Astronomical Optics, Second Edition [Hardcover]

Daniel J. Schroeder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 27, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0126298106 | ISBN-13: 978-0126298109 | Edition: 2

This book provides a unified treatment of the characteristics of telescopes of all types, both those whose performance is set by geometrical aberrations and the effect of the atmosphere, and those diffraction-limited telescopes designed for observations from above the atmosphere. The emphasis throughout is on basic principles, such as Fermat's principle, and their application to optical systems specifically designed to image distant celestial sources.
The book also contains thorough discussions of the principles underlying all spectroscopic instrumentation, with special emphasis on grating instruments used with telescopes. An introduction to adaptive optics provides the needed background for further inquiry into this rapidly developing area.

* Geometrical aberration theory based on Fermat's principle
* Diffraction theory and transfer function approach to near-perfect telescopes
* Thorough discussion of 2-mirror telescopes, including misalignments
* Basic principles of spectrometry; grating and echelle instruments
* Schmidt and other catadioptric telescopes
* Principles of adaptive optics
* Over 220 figures and nearly 90 summary tables

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Astronomical Optics is a comprehensive presentation of the fundamental principles of optical design and engineering for astronomical remote sensing instruments. I highly recommend this book for the personal library of scientists and engineers who have a serious interest in the optical system engineering of remote sensor systems."
--ICARUS
"From the Reviews:
The book is clearly focused on its title subject, and the results are superb."
--PHYSICS TODAY
"This book is excellent....I think that it will be recognized by everyone in astronomy, telescope design, and astronomical instrument design as an outstanding book."
--D.E. Osterbrock, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ
"...clearly the most complete and rigorous treatment of this subject. It should become the basic reference for those considering design of astronomical instruments. A must for all instrumentalists, and observationalists should have nearby."
--C.R. O'Dell, RICE UNIVERSITY
"This is a text which sets out the general design principles of astronomical optics in a palatable way."
--NATURE --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

This book provides a unified treatment of the characteristics of telescopes of all types, including telescopes whose performance is set by geometrical aberrations and the effect of the atmosphere, and those diffraction-limited telescopes designed for observations from above the atmosphere. The emphasis throughout is on basic principles, such as Fermat's principle, and their application to optical systems specifically designed to image distant celestial sources. Astronomical Optics, Second Edition also contains thorough discussions of the principles underlying all spectroscopic instrumentation, giving special emphasis to grating instruments used with telescopes. An introduction to adaptive optics provides the needed background for further inquiry into this rapidly developing area.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 478 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2 edition (September 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0126298106
• ISBN-13: 978-0126298109
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #982,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > Science & Math > Experiments, Instruments & Measurement > Scientific Instruments

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book that allows one to understand optical aberrations., March 22, 2006

By 

Olaf Morawski "Olaf" (Warsaw, Poland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Astronomical Optics, Second Edition (Hardcover)

Good, comprehensive book that explains both basics and advanced aspects of optics used in telescopes. Most of the book focuses on optical aberrations and shows how to construct various telescopes and other optical devices like spectrographs with minimized coma, astigmatizm or spherical aberration. The book has chapters about spectrographs, CCDs and active optics which may be helpful to anyone who considers to add such elements to his/her telescope.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for Spectrometer Optics, August 11, 2000

By 

Mark King (Melbourne, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astronomical Optics, Second Edition (Hardcover)

This book has some unique features. It treats the subject matter carefully, and in detail. The content is very useful. The treatment of spectrometer optics is particularly useful. The weakness of the book is that the diagrams are not well done, and the notation can be confusing. Overall, a useful book.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, September 12, 2005

By 

HULI (LC,NM USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astronomical Optics, Second Edition (Hardcover)

Talk a lot about instrument. I think it's very helpful for those who want to know how telescope work. But little about data processing.