The Galaxies of the Local Group [Paperback]

A comprehensive summary of what is known about the Local Group, and what this knowledge tells us about the rest of the Universe.The Local Group is a small cluster of galaxies of which 35 members are currently known, including the Milky Way. At least half of all galaxies in the Universe are thought to belong to similar groups. This authoritative volume provides an up-to-date synthesis of what is currently known about the Local Group. It begins with a summary of each member and goes on to examine t he mass, stability and evolution of the Local Group as a whole. It includes many important previously unpublished results. With characteristic clarity, Professor van den Bergh provides in this book a masterful summary of the Local Group, and expertly places this knowledge in the wider context of understanding galaxy formation and evolution, the cosmic distance scale, and the early Universe.The Local Group is a small cluster of galaxies of which 35 members are currently known, including the Milky Way. At least half of all galaxies in the Universe are thought to belong to similar groups. This authoritative volume provides an up-to-date synthesis of what is currently known about the Local Group. It begins with a summary of each member and goes on to examine t he mass, stability and evolution of the Local Group as a whole. It includes many important previously unpublished results. With characteristic clarity, Professor van den Bergh provides in this book a masterful summary of the Local Group, and expertly places this knowledge in the wider context of understanding galaxy formation and evolution, the cosmic distance scale, and the early Universe.The Local Group is a small cluster of galaxies of which thirty-five members are currently known, including the Milky Way. With characteristic clarity of expression, Sidney van den Bergh provides a complete overview of all that is known about the galaxies of the Local Group and their evolution. He also places this knowledge in the wl³.