The violent universe : joyrides through the X-ray cosmos
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The violent universe : joyrides through the X-ray cosmos
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005
- : hardcover
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Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
The universe is filled with extreme events: galactic collisions, supernovae eruptions, and stellar implosions. Although not always visible through optical telescopes, these processes generate x-rays, high-energy particles that travel at the speed of light. The Violent Universe reveals how astronomers use color to understand the energy and intensity of these x-rays - in the process transforming invisible particles into gorgeous images of the cosmos - and how these scientists discover more about the exotic objects that produce them. Kimberly Weaver traces the development of x-ray astronomy from the 1950s, when the first artificial satellites began transmitting information from deep space. By juxtaposing a selection of images from optical telescopes with those of cutting-edge x-ray telescopes, she illustrates the way x-ray astronomy captures energy and activity that cannot be seen in visible light. The book is illustrated with stunning four-color images of galaxies, quasars, pulsars, and black holes captured by Chandra, an enormous x-ray satellite that orbits Earth from a distance 200 times higher than that of the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Violent Universe makes plain the amazing new astronomy that has unmasked the thunderous cosmos - a dynamic science that daily creates breathtaking art.
by "Nielsen BookData"
