In recent years knowledge of nova phenomena has grown significantly due to the advent of new observational facilities, both on the ground and in space, and considerable advances in theoretical work. This second edition has been fully updated and revised and contains new contributions covering important developments in this field, and reflecting on interesting new insights into classical novae. The book examines thermonuclear processes, the evolution of nova systems, nova atmospheres and winds, the evolution of dust and molecules in novae, nova remnants, and observations of novae in other galaxies. It includes observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio to gamma rays, and discusses some of the most important outstanding problems in classical nova research. This is the only book devoted solely to the study of classical novae, and as such is an important reference for researchers actively engaged in the subject and graduate students seeking an introduction.
• The most-up-date overview on classical novae, covering both theory and observations • Completely revised and updated, with new chapters and new contributors • THE definitive reference on these interesting objects for many years to come
Contents
Preface; 1. Novae - a historical perspective Hilmar W. Duerbeck; 2. Properties of novae: an overview Brian Warner; 3. The evolution of nova-producing binary stars Icko Iben, Jr and Masayuki Y. Fujimoto; 4. Thermonuclear processes S. Starrfield, C. Iliadis and W. R. Hix; 5. Nova atmospheres and winds P. H. Hauschildt; 6. Observational mysteries and theoretical challenges Jordi Jose and Steven N. Shore; 7. Radio emission from novae E. R. Seaquist and M. F. Bode; 8. Infrared studies of classical novae Robert D. Gehrz; 9. Optical and ultraviolet evolution Steven N. Shore; 10. X-ray emission from classical novae in outburst Joachim Krautter; 11. Gamma-rays from classical novae Margarita Hernanz; 12. Resolved nova remnants T. J. O'Brien and M. F. Bode; 13. Dust and molecules in nova environments A. Evans and J. M. C. Rawlings; 14. Extragalactic novae Allen Shafter; Index.
Review
'… a comprehensive description of the state of current knowledge of novae. It serves as an excellent introduction to the subject and is well referenced. Its articles are written by people who have made substantial contributions to the subject and it will be a first port of call for anyone who needs to know about these fascinating stellar explosions.' The Observatory: A Review of Astronomy
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