Alberto A. Vittone - Böcker

This book provides researchers in the field of stellar astrophysical jets with an up-to-date account of current research. An important feature of the book is that it combines discussions of both bipolar outflows and stellar jets. It will be an important and valuable reference source for researchers in many areas of galactic astronomy. It will also be of interest to plasma physicists and space scientists. The book is enriched by the report of work on jets in external galaxies.

In the last few years great improvements in the study of stellar jets and bipolar outflows have been achieved, both observationally and theoretically. High resolution observations at various frequencies (radio, IR, optical and X-ray) of these features in different types of objects have shown a large variety of morphologies at all scales often revealing contrasting symmetries which do not allow straightforward kinematic interpretations valid for all cases. In particular, at present, it seems very difficult to give a statistical definition of what the "standard properties" of jets and bipolar outflows are. On the theoretical side, the identification of physical processes capable of producing the observed rich morphological variety of jets and bipolar outflows and supporting them over long lifetimes is still controversial. Furthermore several models are actively discussed in an attempt of reaching a complete understanding of the phenomenon. The workshop provided an unique opportunity for both observers and theoreticians to gather together and produce an updated and exhaustive picture of the field. In addition the meeting has been enriched by the presentation of some works on jets in external galaxies. This topic was focused on what people working on stellar jets could learn from colleagues working on extragalactic jets and vice versa. Invited papers were prepared with the aim of giving the state of the art about scientific subjects; contributed papers and some selected poster papers presented, on the contrary, very recent results in the various fields.

Solid matter in space is crucial in accounting for many processes. In these last years a great improvement of the general knowledge of the problem has been possible due to the increase, in number and quality, of observations and of the laboratory efforts to simulate "cosmic" dust. Theoreticians have also given their contribution in solving some questions and in posing others. Continuing an effort started in 1987, the Astrophysical Groups operating in Naples th th have considered it useful to organize a Workshop in Capri from September 8 to 13 1989 in order to assess the state of the art in such an interesting field as that of "Dusty Objects in the Universe". The subject is, obviously, too wide to be discussed in detail. However, the presence of many experts in different areas provided an updated general picture. Laboratory work has been reviewed, as well as recent observations and theoretical interpretations which concern processes occurring in our Galaxy and in external galaxies. The Workshop gave to participants the unique opportunity of exchanging ideas and of discussing on different themes. In addition, the meeting has been enriched by the presentation of the major technological projects related to ongoing airborne and space mlSSlons. the aim of giving the state of the art about specific Invited papers were prepared with subjects; contributed papers and some selected poster papers presented, on the contrary, the various fields.