Pulsar Astronomy

Description

Over the last 40 years, an astonishing range of astrophysics has become accessible through pulsar astronomy. The body of literature on this rapidly growing research area is vast and observational techniques now cover the whole of the electromagnetic spectrum. Now in its fourth edition, this authoritative volume gives a thorough introduction to the field. It is extensively revised throughout and new material includes: astrometry of binary pulsars and relativity theory; millisecond pulsars; the origin and Galactic population of pulsars and magnetars; and the pulsed emission from radio to gamma-rays. Within each topic, the authors concentrate on the fundamental physics and list extensive references, spanning from first discoveries to the most recent advances. Websites for catalogues of known pulsars are also recommended, providing a basis for new research work. The rapid pace of progress in pulsar astronomy makes this essential reading both for advanced students entering the field and established researchers.

Reviews

'For anyone starting research, or preparing a graduate lecture course, this comprehensive, authoritative and readable introduction to pulsars, with some interesting historical asides, is strongly recommended.' The Observatory '... covers a broad range of topics in a concise way, and it is particularly strong in its discussions of pulsar emission phenomenology, pulsars as probes of the interstellar medium and timing irregularities in young pulsars ... With its breadth and clear presentation, the new edition will continue to be a valuable introduction for graduate students and others.' Physics Today

Author description

Andrew Lyne is Emeritus Professor of Radio Astronomy at the University of Manchester, a former Director of Jodrell Bank Observatory and a Fellow of the Royal Society. His research has focussed on finding radio pulsars and understanding the physics of neutron stars. He has been at the forefront of pulsar research for over 40 years and his discovery of two-thirds of the known pulsars has resulted in several awards, including the Herschel Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Descartes Prize of the European Union. Francis Graham-Smith is Emeritus Professor of Radio Astronomy at the University of Manchester. He is a pioneer of radio astronomy and was involved in the discovery and accurate location of discrete radio sources. He has been Director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, Physical Secretary of the Royal Society, Director of the Jodrell Bank Observatory and Astronomer Royal 1982-1990. The fourth Edition of Pulsar Astronomy is the product of over 40 years of close collaboration in research at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

Table of contents

1. Introduction and overview; 2. Neutron stars; 3. Telescopes and techniques; 4. The distances of the pulsars; 5. Pulsar timing; 6. Timing and astrometry of binary pulsars; 7. Timing irregularities; 8. The galactic population of pulsars; 9. The Crab and Vela pulsars; 10. Other young pulsars; 11. Millisecond and binary pulsars; 12. Accretion powered and thermal pulsars; 13. Magnetars; 14. Supernovae and their remains; 15. Integrated pulse profiles; 16. Individual radio pulses; 17. Location of the emitting regions; 18. Radiation processes; 19. The pulsar emission mechanisms; 20. Scintillation and scattering; 21. The interstellar magnetic field; 22. Achievements and prospects; Index.