Stellar Evolution and its Relations to Geological Time [Paperback]

James Croll's final publication, of 1889, explores the geological aspects of astrophysics and the life cycles and age of stars.James Croll's final publication, of 1889, focuses equally on the age of the sun, 'the probable origin of meteorites, comets and nebulae', and the effect of the early universe on star evolution. The clarity of his explanations makes his work on these universal and essential subjects still accessible to all.James Croll's final publication, of 1889, focuses equally on the age of the sun, 'the probable origin of meteorites, comets and nebulae', and the effect of the early universe on star evolution. The clarity of his explanations makes his work on these universal and essential subjects still accessible to all.James Croll (182190) was self-educated, but on gaining a post at the Glagow Andersonian Museum had the time to explore his academic interests. Despite his lack of formal training, he quickly became a leading light of the Scottish Royal Geological Society. Using physics, mathematics, geology and geography he explored the pressing scientific questions of the time. In this, his final book, published in 1889, Croll divides his focus between 'the probable origin of meteorites, comets and nebulae', the age of the sun and the impact of the pre-nebular condition of the universe on star evolution. Using both proven facts and theories, Croll explores the ideas and hypotheses then current, frequently crediting colleagues for their work, and building on it. Croll, who from humble beginnings became a Fellow of The Royal Society and of St Andrew's University, writes in a style which makes his works accessible to a lay readership.Part I. The Impact Theory of Stellar Evolution: Consideration of the facts which support the theory, and of the light which the theory appears to cast upon the facts; 1. Probable origin of meteorites; 2. Motion of the stars, how of such different velocities, and always in straight lines; 3. Motion of the stars not due to their lC%