Galaxies and Galactic Structure

Comprehensive in scope, the book considers the formation, structure, evolution, and distribution of galaxies, and is particularly strong it its approach to analyzing light distributions in galaxies and in developing a theoretical framework in which to interpret the observations. A general description of galaxies is followed by a detailed examination of their light distributions, and then kinematic data allow an interpretation of the cause of the structure. Later chapters deal with interactions of galaxies and their distribution in the cosmos. The book also integrates discussions of different types of galaxies throughout. Developed for undergraduate astronomy students, this volume introduces observational and theoretical perspectives on galaxies, and their formation, structure, evolution and distribution. Twelve chapters cover galaxy morphology and kinematics galaxy classification, star light, integrated and differential galaxy light, gases, rotation, the kinematics of the Milky Way and spiral wave galaxies, large-scale star formation, starbursts and active galaxies, and large-scale distributions. Basic physics and calculus ideas are introduced in the text where relevant. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.