Data in Astronomy

Originally published in 1989, this book provides a comprehensive account of how to handle astronomical data.

Carlos Jaschek (Author)

9780521177283, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 March 2011

214 pages
24.4 x 17 x 1.1 cm, 0.35 kg

"...an interesting and timely book...a well-researched, highly readable, and often entertaining work." --Sky & Telescope

Originally published in 1989, this book provides a comprehensive account of how to handle astronomical data. Descriptions of data acquisition, handling, and interpretation are included. The advice starts with chapters on observatories and observations, followed by discussions on the archiving of data and its presentation in the literature. There are many useful suggestions on the nomenclature of astronomical objects, and descriptions of the astronomical catalogues. Three chapters concentrate on databases and astronomical data centres. Finally the author comments on publication and the growth of astronomical data. The clear advice given in this book will be of interest to professional astronomers and graduate students who handle data.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations for bibliographic references
1. Observations
2. Observatories
3. Data
4. Archiving of observations
5. Presentation of astronomical data
6. Designation of astronomical objects
7. Catalogues
8. The growth of data
9. Data banks and data bases
10. Data centres
11. The publication of scientific information
12. The growth of scientific information
13. International data organizations
Index.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG]