next sunspot maximum (in 2011) – possibly more than at any time since 1958. This will be an increasingly important field of amateur astronomy.

Here is an exciting set of observational challenges related to some of the most spectacular events in astronomy today. It bridges the gap between the professionals, and the keen backyard amateurs wanting to contribute professional results.

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Price: $22.47 [Notify me when price goes down.]

The study of cataclysmic variables - interacting binary stars containing a white dwarf accreting from an orbiting companion - is undergoing an exciting renaissance, as it embraces observations at all wavelengths. Cataclysmic variables allow, in particular, the direct and detailed study of equilibrium and non-equilibrium accretion discs; in turn these developments also help in our understanding of X-ray binaries, black holes and active galactic nuclei. This timely volume provides the first comprehensive survey of cataclysmic variable stars, integrating theory and observation into a single, synthesised text. An introductory chapter gives the historical background of studies of cataclysmic variables. The author then goes on to give an up-to-date review of both the observations (at all wavelengths, and over all time-scales), the theories, the models of the structures and accretion processes believed to be involved. A very detailed bibliography is also provided to guide the reader to pertinent primary literature..
Price: $91.49 [Notify me when price goes down.]

This text presents numerous illustrations of the observed variability of cataclysmic variable stars. It provides a clear explanation and thorough up-to-date overview of this phenomenon at a level accessible to the advanced amateur or undergraduate student..
Price: $50.00 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Short-period binaries run the gamut from widely separated stars to black-hole pairs; in between are systems that include neutron stars and white dwarfs, and partially evolved systems such as tidally distorted and over-contact systems. These objects represent stages of evolution of binary stars, and their degrees of separation provide critical clues to how their evolutionary paths differ from that of single stars. The widest and least distorted systems provide astronomers with the essential precise data needed to study all stars: mass and radius. The interactions of binary star components, on the other hand, provide a natural laboratory to observe how the matter in these stars behaves under different and often varying physical conditions. Thus, cataclysmic variables with and without overpoweringly strong magnetic fields, and stars with densities from that found in the Sun to the degenerate matter of white dwarfs and the ultra-compact states of neutron stars and black holes are all discussed. The extensive index permits cross-referencing.

The objects being discussed are carefully defined in each section and the contributions are organized according to the compactness of the binaries that are treated. Some treatments are of individual objects; others are more general.

The observational techniques that are used by the contributors to throw light on these objects include gravitational wave investigations, X-ray, radio, infrared, and optical astronomy; and the ways in which these objects are analyzed is also discussed. Among the specific objects reported is the Double Pulsar, highlighting what observations of this object tell us about fundamental physics.

The level of the book is appropriate for both professional astronomers in the field as well as people interested in other fields and dedicated amateur astronomers.

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Price: $101.58 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Observational and theoretical issues of interacting binaries was the topic of the 22nd of the renowned Advanced Course of the Swiss Society for Astrophysics and Astronomy The three contributions by outstanding experts collected in this book deal with observations, symbiotic stars, cataclysmic variables, massive binaries and X-ray binaries thus filling a gap in the existing literature. The articles review the state of the art and address both students and researchers. The accessible and didactic approach makes the book a valuable source for future work on interacting binary stars whose study is essential for a better understandingof stellar evolution..
Price: $57.46 [Notify me when price goes down.]