Observational Astronomy

by D. Scott Birney , Guillermo Gonzalez , David Oesper

• ISBN13: 9780521853705
• ISBN10: 0521853702
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-07-24
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The long-awaited second edition of this well-received textbook gives a thorough introduction to observational astronomy. Starting with the basics of positional astronomy and systems of time, it continues with charts and catalogs covering both historically important publications and modern electronic databases. The book builds on a fundamental discussion of the basics of light and the effects of the atmosphere on astronomical observations. Chapters include discussions of optical telescopes, detectors, photometry, variable stars, astrometry, spectroscopy, and solar observations. This edition contains new discussions of measurements with CCDs and appendices give basic statistical methods, useful astronomical software and websites, and sources of accurate time-calibration signals. Observational Astronomy is the perfect textbook for upper level undergraduate or beginning graduate courses on astronomy. Examples based on real astronomical data are placed throughout the text. Each of the well-illustrated chapters is supported by a set of graduated problems and suggestions for further reading.

Table of Contents

1. The celestial sphere and coordinate systems

2. Time

3. Charts and catalogs

4. Applications of the spherical triangle

5. Quantifying light

6. Optical telescopes

7. Effects of the atmosphere

8. Light detectors

9. CCD calibrations

10. Astronomical photometry

11. Astrometry

12. Spectrographs

13. Spectroscopy

14. Variable stars

15. Observing the sun

Appendices

Index.