This textbook explores approximate solutions to general relativity and their consequences. It offers a unique presentation of Einstein's theory by developing powerful methods that can be applied to astrophysical systems. Beginning with a uniquely thorough treatment of Newtonian gravity, the book develops post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian approximation methods to obtain weak-field solutions to the Einstein field equations. The book explores the motion of self-gravitating bodies, the physics of gravitational waves, and the impact of radiative losses on gravitating systems. It concludes with a brief overview of alternative theories of gravity. Ideal for graduate courses on general relativity and relativistic astrophysics, the book examines real-life applications, such as planetary motion around the Sun, the timing of binary pulsars, and gravitational waves emitted by binary black holes. Text boxes explore related topics and provide historical context, and over 100 exercises present challenging tests of the material covered in the main text.
- Gives a thorough coverage of Newtonian gravity and unique treatment of post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian approximations to general relativity
- Text is enhanced by textboxes summarizing the main results, exploring related topics, and provide historical context and opinions
- Interesting and challenging exercises at the end of each chapter help test and develop the reader's understanding of the material
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Awards
- Honourable Mention, 2015 PROSE Award for Textbook, Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Reviews & endorsements
'This remarkable book gives a superb pedagogical treatment of topics that are crucial for modern astrophysics and gravitational-wave science, but (sadly) are generally omitted from textbooks on general relativity, or treated much too briefly. With enthusiasm, I recommend this book to all astrophysicists, gravitational physicists, and students of these subjects.' Kip S. Thorne, California Institute of Technology
'This book is likely to become the bedside reading of all students and working scientists interested in Newtonian and Einsteinian gravity. Pedagogically written using fully modern notation, the book contains an extensive description of the post-Newtonian approximation, and is replete with useful results on gravitational waves and the motion of bodies under gravity.' Luc Blanchet, Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris
'I know of no other text that compares with this compendium of tricks for calculating observables in the large fraction of the universe that is not near an event horizon. Eric Poisson and Clifford Will, two world-renowned leaders in the field, have produced the ideal manual for anyone who wishes to do calculations relevant to current experiments or upcoming gravitational-wave observations. … The clear, unified presentation in Gravity is a must-read for anyone wishing to absorb the material efficiently. … a great textbook for a special-topics graduate course after the introductory relativity course, a crucial study aid for anyone learning about astrophysical relativity and gravitational waves, and a lifelong reference for career researchers.' Benjamin Owen, Physics Today
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Product details
- Date Published: May 2014
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9781107032866
- length: 792 pages
- dimensions: 253 x 193 x 37 mm
- weight: 1.88kg
- contains: 40 b/w illus. 141 exercises
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Preface
1. Foundations of Newtonian gravity
2. Structure of self-gravitating bodies
3. Newtonian orbital dynamics
4. Minkowski spacetime
5. Curved spacetime
6. Post-Minkowskian theory: formulation
7. Post-Minkowskian theory: implementation
8. Post-Newtonian theory: fundamentals
9. Post-Newtonian theory: system of isolated bodies
10. Post-Newtonian celestial mechanics, astrometry and navigation
11. Gravitational waves
12. Radiative losses and radiation reaction
13. Alternative theories of gravity
References
Index.
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Authors
Eric Poisson, University of Guelph, Ontario
Eric Poisson is Professor of Physics at the University of Guelph. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and serves on the editorial boards of Physical Review Letters and Classical and Quantum Gravity.
Clifford M. Will, University of Florida
Clifford M. Will is Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of Florida and J. S. McDonnell Professor Emeritus at Washington University in St Louis. He is a member of the US National Academy of Sciences, and Editor-in-Chief of Classical and Quantum Gravity. He is well known for his ability to bring science to broad audiences.
Awards
- Honourable Mention, 2015 PROSE Award for Textbook, Physical Sciences and Mathematics