The Magellanic Clouds

The Magellanic Clouds--a pair of nearby, satellite galaxies--are caught in a dynamic struggle with each other and with our Milky Way. Given their proximity, these satellite galaxies offer a unique opportunity to study in detail the dynamics and composition of other galaxies. This book provides a comprehensive synthesis of our knowledge concerning the Magellanic Clouds. The author presents the latest understanding of the structure, evolution and dynamics of these satellite galaxies, and draws together wide-ranging observations in the X-ray, far-ultraviolet, infrared and millimeter wavelengths, including results from the Hubble Space Telescope. For graduate students and researchers, this timely book provides a definitive reference on the Magellanic Clouds; it also provides useful supplementary reading for graduate courses on galaxies, the interstellar medium, stellar evolution and the chemical composition of galaxies.