The Physics of Stars (Manchester Physics Series)
by A. C. Phillips
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Book Summary Information
Author: A. C. PhillipsEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1999-06-29
ISBN: 0471987980
Number of pages: 262
Publisher: Wiley
Book Reviews of The Physics of Stars (Manchester Physics Series)
Book Review: Clear, concise treatment
Summary: 5 Stars
When a new text is written on the subject of stellar structure and evolution, comparison with Clayton's seminal, although aging, text is inevitable. Running a mere 200 or so pages, Phillips' entry is considerably shorter than Clayton's, and accordingly, covers fewer topics and in less detail. However, the rigor is comparable: Phillips writes at a graduate level, assuming the reader is already familiar with topics like calculus, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Only very high-level nuclear physics that would unduly burden the pace of the text is given on a take-it-or-leave-it basis.
In terms of its format, the text is essentially a series of long, mathematical derivations. Graphs and diagrams accompany the text where appropriate, but there are no pictures, and the text is in black and white.
Phillips' explanations are, generally, very lucid. Even if certain prerequisite subjects are somewhat lacking on the part of the reader, he or she will undoubtedly be able to follow the gist of Phillips' derivations. Phillips also frequently tests derived results against numerical or observational values, giving the reader a much-needed "reality check" in what can be a rather arcane subject. He is also good about analyzing pieces of a derived result, explaining not only the mathematical origin but also the physical significance of each term. Long derivations involving high-level math and physics can be dry and tedious, but by doing all these things, Phillips manages to be surprisingly readable throughout.
His treatment of stellar modelling is rather disappointing in today's age of powerful computers. Phillips briefly discusses numerical methods, but does not get into specifics. Few plots of numerically calculated results are even presented, which, again, is disappointing considering how simple the task can be nowadays. Even Prialnik's undergraduate text on stellar structure and evolution features at least a qualitative discussion of the numerical solutions obtained in recent decades. On the other hand, kudos to Phillips for including a chapter on helioseismology. I am not aware of another treatment of this subject that is as concise and readable as that presented here.
In the end, Phillips' "Physics of Stars" falls somewhere between Prialnik and Clayton. Like Prialnik, he offers a concise and readable treatment; like Clayton, he offers a mathematically rigorous treatment suitable even for graduate students well-versed in physics. The result is a joy to read.
Summary of The Physics of Stars (Manchester Physics Series)
The Physics of Stars, Second Edition, is a concise introduction to the properties of stellar interiors and consequently the structure and evolution of stars. Strongly emphasising the basic physics, simple and uncomplicated theoretical models are used to illustrate clearly the connections between fundamental physics and stellar properties. This text does not intend to be encyclopaedic, rather it tends to focus on the most interesting and important aspects of stellar structure, evolution and nucleosynthesis. In the Second Edition, a new chapter on Helioseismology has been added, along with a list of physical constants and extra student problems. There is also new material on the Hertztsprung-Russell diagram, as well as a general updating of the entire text. It includes numerous problems at the end of each chapter aimed at both testing and extending student's knowledge.Astronomy Books
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