Galaxies: Structure and Evolution

by Roger John Tayler

This book is a quantitative introduction to what is known or theorized about the structure and evolution of galactic systems. It begins with a general introduction to galaxies and a summary of our empirical observations of galaxies in the universe, including our own. There are then three chapters on galactic structure: the manner in which motions of stars determine galactic shape, the determination of galactic masses, and the structure of discs in spirals. Galactic evolution, especially changes in chemical composition over time, is then covered. The book concludes with a discussion of the origin of galaxies and their relation to more general questions in cosmology. The presentation is sufficiently mathematical so that quantitative results can be discussed in detail. Throughout, the author stresses what are currently accepted results and what theories may need revision in what continues to be a rapidly developing subject.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 1993

Reviews

[Folkert Wierda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly outdated, and with a somewhat strange choice of topics to present given the title of the book. Also some topics are presented like it is a book for laymen, and then the next dives into a level of galactic dynamics that is quite deep. Anyways, only 200 pages, and some good insights provided, so it cannot hurt to read.

[Dale Alan Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

learned a lot from this book