Astrometry for Astrophysics
Methods, Models, and Applications

Unifying work by a broad range of experts in the field, this is the most complete textbook on observational astrometry.

William F. van Altena (Edited by)

9780521519205, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 November 2012

428 pages, 74 b/w illus. 18 tables
25.3 x 19.3 x 2.3 cm, 1.09 kg

'… there are some very good chapters included, giving detailed overviews of relativistic effects, interferometry, diffraction-limited imaging, CCD image detectors, etc., which all have their relevance in the subject, and make the book a useful reference or starting point for more detailed reading.' The Observatory

The field of astrometry, the precise measurement of the positions, distances and motions of astronomical objects, has been revolutionized in recent years. As we enter the high-precision era, it will play an increasingly important role in all areas of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. This edited text starts by looking at the opportunities and challenges facing astrometry in the twenty-first century, from space and ground. The new formalisms of relativity required to take advantage of micro-arcsecond astrometry are then discussed, before the reader is guided through the basic methods required to transform our observations from detected photons to the celestial sphere. The final section of the text shows how a variety of astronomical problems can be solved using astrometric methods. Bringing together work from a broad range of experts in the field, this is the most complete textbook on observational astrometry and is ideal for graduate students and researchers alike.

Part I. Astrometry in the Twenty-First Century: 1. Opportunities and challenges for astrometry in the twenty-first century M. Perryman
2. Astrometric satellites L. Lindegren
3. Ground-based opportunities for astrometry N. Zacharias
Part II. Relativistic Foundations of Astrometry and Celestial Mechanics: 4. Vectors in astrometry, an introduction L. Lindegren
5. Relativistic principles of astrometry and celestial mechanics S. Klioner
6. Celestial mechanics of the N-body problem S. Klioner
7. Celestial coordinate systems and positions N. Capitaine and M. Stavinschi
8. Fundamental algorithms for celestial coordinates and positions P. Wallace
Part III. Observing through the Atmosphere: 9. The Earth's atmosphere: refraction, turbulence, delays and limitations to astrometic precision W. van Altena and E. Fomalont
10. Astrometry with ground-based diffraction-limited imaging A. Ghez
11. Optical interferometry A. Glindermann
12. Radio interferometry E. Fomalont
Part VI. From Detected Photons to the Celestial Sphere: 13. Geometrical optics and astrometry D. Schroeder
14. CCD imaging detectors S. Howell
15. Using CCDs in the time-delayed integration mode D. Rabinowitz
16. Statistical astronomy A. Brown
17. Analyzing poorly-sampled images: HST imaging astrometry J. Anderson
18. Image deconvolution J. Nuñez
19. From measures to celestial coordinates Z. H. Tang and W. van Altena
20. Astrometric catalogs: concepts, history and necessity C. López
21. Trigonometric parallaxes F. Benedict and B. McArthur
Part V. Applications of Astrometry to Topics in Astrophysics: 22. Galactic structure astrometry R. Méndez
23. Binary and multiple stars E. Horch
24. Binaries: HST, Hipparcos and Gaia D. Pourbaix
25. Star clusters I. Platais
26. Solar System astrometry F. Mignard
27. Extrasolar planets A. Sozzetti
28. Astrometric measurement and cosmology R. Easther
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG], Mathematics & science [P]