THE BIRTH OF STARS AND PLANETS

A beautifully illustrated description of recent developments in our understanding of star and planet formation.

Star formation is the fundamental cosmic process which makes galaxies visible, and regulates the evolution of normal matter in the Universe. New instruments and technologies are now enabling the exploration of fundamental cosmic processes. Scientists are beginning to understand the beauty and complexity of star and planet formation and their role in cosmic evolution. This fascinating book combines the latest astronomical images and data with descriptions of the exciting recent developments in the study of star and planet formation. The authors discuss isolated star birth in dark clouds, the formation of star clusters and nebulae, the 'ecology' of interstellar gas and dust, and the violent starbursts that may produce black holes. They relate these processes to the evolution of galaxies and the origin of life on Earth. Written using non-technical language, the book will appeal to readers with an interest in understanding the Universe and our cosmic origins.

Part I. Stars and Clusters: 1. Our Cosmic Backyard; 2. Looking up at the night sky; 3. The dark clouds of the Milky Way; 4. Infant stars; 5. Companions in birth: binary stars; 6. Outflows from young stars; 7. Towards adulthood; 8. The social life of stars: stellar groups; 9. Chaos in the nest: The brief lives of massive stars. Part II. Planetary Systems: 10. Solar systems in the making; 11. Messengers from the past; 12. Hazards to planet formation; 13. Planets around other stars; Part III. The Cosmic Context: 14. Cosmic cycles; 15. Star formation in galaxies; 16. The first stars and galaxies; 17. Astrobiology, origins, and SETI.

This fascinating book combines the latest astronomical images and data with descriptions of exciting recent discoveries in star and planet formation. Written using non-technical language, the book will appeal to readers with an interest in understanding the Universe and our cosmic origins.