​​​​​ ​This volume provides an overview of the field of Astrostatistics understood as the sub-discipline dedicated to the statistical analysis of astronomical data. It presents examples of the application of the various methodologies now available to current open issues in astronomical research. The technical aspects related to the scientific analysis of the upcoming petabyte-scale databases are emphasized given the importance that scalable Knowledge Discovery techniques will have for the full exploitation of these databases. Based on the 2011 Astrostatistics and Data Mining in Large Astronomical Databases conference and school, this volume gathers examples of the work by leading authors in the areas of Astrophysics and Statistics, including a significant contribution from the various teams that prepared for the processing and analysis of the Gaia data.

""Space Exploration"" takes readers on a captivating journey through the cosmos, exploring the cutting-edge realms of black holes, exoplanets, and future space missions. This comprehensive examination of modern astrophysics and space science delves into the secrets of the universe and humanity's place within it. The book presents complex scientific concepts through accessible language and engaging narratives, making it suitable for both science enthusiasts and general readers. The author skillfully weaves together scientific facts with human stories behind major discoveries, tracing the evolution of astronomy from ancient stargazers to recent breakthroughs like capturing the first image of a black hole. Readers will gain insights into the formation and properties of black holes, the methods used to detect distant exoplanets, and the potential for discovering extraterrestrial life. The book also explores upcoming space missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope and potential crewed missions to Mars, highlighting the ongoing quest to push the boundaries of exploration and technology. Throughout its chapters, ""Space Exploration"" emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of space science, drawing connections between astrophysics, geology, biology, and engineering. By incorporating cutting-edge research data and interviews with leading scientists and astronauts, the book offers a unique insider's perspective on the field. Ultimately, it argues for the continued investment in space exploration, not only to advance our understanding of the universe but also to address challenges on Earth and ensure the long-term survival of our species.

This volume extends the ISSI series on magnetic fields in the Universe into the domain of what are by far the strongest fields in the Universe, and stronger than any field that could be produced on Earth. The chapters describe the magnetic fields in non-degenerate strongly magnetized stars, in degenerate stars (such as white dwarfs and neutron stars), exotic members called magnetars, and in their environments, as well as magnetic fields in the environments of black holes. These strong fields have a profound effect on the behavior of matter, visible in particular in highly variable processes like radiation in all known wavelengths, including Gamma-Ray bursts. The generation and structure of such strong magnetic fields and effects on the environment are also described.

Nuclear astrophysics as it stands today is a fascinating science. Even though, compared to other scientific fields, it is a young discipline which has developed only in this century, it has answered many questions concerning the under standing of our cosmos. One of these great achievements was the concept of nucleosynthesis, the creation of the elements in the early universe in interstellar matter and in stars. Nuclear astrophysics has continued, to solve many riddles of the evolution of the myriads of stars in our cosmos. This review volume attempts to provide an overview of the current status of nuclear astrophysics. Special emphasis is given to the interdisciplinary nature of the field: astronomy, nuclear physics, astrophysics and particle physics are equally involved. One basic effort of nuclear astrophysics is the collection of ob servational facts with astronomical methods. Laboratory studies of the nuclear processes involved in various astrophysical scenarios have provided fundamen tal information serving both as input for and test of astrophysical models. The theoretical understanding of nuclear reaction mechanisms is necessary, for example, to extrapolate the experimentally determined reaction rates to the thermonuclear energy range, which is relevant for the nuclear processes in our cosmos. Astrophysical models and calculations allow us to simulate how nuclear processes contribute to driving the evolution of stars, interstellar matter and the whole universe. Finally, elementary particle physics also plays an important role in the field of nuclear astrophysics, for instance through weak interaction processes involving neutrinos.

The steering committee was specifically asked to (1) provide an overview of the current state of astronomy and astrophysics science, and technology research in support of that science, with connections to other scientific areas where appropriate; (2) identify the most compelling science challenges and frontiers in astronomy and astrophysics, which shall motivate the committee’s strategy for the future; (3) develop a comprehensive research strategy to advance the frontiers of astronomy and astrophysics for the period 2022-2032 that will include identifying, recommending, and ranking the highest-priority research activities; (4) utilize and recommend decision rules, where appropriate, that can accommodate significant but reasonable deviations in the projected budget or changes in urgency precipitated by new discoveries or unanticipated competitive activities; (5) assess the state of the profession, including workforce and demographic issues in the field, identify areas of concern and importance to the community, and where possible, provide specific, actionable, and practical recommendations to the agencies and community to address these areas. This report proposes a broad, integrated plan for space- and ground-based astronomy and astrophysics for the decade 2023-2032. It also lays the foundations for further advances in the following decade.

A weekly record of scientific progress.

e-ASTROGAM (enhanced ASTROGAM) is a breakthrough Observatory space mission dedicated to the study of the Universe using gamma-rays in the mostly unexplored and crucial MeV-GeV energy range. e-ASTROGAM has been proposed for the ESA M5 mission. Thanks to its performance in the MeV-GeV domain, substantially improving its predecessors, e-ASTROGAM will open a new window on the non-thermal Universe, making pioneering observations of the most powerful Galactic and extragalactic sources. e-ASTROGAM will also determine the origin of key isotopes fundamental for the understanding of supernova explosion and the chemical evolution of our Galaxy. e-ASTROGAM has already collected the interest of more that 350 scientists from 19 different countries. About 100 scientists met in Padua from February 28 to March 2, 2017, to discuss some of the more relevant scientific aspects of the mission. This book collects their contributions.

The most complete and up-to-date reference volume available on variable stars, their classification and properties.