The physics of stars

by A. C. Phillips

This book provides a concise, self-contained account of how key aspects of stellar structure, evolution and nucleosynthesis can be understood in terms of fundamental physics. Beginning with an introduction to astrophysical concepts using elementary physics, the book progresses to consider stellar properties in terms of more advanced physical ideas all of which are carefully explained before they are applied. The result is a balanced presentation of both fundamental physics and astrophysics. The major strength of the book is that the author does not evade the problems presented by some hard physics and astrophysics, but sorts them out with a minimum of fuss. The Physics of Stars shows how the study of stars can play an important role in physics education by providing a framework for seeing physics in action. All students of physics, astrophysics and astronomy will find it useful.