Astronomy with Radioactivities

Description

This book introduces the reader to the field of nuclear astrophysics, i.e. the acquisition and reading of measurements on unstable isotopes in different parts of the universe. The authors explain the role of radioactivities in astrophysics, discuss specific sources of cosmic isotopes and in which special regions they can be observed. More specifically, the authors address stars of different types, stellar explosions which terminate stellar evolutions, and other explosions triggered by mass transfers and instabilities in binary stars. They also address nuclear reactions and transport processes in interstellar space, in the contexts of cosmic rays and of chemical evolution. A special chapter is dedicated to the solar system which even provides material samples. The book also contains a description of key tools which astrophysicists employ in those particular studies and a glossary of key terms in astronomy with radioactivities. Front Matter....Pages i-xii Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Introduction to Astronomy with Radioactivity....Pages 3-23 The Role of Radioactive Isotopes in Astrophysics....Pages 25-79 Front Matter....Pages 81-81 Radioactivities in Low- and Intermediate-Mass Stars....Pages 83-151 Massive Stars and Their Supernovae....Pages 153-231 Binary Systems and Their Nuclear Explosions....Pages 233-305 Front Matter....Pages 307-307 The Early Solar System....Pages 309-344 Distributed Radioactivities....Pages 345-436 Front Matter....Pages 437-437 Computer-Modeling of Stars....Pages 439-459 Nuclear Reactions....Pages 461-489 Instruments for Observations of Radioactivities....Pages 491-515 Front Matter....Pages 517-517 Perspectives....Pages 519-523 Back Matter....Pages 525-564