Solar Physics: From the Deep Interior to the Hot Corona -- Precision Laboratory Measurements in Nuclear Astrophysics -- The Generation of Cosmic Magnetic Fields -- Neutron Stars and Strong-Field Effects of General Relativity -- Gamma Ray Astronomy at High Energies -- Neutrinos in Physics and Astrophysics -- Particle and Astrophysical Aspects of Ultra-high Energy Cosmic Rays -- Galaxies Behind the Milky Way and the Great Attractor.

The enormous advances in observational techniques over the last two decades has produced a wealth of data and unexpected discoveries which have helped to reshape astrophysics as a field with well-formulated theories and sophisticated numerical calculations. In nuclear particle physics, plasma physics, as well as in general relativity, the Universe has become a laboratory for cutting-edge research. The courses collected in the book are intended to provide students with this insight, giving a general background on each topic such as cosmic rays, nuclear and neutrino astrophysics, solar physics and strong fields, as well as a presentation of the current research and open problems. The book is aimed at graduate students in physics and astrophysics, as well as researchers, bridging a gap between the specialized reviews and the comprehensive books.