Stellar Evolution, Nuclear Astrophysics, and Nucleogenesis

This work stands as a key foundation in the development of nuclear astrophysics. Available in an affordable paperback edition for the very first time, it addresses interrelated questions What are stars? How does the sun shine? Why is gold so rare? and Where did the elements come from? that have puzzled observers from time immemorial.

Astrophysicist Alastair G. W. Cameron helped develop the Giant Impact Theory, a revolutionary concept concerning the formation of the moon. Former Associate Director for Planetary Sciences at Harvard, he was Chairman of the Astronomy Department from 1976 to 1982.David M. Kahl is a Ph.D. Fellow at the Center for Nuclear Study at the University of Tokyo.

1. Introduction 2. The Development of the Galaxies 3. Hertzsprung-Russell Diagrams 4. Physical Conditions in Stellar Interiors 5. Thermonuclear Reaction Rates 6. Hydrogen thermonuclear Reactions 7. Steallar Evolution 8. Helium Thermonuclear Reaction 9. The Abundances of the Elements 10. Neutron-Capture Cross Sections 11. Neutron Capture on a Slow Time Scale 12. Heavey-Ion Thermonuclear Reactions 13. Photonuclear Reactions on a Slow Time Scale 14. Nuclear Reations in Statistical Equilibrium 15. Supernova Explosions 16. Thermonuclear Reactions on a Fast Time Scale 17. Analysis of Nuclide Abundances 18. Nuclear Reactions in Stellar Surfaces