This work provides a comprehensive overview of our theoretical and observational understanding of the interstellar medium of galaxies. With emphasis on the microscopic physical and chemical processes in space, and their influence on the macroscopic structure of the interstellar medium of galaxies, the book includes developments in this area of molecular astrophysics. The various heating, cooling, and chemical processes relevant for the rarefied gas and submicron-sized dust grains that constitute the interstellar medium are discussed in detail. This provides a firm foundation for an in-depth understanding of the ionized, neutral atomic, and molecular phases of the interstellar medium. The physical and chemical properties of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules and their role in the interstellar medium are highlighted, and the physics and chemistry of warm and dense photodissociation regions are discussed. This is an invaluable reference source for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and research scientists.

One of the most spectacular discoveries of molecular astronomy has been the detection of maser emission. The same radiation that is generated in the laboratory only with elaborate, special equipment occurs naturally in interstellar space. This intense radiation probes the smallest structures that can be studied with radio telescopes. By a fortunate coincidence maser radiation is generated in both star forming regions and the envelopes of late-type stars. The early and late stages in the life of a star are considered to be the most interesting phases of stellar evolution. Maser emission has also been detected in external galaxies. This book provides an extensive coverage of the interstellar maser phenomenon. A precondition for maser action is departure from thermal equilibrium. The book therefore starts with a detailed coverage of the basic background concepts required for an understanding of line formation and radiative transfer. It goes on to describe the theoretical and phenomenological aspects of interstellar masers, their formation sites and the inversion mechanisms. The book will interest active researchers in astronomy and astrophysics as well as in other areas of physics. It is suitable as a textbook in a graduate course and will enable a graduate student to embark on research projects in this exciting area in particular, and molecular radio astronomy in general.

《中国科学技术大学精品教材•"十一五"国家重点图书•普通高等教育"十一五"国家级规划教材•国家精品课程教材:天体物理概论(彩色修订版)》注意把天文学和天体物理学发展史上的主要事件结合到课程内容之中介绍，使读者能够比较生动具体地了解人类对宇宙奥秘的艰苦探索过程。在侧重基础的同时，对一些前沿热门问题也进行了适当的介绍和讨论，读者可以根据自己感兴趣的程度对这些内容进行取舍。

Radiative Processes in Astrophysics This clear, straightforward, and fundamental introduction is designed to present from a physicist s point of view radiation processes and their applications to astrophysical phenomena and space science. It covers such topics as radiative transfer theory, relativistic covariance and kinematics, bremsstrahlung radiation, synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering, some plasma effects, and radiative transitions in atoms. Discussion begins with first principles, physically motivating and deriving all results rather than merely presenting finished formulae. However, a reasonably good physics background (introductory quantum mechanics, intermediate electromagnetic theory, special relativity, and some statistical mechanics) is required. Much of this prerequisite material is provided by brief reviews, making the book a self-contained reference for workers in the field as well as the ideal text for senior or first-year graduate students of astronomy, astrophysics, and related physics courses. Radiative Processes in Astrophysics also contains about 75 problems, with solutions, illustrating applications of the material and methods for calculating results. This important and integral section emphasizes physical intuition by presenting important results that are used throughout the main text; it is here that most of the practical astrophysical applications become apparent.

A concise but thorough introduction to the observational data and theoretical concepts underlying modern astronomy, "Astrophysics in a Nutshell" is designed for advanced undergraduate science majors taking a one-semester course. This well-balanced and up-to-date textbook covers the essentials of modern astrophysics - from stars to cosmology - emphasizing the common, familiar physical principles that govern astronomical phenomena, and the interplay between theory and observation. In addition to traditional topics such as stellar remnants, galaxies, and the interstellar medium, "Astrophysics in a Nutshell" introduces subjects at the forefront of modern research, including black holes, dark matter, gravitational lensing, and dark energy, all updated with some of the latest observational results. To aid physical understanding, mathematical derivations are kept as simple, short, and clear as possible, and order-of-magnitude estimates, dimensional analysis, and scaling arguments are frequently used. These no-nonsense, 'back-of-the-envelope' calculations train students to think like physicists. The book is amply illustrated with simple, clear figures and each chapter ends with a set of problems. In addition to serving as a course textbook, "Astrophysics in a Nutshell" is an ideal review for a qualifying exam and a handy reference for teachers and researchers. This is the most concise and up-to-date astrophysics textbook for science majors. It contains a broad and well-balanced choice of traditional subjects and current research topics. It uses simple, short, and clear derivations of physical results. It trains students in the essential skills of order-of-magnitude analysis. It includes teaching problems with each chapter.