Cauldrons in the Cosmos: Nuclear AstrophysicsNuclear astrophysics is, in essence, a science that attempts to understand and explain the physical universe beyond the Earth by studying its smallest particles. Cauldrons in the Cosmos, by Claus E. Rolfs and William S. Rodney, serves as a basic introduction to these endeavors. From the major discoveries in the field to a discussion of the makeup of stars to an explanation of standard lab techniques, this text provides students and scientists alike a thorough and fascinating survey of the accomplishments, goals, and methods of nuclear astrophysics. A classic in its field, Cauldrons in the Cosmos will surely remain an important reference in nuclear astrophysics for years to come. "One could not wish for a better account of the current state of knowledge (and uncertainty) about nuclear reactions in stars."—B. E. J. Pagel, Nature "Written in an informal style that those uninitiated into the jargon of nuclear astrophysics and astronomy will find readable and illuminating. . . . A useful and long-awaited introduction to nuclear astrophysics."—G. J. Mathews, Science |
Contents
AstronomyObserving the Universe | 1 |
AstrophysicsExplaining the Universe | 55 |
Definitions and General Characteristics | 133 |
Determination of Stellar Reaction Rates | 150 |
Laboratory Equipment and Techniques | 190 |
Hydrogen Burning | 327 |
xiii | 331 |
Advanced and Explosive Burning | 413 |
Common terms and phrases
a-particles abundance accelerator atoms baryon beam energy big bang burning capture reaction chap charged particles cm³ CNO cycles compound nucleus core Coulomb barrier cross section decay density detection detector early universe effects elastic scattering electrons elements energy dependence energy loss equation equilibrium evolution example excited expanding experimental factor function galaxies Gamow gas target gravitational helium hydrogen interactions involved ion beam ion source ionization isotopes luminosity magnetic field mass massive stars material matter measurements neutrinos neutron star nuclear astrophysics nuclear reactions nuclei nucleosynthesis observed partial width photodisintegration pressure production projectile protons pulse Q-value r-process radiation radioactive radius range ratio reaction rate region relative resonance result shown in Figure solar system stellar evolution stellar temperature supernova surface target chamber target thickness thermal tion velocity voltage white dwarf Wien filter y-ray yield συ