Stellar structure, stellar evolution, compact stars, etc. ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for textbooks on stellar structure, stellar evolution, and compact stars, aimed at upper undergraduate to beginning graduate students. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various texts in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the best books for studying stellar astrophysics, specifically mentioning the need for upper-level texts.
  • One participant mentions the Carroll and Ostlie text as a personal favorite but expresses a desire for additional higher-level resources.
  • Donald Clayton's classic work on stellar astrophysics is noted as a significant reference by one participant.
  • A book by Hansen, Kawaler, and Trimble (2004) is suggested as a current preference among participants.
  • Participants recommend browsing table of contents and Google Books to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Several specific titles are mentioned, including "Stellar Interiors" by Hansen et al. and "Compact Stars" by Glendenning.
  • Another participant suggests "Advanced Stellar Astrophysics" by Rose as a potential resource.
  • Inexpensive paperback options are also shared, including "The Stars: Their Structure and Evolution" by Tayler and a paperback version of Clayton's work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share various recommendations and preferences for textbooks, but there is no consensus on a single best resource. Multiple competing views on suitable texts remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the suggested texts, and some recommendations depend on individual preferences for depth and style. The discussion does not resolve which texts are definitively superior.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators in astrophysics, particularly those seeking upper-level textbooks on stellar structure and evolution.

nicksauce
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What are the best books (upper undergraduate / beginning graduate) for stellar structure, stellar evolution, compact stars, etc. ?
 
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nicksauce said:
What are the best books (upper undergraduate / beginning graduate) for stellar structure, stellar evolution, compact stars, etc. ?
Did one buy the Carroll and Ostlie text?

Donald Clayton authored an older classic on stellar astrophysics.

A book by Hansen Kawaler and Trimble (2004) seems to be the current preference.

One should browse the TOC's and Google books before deciding to purchase.

See also this thread - https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=245428

Consider this book Principles of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis By Donald D. Clayton (1984)

Stellar Interiors - Physical Principles, Structure, and Evolution (Hardcover)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387200894/?tag=pfamazon01-20
by Carl J. Hansen, Steven D. Kawaler, Virginia Trimble
http://www.springer.com/astronomy/book/978-0-387-20089-7?detailsPage=toc

Compact stars By Norman K. Glendenning
http://www.springer.com/astronomy/book/978-0-387-98977-8?detailsPage=toc
 
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I do have Carroll and Ostlie, and I do love it, but I'd like to supplement it with something higher level. I'll check out the other ones you mentioned. Thanks!
 


Advanced Stellar Astrophysics by Rose?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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