An Introduction to Astrophysics with Python

Stars and planets

James Aguirre (Professor, University of Pennsylvania)

$215.95 $172.48

Hardback

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English

Institute of Physics Publishing
09 December 2025

Theoretical & mathematical astronomy; Galaxies & stars; Solar system: the Sun & planets

Series: AAS-IOP Astronomy

This book complements traditional astronomy texts by helping students apply core concepts to realistic problems using modern tools, especially Python, which is widely used in astronomical research. Rather than replacing foundational resources, it builds on them through hands-on, exploratory exercises designed for small-group work with instructor support. These exercises are open-ended and exploratory, encouraging deeper conceptual understanding. The material is presented in manageable sections to support active learning.

The subject matter focuses on stars and planets and provides all figures as Python scripts at a separate website, enabling students to create interactive visualizations and animations that enhance their understanding of astronomical phenomena.

Key features:

An emphasis on key physical principles, and the notion of model building and testing in the physical sciences. A large number of examples and practice problems, including in-depth problems with multiple steps, and open-ended investigations. An emphasis on combining numerical calculations with analytical reasoning to solve astrophysical problems. Explicit instruction in how to understand and present quantitative information in graphical form, and supplementary example scripts for producing plots. Engagement with actual astronomical data and simulations.

By: James Aguirre (Professor University of Pennsylvania)
Imprint: Institute of Physics Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 254mm, Width: 178mm,
ISBN: 9780750354653
ISBN 10: 0750354658
Series: AAS-IOP Astronomy
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 09 December 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

A. Laws of Motion and Gravity 1. A Review of Newton’s Laws 2. Describing the Motion of Planets: Kepler’s Laws 3. An Introduction to Numerical Differential Equations 4. Solving the Free-fall Problem Numerically 5. Setting Up the Two Body Problem 6. Energetics in the two body problem 7. Numerically Solving the Two Body Problem 8. Two Body Energy and Angular Momentum 9. Orbital Dynamics: Changes in Motion B. Interaction of Light and Matter, Part I 1. Introduction to Light and Spectroscopy 2. The Hydrogen Atom 3. Atoms and Atomic Processes 4. Temperature and Thermodynamics 5. Ionization and the Saha Equation 6. The Doppler Shift 7. Blackbody Radiation C. Interlude: Applications 1. The Surface Temperatures of Planets 2. Techniques for Finding Extrasolar Planets D. Interaction of Light and Matter, Part II 1. Radiative Transfer: Description of Radiation 2. Radiative Transfer: Line emission 3. Radiative transfer: Line absorption E. Building Models of Stars and Planets 1. Gravity and Hydrostatic Equilibrium 2. Planetary Atmospheres 3. Stellar Atmospheres 4. A Simple Stellar Model (luminosity, temperature, and radius) 5. Binary Stars and Measuring Stellar Masses 6. Properties of Stars: The Main Sequence 7. What Powers a Star? Key Features of Stellar Fusion 8. The Equations of Stellar Structure 9. Simple Models of Stellar Interiors 10. Exotic Stellar Interiors: White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars

James Aguirre is an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His research explores star and galaxy formation in the context of cosmology. He also develops advanced millimeter-wave and radio instrumentation and data analysis tools for astronomical research.