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Over the last 40 years, an astonishing range of astrophysics has become accessible through pulsar astronomy. The body of literature on this rapidly growing research area is vast and observational techniques now cover the whole of the electromagnetic spectrum. Now in its fourth edition, this authoritative volume gives a thorough introduction to the field. It is extensively revised throughout and new material includes: astrometry of binary pulsars and relativity theory; millisecond pulsars; the origin and Galactic population of pulsars and magnetars; and the pulsed emission from radio to gamma-rays. Within each topic, the authors concentrate on the fundamental physics and list extensive references, spanning from first discoveries to the most recent advances. Websites for catalogues of known pulsars are also recommended, providing a basis for new research work. The rapid pace of progress in pulsar astronomy makes this essential reading both for advanced students entering the field and established researchers.
Preface
1. The discovery of pulsars
2. Neutron stars
3. Searches and surveys
4. The distances of the pulsars
5. Pulsar timing
6. Timing and astrometry of binary pulsars
7. Timing irregularities
8. The Galactic population of pulsars
9. The Crab and Vela pulsars
10. Other young pulsars
11. Millisecond and binary pulsars
12. X-ray pulsars and magnetars
13. Gamma-ray pulsars
14. Supernovae and their remnants
15. The evolution of pulsars
16. Integrated radio pulse profiles
17. Individual pulses
18. Location of emitting regions
19. Radiation processes
20. The emission mechanisms
21. Interstellar scintillation and scattering
22. The interstellar magnetic field
23. Achievements and prospects
The Pulsar Catalogue
Bibliography
Index
A pioneer of radio-astronomy, Professor Graham-Smith has been involved in pulsar research since 1967. Andrew Lyne is head of the pulsar research group at Jodrell Bank.
"[...] covers a broad range of topics in a concise way, and it is particularly strong in its discussions of pulsar emission phenomenology, pulsars as probes of the interstellar medium and timing irregularities in young pulsars. With its breadth and clear presentation, the new edition "will continue to be a valuable introduction for graduate students and others [...]"
- Physics Today
"'For anyone starting research, or preparing a graduate lecture course, this comprehensive, authoritative and readable introduction to pulsars, with some interesting historical asides, is strongly recommended."
- The Observatory
