Fifty Years of Quasars: From Early Observations and Ideas to Future Research (Astrophysics and Space Science Library Book 386)

The 50th anniversary of the discovery of quasars in 1963 presents an interesting opportunity to ask questions about the current state of quasar research. Formatted as a series of interviews with noted researchers in the field, each of them asked to address a specific set of questions covering topics selected by the editors, this book deals with the historical development of quasar research and discusses how advances in instrumentation and computational capabilities have benefitted quasar astronomy and have changed our basic understanding of quasars. In the last part of the book the interviews address the current topic of the role of quasars in galaxy evolution. They summarise open issues in understanding active galactic nuclei and quasars and present an outlook regarding what future observational facilities both on the ground and in space might reveal. Its interview format, the fascinating topic of quasars and black holes, and the lively recollections and at times controversial views of the contributors make this book both rewarding and a pleasure to read! ¡ The application of statistical methods to physics is essential. This unique book on statistical physics offers an advanced approach with numerous applications to the modern problems students are confronted with. Therefore the text contains more concepts and methods in statistics than the student would need for statistical mechanics alone. Methods from mathematical statistics and stochastics for the analysis of data are discussed as well. The book is divided into two parts, focusing first on the modeling of statistical systems and then on the analysis of these systems. Problems with hints for solution help the students to deepen their knowledge. The third edition has been updated and enlarged with new sections deepening the knowledge about data analysis Front Matter....Pages i-xxxii An Introduction to 50 Years of Research on Quasars....Pages 1-10 Quasars in the Life of Astronomers....Pages 11-90 Quasars: The Observational Perspectives....Pages 91-215 Quasars Classes and Their Relationships....Pages 217-286 From Observations to Physical Parameters....Pages 287-336 Models of Quasars....Pages 337-437 Quasars in the Cosmic Environment....Pages 439-520 The Future of Quasar Studies....Pages 521-547 Fifty Years of Quasars: Current Impressions and Future Perspectives....Pages 549-570 Back Matter....Pages 571-583 Formatted As A Series Of Interviews With Noted Researchers In The Field, This Book Reviews The History Of Quasar Research And Describes How Advances In Instrumentation And Computation Have Aided Quasar Astronomy And Changed Our Basic Understanding Of Quasars.