The Fundamentals of Modern Astrophysics A Survey of the Cosmos from the Home Planet to Space Frontiers

The Fundamentals of Modern Astrophysics provides an overview of the modern science of astrophysics. It covers the Sun, Solar System bodies, exoplanets, stars, and star life cycle, planetary systems origin and evolution, basics of astrobiology, our galaxy the Milky Way, other galaxies and galactic clusters, a general view of the Universe, its structure, evolution and fate, modern views and advanced models of cosmology as well as the synergy of micro- and macro physics, standard model, superstring theory, multiversity and worm holes.

The main concepts of modern astrophysics and prospects for future studies are accompanied by numerous illustrations and a summary of the advanced projects at various astronomical facilities and space missions. Dr. Marov guides readers through a maze of complicated topics to demystify the field and open its wonders to all.

The Solar System.- The Terrestrial Planets.- The Giant Planets.- Small Bodies.- The Sun and Heliosphere.- Stars: Birth, Lifetime, and Death.- Extrasolar Planets.- Planetary Systems: Origin and Evolution.- Astrobiology: Basic Concepts.- The Structure of the Universe.- Cosmology: The Origin and Fate of the Universe.- Conclusions.- Additional Reading.

Professor Marov graduated from the Moscow Technical University in 1958, received his Ph.D. in 1964 and full doctorate degree in Physics and Mathematics in 1970. He first worked in the S.P. Korolev Space Corporation Energia, and in 1962, he joined M.V. Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of the Soviet/Russian Academy of Science. Since 1968 he has been head of the Department of Applied Mechanics, Planetary Sciences, and Aeronomy, and since 1977 has been Professor of the Institute.

In 1994-1995, Professor Marov worked as a Visiting Professor at North Carolina State University, where he was involved in the studies conducted by the NASA Mars Mission Research Center, as well as in teaching space science, and he is currently Adjunct professor at this University.

He has written more than 200 articles in refereed journals and has published 15 books and monographs. He has occupied a number of distinguished positions in several Russian and International scientific organizations and has also served as an Editor for several international magazines. Since 1989, he has been deeply involved in the International Space University (ISU), where he has taught 23 summer sessions as faculty and co-Chair of the Physical Sciences department. He also served as a Trustee and a member of the ISU Academic Council (AC) and he was re-elected to AC in 2010. Professor Marov received both the Lenin and State award and the International Galabert award for Astronautics. He was elected full member (Academician) in the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tsiolkovsky Academy of Cosmonautics and the International Academy of Astronautics.