The Molecular Astrophysics of Stars and Galaxies (International Series on Astronomy and Astrophysics)

This book provides a comprehensive survey of modern molecular astrophysics. It gives an introduction to molecular spectroscopy and then addresses the main areas of current molecular astrophysics, including galaxy formation, star forming regions, mass loss from young as well as highly evolved stars and supernovae, starburst galaxies plus the tori and discs near the central engines of active galactic nuclei. With chapters written by leading experts, the book is unique in giving a detailed view of this wide-ranging subject. It will provide the standard introduction for research students in molecular astrophysics; it will also enable chemists to learn the astrophysics most related to chemistry as well as instruct physicists about the molecular processes most important in astronomy.