Black holes, white dwarfs, and neutron stars : the physics of compact objects

This self-contained textbook brings together many different branches of physics--e.g. nuclear physics, solid state physics, particle physics, hydrodynamics, relativity--to analyze compact objects. The latest astronomical data is assessed. Star deaths and the formation of compact objects -- Cold equation of state below neutron drip -- White dwarfs -- Cooling of white dwarfs -- General relativity -- The equilibrium and stability of fluid configurations -- Rotation and magnetic fields -- Cold equation of state above neutron drip -- Neutron star models: masses and radii -- Pulsars -- Cooling of neutron stars -- Black holes -- Compact x-ray sources -- Accretion onto black holes -- Accretion onto neutron stars and white dwarfs -- Gravitational radiation -- Supermassive stars and black holes -- Stellar collapse and supernova explosions -- Appendix A. Astronomical background -- Appendix B. Proof that V₂