Observational Astronomy
Techniques and Instrumentation

An essential text for graduate students in astronomy and physics, providing a thorough review of modern observational techniques and instruments.

Edmund C. Sutton (Author)

9781107010468, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 October 2011

428 pages, 250 b/w illus. 16 colour illus. 18 tables 64 exercises
25.5 x 18 x 2.5 cm, 0.99 kg

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. Electronic and colour versions of selected figures are available online at www. cambridge.org/9781107010468.

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.

Subject Areas: Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods [PGG]