Gamma-Ray Bursts

By (author) Andrew Levan

Publication date:

21 December 2018

Length of book:

214 pages

Publisher

Institute Of Physics Publishing

Dimensions:

254x178mm
7x10"

ISBN-13: 9780750315005

As the most powerful explosions that occurs in the universe, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are one of the most exciting objects being studied in astrophysics. Creating more energy than the Sun does in its entire lifetime, GRBs create a blaze of light that will outshine every other object visible in the sky, enabling us to measure galaxies that are several million years old.

GRBs cover various areas of astronomy and interest in them reaches a wide range of fields. Andrew Levan explores the fascinating history of these astronomical occurrences and details our current understanding of GRBs. The science behind them is rapidly moving and this book examines the knowledge that we now have as well as the questions that are continually being raised. Predominantly aimed at PhD students and researchers in the area, Gamma-Ray Bursts addresses this captivating topic and outlines the principles and initial applications of a fascinating astronomical phenomena

This book is a good and timely introduction to GRBs. It starts with an historical account and chapter by chapter covers key areas of GRB research,
including prompt emission, afterglows, long GRBs, short GRBs, progenitors, hosts, cosmological utility, and multi-messenger aspects. Each chapter in the book has its own references and can stand alone, which I found useful. This makes it an effective reference for graduate students and researchers in other sub-disciplines planning to collaborate on GRB projects. If you want a modern introduction to gamma-ray bursts, this book is a very good place to start.

Robert Nemiroff 2019 The Observatory Magazine