Handbook of Infrared Astronomy (Cambridge Observing Handbooks for Research Astronomers) [Paperback]

I. S. Glass (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 13, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0521633850 | ISBN-13: 978-0521633857 | Edition: 1

Infrared astronomy is a dynamic area of current research. It has been revolutionized in the past few years by the advent of large, sensitive, infrared arrays, and the success of several infrared satellites. This handbook provides a clear, concise and accessible reference on all aspects of infrared astronomy. Throughout, the emphasis is on fundamental concepts, practical considerations and useful data. Starting with a review of the basic infrared emission mechanisms, we are shown how the earth's atmosphere affects and limits observations from ground-based telescopes. The important systematics of photometric accuracy are treated in detail. Spectroscopy--both stellar and otherwise--is explained, and illustrated with useful examples. An important chapter is devoted to dust, which plays such a central role. Finally, the technical background to infrared instrumentation is covered to help the reader develop a proper understanding of the capabilities and limitations of infrared observations. This volume provides both an essential introduction for graduate students making infrared observations or reducing infrared data for the first time, and a convenient reference for more experienced researchers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a wealth of useful information to aid the non-specialist in understanding the nuances of infrared astronomy. This book will serve as an excellent resource for both professionals and amateurs who want to enter the realm of the infrared observer."
Steven V. W. Beckwith, Director, Space Telescope Science Institute

Book Description

Infrared astronomy is a dynamic area of current research. It has been revolutionised in the last few years by the advent of large, sensitive, infrared arrays, and the success of several infrared satellites. This handbook provides a clear, concise and accessible reference on all aspects of infrared astronomy. Throughout, the emphasis is on fundamental concepts, practical considerations and useful data.This volume provides both an essential introduction for graduate students making infrared observations or reducing infrared data for the first time, and a convenient reference for more experienced researchers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (August 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521633850
• ISBN-13: 978-0521633857
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #145,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Star-Gazing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A clearly-written primer about Infrared Astronomy. Useful & concise., February 7, 2012

By 

R. A. Lang "madbioman" (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Handbook of Infrared Astronomy (Cambridge Observing Handbooks for Research Astronomers) (Paperback)

This book is a quick and concise "shortcut" to understanding the all-important near-infrared & mid-infrared data & imagery which are now found in 'most every' paper written in astronomical science. Considering that this book is aimed at research astronomers or people with a strong physics/mathematics background, the explanations are remarkably easy to understand, and there is only a modest amount of simple algebra. The level of some sections of this text is not much higher than that of some observational handbooks for advanced amateur astronomers.

The infrared regime can show us all that we can see in optical telescopes, and more, yet without heavy extinction of the light that comes from an Astronomical Object by the intervening interstellar dust in our own Galaxy (and, also, extinction by the dust in other galaxies).
As a famous lady infrared astronomer once said: "I don't care if it's plastic, as long as it is in the near infrared and I can see it".