Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Machine generated contents note: 1. Birth and childhood of X-ray astronomy; 2. X-ray emission and interaction with matter; 3. Tools and techniques; 4. Solar System X-rays; 5. X-ray absorption and scattering in the interstellar medium; 6. Active stellar coronae; 7. Early-type stars; 8. Supernova explosions and their remnants; 9. Neutron stars, pulsars, pulsar wind nebulae, more supernova remnants; 10. Cataclysmic variable stars; 11. X-ray binaries; 12. Black-hole X-ray binaries; 13. Normal and starburst galaxies; 14. Active galactic nuclei; 15. Clusters of galaxies; 16. The diffuse X-ray background; 17. Gamma-ray bursts; Index.

Capturing the excitement and accomplishments of X-ray astronomy, this second edition now includes a broader range of astronomical phenomena and dramatic new results from the most powerful X-ray telescopes. Covering all areas of astronomical research, ranging from the smallest to the largest objects, from neutron stars to clusters of galaxies, this textbook is ideal for undergraduate students. Each chapter starts with the basic aspects of the topic, explores the history of discoveries, and examines in detail modern observations and their significance. This new edition has been updated with results from the most recent space-based instruments, including ROSAT, BeppoSAX, ASCA, Chandra, and XMM. New chapters cover X-ray emission processes, the interstellar medium, the Solar System, and gamma-ray bursts. The text is supported by over 300 figures, with tables listing the properties of the sources, and more specialized technical points separated in boxes.