Astroparticle Physics /

Translated from a German work published in 2000, this book by Grupen, Eidelman, and Stroh (all, Univ. of Siegen, Germany) covers a very wide range and requires a good grounding in modern physics to be useful. In 13 chapters, it treats the standard particle model, particle acceleration mechanisms, and primary and secondary cosmic rays. Dark matter and neutrino and gamma-ray astronomy are discussed and a new short treatment of cosmology is offered. The mathematical treatments are not advanced or rigorous but do allow, for example, a beginning graduate student to acquire a considerable amount of knowledge in a short time. Included are a mathematical appendix and an appendix on the results from statistical physics necessary to understand the thermodynamics of the early universe. These additions make the book a good introduction to this rapidly moving subject. Each chapter offers problems with solutions, and a 26-page comprehensive index and references are included. A very useful book for the right reader. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. K. W. Ogilvie NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center