This thoroughly revised textbook is a basic introduction to plasma phenomena in solar and stellar coronae emphasizing non-MHD aspects. The natural way in which the author unifies observations and theory gives a wide perspective to the subject. An important feature is the lucidly written presentation of the fundamentals of plasma physics. The basic theory thus developed is then extended to some exemplary and important observations of coronal dynamics, such as coronal currents, particle acceleration, propagation of particle beams, and shocks. The book has grown from teaching introductory courses on plasma astrophysics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). It addresses advanced undergraduates and first-year graduate students without a background in plasma physics. It will also be of interest to more senior research workers involved in coronal physics of the Sun and other stars, solar/stellar winds, and various other fields of plasma astrophysics.

InhaltsangabePreface. 1. Introduction. 2. Basic Concepts. 3. Magnetohydrodynamics. 4. Waves in a Cold, Collisionless Plasma. 5. Kinetic Plasma and Particle Beams. 6. Astrophysical Electron Beams. 7. Ion Beams and Electromagnetic Instabilities. 8. Electrons Trapped in Magnetic Fields. 9. Electric Currents. 10. Collisionless Shock Waves. 11. Propagation of Radiation. Appendix A: Mathematical Expressions. Appendix B: Units. Appendix C: Frequently Used Expressions. Appendix D: Notation. Author Index. Subject Index.