Gamma ray astronomy, the branch of high energy astrophysics that studies the sky in energetic ?-ray photons, is destined to play a crucial role in the exploration of nonthermal phenomena in the Universe in their most extreme and violent forms. The great potential of this discipline offers impressive coverage of many OC hot topicsOCO of modern astrophysics and cosmology, such as the origin of galactic and extragalactic cosmic rays, particle acceleration and radiation processes under extreme astrophysical conditions, and the search for dark matter."

Offers an accessible text and reference (a cosmic-ray manual) for graduate students entering the field and high-energy astrophysicists will find this an accessible cosmic-ray manual Easy to read for the general astronomer, the first part describes the standard model of cosmic rays based on our understanding of modern particle physics. Presents the acceleration scenario in some detail in supernovae explosions as well as in the passage of cosmic rays through the Galaxy. Compares experimental data in the atmosphere as well as underground are compared with theoretical models

he recent observational results and exciting theoretical predictions provide a strong rationale for a deep study of cosmic radiation with forthcoming satellite-borne and ground based detectors in the so-called very high energy domain of the electromagnetic spectrum above 1010 eV.This invaluable book presents the motivations and highlights the principal objectives of the field, as well as demonstrates its intrinsic links to other branches of high energy astrophysics. Preference is given to three topical areas: (i) origin of cosmic rays; (ii) physics and astrophysics of relativistic jets; (iii) observational gamma ray cosmology.

Beginning with Einstein's special and general theories of relativity, the authors give a detailed mathematical description of fundamental astrophysical radiation processes, including Compton scattering of electrons and photons, synchrotron radiation of particles in magnetic fields, and much more.

Cosmic gamma ray production processes, galactic and extragalactic gamma rays, and cosmology.

High energy gamma-ray photons are the prime probes of the relativistic or high-energy universe, populated by black holes, neutron stars, supernovae, quasars, and matter-antimatter annihilations. Through studying the gamma-ray sky, astrophysicists are able to better understand the formation and behavior of these exotic and energetic bodies. V

An Advanced Research Workshop on Very High Energy Gamma Ray Astronomy and Related Topics was held at Durham, England during August 11-15 1986. The meeting was sponsored by the Scientific Affairs Division of NATO and the University of Durham. It is four years since the first Workshop dedicated to High Energy Gamma Ray Astronomy was held at Ootacamund, India. At that meeting the developments in Very High Energy Gamma Ray Astronomy over a period of more than 20 years were reported and the methodology, limitations, improvements and prospects for further progess were discussed. The possible requirement for a follow-up meeting was clear if the optimistic future foreseen for the field at the Ooty meeting was correct. The Durham meeting was suggested to fill this role. Although the arrangements for the Durham meeting were discussed as long ago as 1983 with possible dates in 1984 or 1986, the eventual date in 1986 has proved admirable and has coincided with a time when further advances have been reported. An important feature of the proposal for the Durham meeting was the emphasis on a series of Workshop sessions, the conclusions of each to be summarized by a Rapporteur. The purpose of these sessions was to provide a consensus view of many of the important areas in the field at a time of increasing interest by the rest of the astrophysics community.