Shining a new light on star formation rates in galaxies

Galaxies

A leading astrophysicist from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has joined experts from across the world to publish a seminal new book exploring star formation rates in galaxies.

Professor of Astrophysics Cristina Popescu, from UCLan’s renowned Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, was approached to write a chapter for the book relating to a field of research she has pioneered and developed during her career.

Star Formation Rates in Galaxies, published by Cambridge University Press, is aimed at postgraduate students, young researchers and astrophysicists. Each chapter describes the state-of-the-art methods used to measure the intensity of recent or on-going star forming activity in galaxies and has been written by world-leading experts in the field.

Commenting on the recognition and profile the publication brings, Professor Popescu said: “When I first received the invitation to write one of the book’s chapters, on the very topic that I first introduced to the field and then developed during my career, I was really thrilled. I am even more excited now to see the book published and available to readers. I hope it will help inspire the next generation of young researchers working in extragalactic astrophysics, or indeed any researcher needing the most up-to-date information in the field.”

Professor Popescu is President of the International Astronomical Union’s Commission J1. She specialises in the investigation, formation and evolution of galaxies by studying the detailed physical processes that take place in these complex systems, related to the interaction of radiation with dust, gas and cosmic rays.

Star Formation Rates in Galaxies can be purchased here.