Physics and Evolution of Supernova Remnants (eBook)

Written by a leading expert, this monograph presents recent developments on supernova remnants, with the inclusion of results from various satellites and ground-based instruments. The book details the physics and evolution of supernova remnants, as well as provides an up-to-date account of recent multiwavelength results. Supernova remnants provide vital clues about the actual supernova explosions from X-ray spectroscopy of the supernova material, or from the imprints the progenitors had on the ambient medium supernova remnants are interacting with - all of which the author discusses in great detail. The way in which supernova remnants are classified, is reviewed and explained early on. A chapter is devoted to the related topic of pulsar wind nebulae, and neutron stars associated with supernova remnants. 

The book also includes an extended part on radiative processes, collisionless shock physics and cosmic-ray acceleration, making this book applicable to a wide variety of astronomical sub-disciplines. With its coverage of fundamental physics and careful review of the state of the field, the book serves as both textbook for advanced students and as reference for researchers in the field.

Dr. Jacco Vink obtained his PhD in Astronomy from Utrecht University in 1999, based on research carried out at SRON The Netherlands Institute for Space Research after several postdoctoral research positions, among others as a NASA Chandra fellow at Columbia University in New York. He became an assistant professor at Utrecht University in 2005, and an associate professor at Amsterdam University as part of the center of excellence for Gravitation and Astroparticle Physics Amsterdam (GRAPPA).  He is working in the field of high energy astrophysics -- specifically, cosmic ray acceleration by supernova remnants. He is a member of the H.E.S.S. collaboration (gamma- rays), for which he leads the pulsar wind nebula/supernova remnant working group, and he is among others a science team member for two upcoming X-ray satellites: XRISM and IXPE.