Title
Observational astronomy [electronic resource] : techniques and instrumentation / Edmund C. Sutton.
ISBN
9781107010468
9781139186056 (electronic book)
Publication Details
Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Language
English
Description
xxiv, 394 p., [8] p. of plates : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.)
Call Number
QB43.3 .S88 2012
Dewey Decimal Classification
520
Summary
"Astronomy is fundamentally an observational science and as such it is important for astronomers and astrophysicists to understand how their data are collected and analyzed. This book is a comprehensive review of current observational techniques and instruments. Featuring instruments such as Spitzer, Herschel, Fermi, ALMA, Super-Kamiokande, SNO, IceCube, the Auger Observatory, LIGO and LISA, the book discusses the capabilities and limitations of different types of instruments. It explores the sources and types of noise and provides statistical tools necessary for interpreting observational data. Due to the increasingly important role of statistical analysis, the techniques of Bayesian analysis are discussed, along with sampling techniques and model comparison. With topics ranging from fundamental subjects such as optics, photometry and spectroscopy, to neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves, this book is essential for graduate students in astronomy and physics"-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Access Note
Access limited to authorized users.
Machine generated contents note: 1. Astrophysical information; 2. Photometry; 3. Positional astronomy; 4. Fourier transforms; 5. Detection systems; 6. Orthodox statistics; 7. Stochastic processes and noise; 8. Optics; 9. Interference; 10. Spectroscopy; 11. UV, X-ray, and gamma-ray astronomy; 12. Radio receivers, spectrometers, and interferometers; 13. Modern statistical methods; 14. Neutrino detectors; 15. Cosmic ray detectors; 16. Gravitational waves; 17. Polarimetry; Index.
