The study of white dwarfs has been steadily growing during the last years and now is a mature field extending its influence over many others. Since white dwarfs are long lived objects, they can be used to obtain information about the history of the Galaxy. The simplicity of their structures enables them to act as precise particle physics laboratories and the extreme con- ditions reached at their surfaces allow us to test the equation of state and to study the behavior of matter under conditions impossible to be reached in terrestrial laboratories. Nevertheless, white dwarfs are still...

All theoretical and observational topics relevant to the understanding of the thermonuclear (Type Ia) supernova phenomenon are thoroughly and consistently reviewed by a panel including the foremost experts in the field. The book covers all aspects, ranging from the observations of SNe Ia at all stages and all wavelengths to the 2D and 3D modelling of thermonuclear flames in very dense plasmas. Scenarios for close binary evolution leading to SNe Ia are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the homogeneity vs. diversity of SNe Ia and on their use as standard candles to measure...