Introduction to Astronomical Photometry

Edwin Budding

Completely updated, this second edition gives a broad review of astronomical photometry to provide an understanding of astrophysics from a data-based perspective. It explains the underlying principles of the instruments used, and the applications and inferences derived from measurements. Each chapter has been fully revised to account for the latest developments, including the use of CCDs. Highly illustrated, this book provides an overview and historical background of the subject before reviewing the main themes within astronomical photometry. The central chapters focus on the practical design of the instruments and methodology used. The book concludes by discussing specialised topics in stellar astronomy, concentrating on the information derived from the analysis of the light curves of variable stars and close binary systems. It includes numerous bibliographic notes and a glossary of terms. It is ideal for graduate students, academic researchers and advanced amateurs interested in practical and observational astronomy.

Observing the Universe
A Guide to Observational Astronomy and Planetary Science

Edited by Andrew J. Norton, The Open University, Milton Keynes

Observing the Universe introduces a range of techniques and skills that will be useful for those wishing to undertake observational work in astronomy and planetary science. It covers the principles of telescopes and detectors, photometry and spectroscopy, microscopy techniques for analysing samples, teamwork skills, planning for a session at an observatory, keeping records of what you do, estimating uncertainties in measurements, analysing data numerically and graphically, and producing a written report. Fully self-contained, this is a valuable guide for undergraduate students of astronomy and planetary science, and serious amateur astronomers.

Observational Astronomy

D. Scott Birney, Wellesley College, Massachusetts
Guillermo Gonzalez, Iowa State University
David Oesper, Iowa State University

This new edition of Observational Astronomy is the perfect textbook for an advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate course on observational astronomy. This edition contains new discussions of measurements with CCDs and improved appendices give basic statistical methods, useful astronomical software and websites, and sources of accurate time-calibration signals. Each chapter is well illustrated, and includes student questions suitable for homework assignments. The book is thoroughly updated with discussions of modern instrumentation; it also includes substantial material on historical instruments and methods.

Astronomy Methods
A Physical Approach to Astronomical Observations

Hale Bradt, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Astronomy Methods is an introduction to basic practical tools, methods and phenomena that underlie quantitative astronomy. Taking a technical approach, the author covers a rich diversity of topics across all branches of astronomy, from radio to gamma-ray wavelengths. Clear, systematic presentations of the topics are accompanied by diagrams and problem sets. Written for undergraduates and graduate students, this book contains a wealth of information that is required for the practice and study of quantitative and analytical astronomy and astrophysics.

An Introduction to Radio Astronomy
Second Edition
Bernard F. Burke, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Francis Graham-Smith, University of Manchester

Radio astronomy uses unique observational techniques and offers the only way to investigate many phenomena in the Universe. This new edition of the successful textbook provides an up-to-date introduction to radio telescopes, and a broad overview of the radio universe. In the first half, we are shown clearly how radio telescopes work, and in the second half, a broad review is provided of radio observations of our galaxy, stars, pulsars, quasars and the Universe as a whole.

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Handbook of CCD Astronomy

Steve B. Howell, University of Arizona

Updated to include all the latest developments in CCDs, this second edition of the Handbook of CCD Astronomy is an excellent, concise and accessible reference on all practical aspects of using CCDs. It discusses the basic characteristics of CCDs and includes tables of useful and hard-to-find data, key practical equations, and now includes exercises. The handbook focuses on the use of CCDs in professional observational astronomy and provides a valuable reference to advanced amateur astronomers and experienced researchers, and an ideal introduction to CCDs for graduate students.

The Observation and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres

David F. Gray, University of Western Ontario

This updated third edition describes the equipment, observational techniques, and analysis used to investigate stellar photospheres. It builds on the successful previous editions, improving the presentation, and revising topics and results to include the latest research. Topics covered include radiation transfer, models of stellar photospheres, spectroscopic equipment, observing stellar spectra, and techniques for measuring stellar characteristics. This comprehensive textbook is ideal for advanced students of stellar physics. Each chapter contains exercises, and useful real star data and primary references can be found throughout.