Basics of Plasma Astrophysics

Claudio Chiuderi is full professor of Physics at University of Firenze (Italy). Marco Velli is associate professor of Physics at University of Firenze (Italy).

"A well-presented and well-written book that aims not only to take the reader through the basics of the plasma physics needed to understand astrophysical plasmas but also to give them a taste of some of the topics of current research. It is suitable for both advanced undergraduates as well as introductory post-graduate courses. ... can be strongly recommended to students of physics and astrophysics who want to find out about the plasma processes in stars and planetary magnetospheres ... ." (Terry Robinson, The Observatory, April, 2016) "The aim of the authors is to bring the reader from the very basic concepts of plasma physics up to some of the more active research fields. ... contains a small number of problems that should help the student to verify the degree of understanding acquired. Solutions are given for all problems. The book is intended for students with a reasonably good background in mathematics and physics at the undergraduate level, who want to orient their future activity in astrophysics." (Claudia-Veronika Meister, zbMATH 1311.82001, 2015)

• From the Contents: Orbit theory.- Kinetic theory of plasmas.- Fluid models of plasmas.- Magnetohydrodynamics.- Instabilities.- Waves.- Discontinuities.- Magnetic reconnection.- MHD turbulence.