This is an introductory textbook on applications of general relativity to astrophysics and cosmology. The aim is to provide advanced students with a toolkit for understanding astronomical phenomena that involve velocities close to that of light or intense gravitational fields. The author gives a thorough grounding in special relativity, with space-time the central concept. Examples of relativistic gravitation in action are drawn from the astrophysical domain. The book can be read on two levels: first as an introductory fast-track course, and then as a detailed course reinforced by problems...

Focuses on relativistic statistical mechanics. This book is suitable for graduate students and young researchers for whom it offers methods and also appropriate schemes to deal with the problems encountered in astrophysics, in strong magnetic, in nuclear or even in high energy physics.