Data in Astronomy

by Carlos Jaschek

• ISBN13: 9780521177283
• ISBN10: 0521177286
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-03-03
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This unique handbook explains how astronomical data of all kinds should be obtained, compiled, and published if it is to be used to the best advantage by professional astronomers worldwide. Introductory chapters explain how observations are obtained, discuss observatories, and deal with data generally. The central part of the book explains how data are archived and how they should be presented for later use. One chapter raised the important issue of the designation, or naming, of astronomical objects, since this is a topic where confusion is manifest. A further chapter is devoted to astronomical catalogs and the information available from them, and this introduces data bases, data networks, and data centers. The final chapters address general questions of scientific information, including publication, the use of published data, and the role of international organizations handling data.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations for bibliographic references

Observations

Observatories

Data

Archiving of observations

Presentation of astronomical data

Designation of astronomical objects

Catalogues

The growth of data

Data banks and data bases

Data centres

The publication of scientific information

The growth of scientific information

International data organizations

Index

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