Astronomical Measurement, 2014
A Concise Guide
Astronomy and Planetary Sciences Series

Author:

Language: English

64.07 €

In Print (Delivery period: 15 days).

Add to cartAdd to cart
Astronomical Measurement
Publication date:
Support: Print on demand

73.84 €

In Print (Delivery period: 15 days).

Add to cartAdd to cart
Astronomical Measurement
Publication date:
192 p. · 15.5x23.5 cm · Hardback
This book on astronomical measurement takes a fresh approach to teaching the subject. After discussing some general principles, it follows the chain of measurement through atmosphere, imaging, detection, spectroscopy, timing, and hypothesis testing. The various wavelength regimes are covered in each section, emphasising what is the same, and what is different. The author concentrates on the physics of detection and the principles of measurement, aiming to make this logically coherent.
The book is based on a short self contained lecture course for advanced undergraduate students developed and taught by the author over several years.

Preface.- Acknowledgements.- Signal, Distortion, and Noise.- The atmosphere and how to avoid it.- Mapping the Sky.- Detection of Light.- Spectroscopy.- Overview of Statistics.- Basic orbital mechanics.- References.- Glossary.- Solutions.- Index.

Andy Lawrence is the Regius Professor of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh. His research interests are in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), observational cosmology, survey astronomy, and e-science (the Virtual Observatory). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Provides a concise introduction to the physical principles of astronomical measurement - spacecraft, telescopes, detectors, the atmosphere, spectroscopy, and the basics of measured quantities and statistics

Takes a new approach on teaching astronomical measurement following the chain of measurement through atmosphere, imaging, detection, spectroscopy, timing, and hypothesis testing

Covers all wavelengths – radio, infrared, optical, UV, X-ray, gamma-ray

Concentrates on key principles rather than details

Each chapter concludes with a set of exercises. Solutions provided.