Stellar Evolution Physics 2 Volume Set

by Icko Iben, Jr.

In Stellar Evolution Physics, Icko Iben describes the microscopic physics operating in stars and how stars respond macroscopically, showing the intricate interplay between these processes. Volume 1, intended for graduate students with a solid background in physics, covers the processes up to the onset of helium burning. Volume 2 builds on these principles, covering models of low and intermediate mass stars, the AGB phase, the final cooling white dwarf phase and a model for a massive star. Particular attention is given to the gravothermal responses to nuclear reaction-induced transformations in the interior and energy loss from the surface, responses at the heart of stellar evolution. The volumes include over 600 illustrations and many numerical solutions in order to prepare the reader to program and calculate evolutionary models for themselves. Taken together, the two volumes will prepare a graduate student for professional-level research in this key area of astrophysics.

1528 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2012

About the author

Icko Iben, Jr. was an American astronomer and a Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He received his PhD from the University of Illinois in 1958 with thesis Higher order effects in beta decay, which was jointly supervised by John David Jackson and Joseph Weneser. Iben served on the MIT Physics Department faculty for some time before moving to Illinois, being promoted to associate professor in 1964. He is best known for his contributions to theoretical star models, stellar evolution theory, concerning the production of planetary nebulae, red giant heavy element convection, and modelling of asymptotic branch thermal pulses.
Iben was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1985. He was awarded the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship in 1989 and the Eddington Medal in 1990. He was the author of the two-volume work Stellar evolution physics (2012–2013).