Infrared Astronomy Book

In a new era of infrared observations, many exciting, new questions arise. Among these issues are understanding the birth and death of stars, studying the nature of the tiny dust grains that permeate our Galaxy and other galaxies, and examining whether or not dwarfs, extrasolar planets and other sub-stellar mass objects exist. The goal of this book is to provide an introduction to the important new observations and physical ideas that are emerging in this wide-ranging field of research. Infrared (IR) astronomy has been revolutionized over the past few years by the widespread availability of large, sensitive IR rays and the success of IR satellites. Several IR space missions due for launch over the next few years also promise an exciting future. For these reasons, this book will be essential reading for graduate students and professionals.