Astronomy Methods: A Physical Approach to Astronomical Observations (Cambridge Planetary Science) [Paperback]

Hale Bradt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0521535514 | ISBN-13: 978-0521535519

This introduction to basic practical tools, methods and phenomena in quantitative astronomy covers topics across a wide range of areas, from radio to gamma-ray wavelengths. Clear presentations of the topics are accompanied by diagrams and problem sets. Written for undergraduates and graduate students, the book will introduce them to the practice and study of quantitative and analytical astronomy and astrophysics.
For information on Astrophysics Processes: The Physics of Astronomical Phenomena also by Hale Bradt, please click here.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Astronomy Methods: A Physical Approach to Astronomical Observations by Hale Bradt, a professor emeritus in MIT's physics department, is a wonderful welcome to a field in desperate need of more textbooks covering the subject." Physics Today Online

Book Description

Astronomy Methods is an introduction to basic practical tools, methods and phenomena that underlie quantitative astronomy. Taking a technical approach, the author covers a rich diversity of topics across all branches of astronomy, from radio to gamma-ray wavelengths. Clear, systematic presentations of the topics are accompanied by diagrams and problem sets. Written for undergraduates and graduate students, this book contains a wealth of information that is required for the practice and study of quantitative and analytical astronomy and astrophysics.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 458 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521535514
• ISBN-13: 978-0521535519
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,156,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars current methods of taking observations, June 27, 2006

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This review is from: Astronomy Methods: A Physical Approach to Astronomical Observations (Cambridge Planetary Science) (Paperback)

The focus [pun intended] is on observational astronomy. Rather than the astrophysics of exotic objects like black holes. Bradt goes through the electromagnetic spectrum. In various regions of this, like the Xray or the visible, he explains the most common methods of taking observations. This is a function of our current technology.

Though, and this is important to note, the technology is continually improving. Hence the book can also be usefully read as a projection into the near future of logically improved capabilities. Maybe the most exciting of which is better images of extrasolar stars and planetary systems. Especially visible images.

The text is detailed enough to be useful to an undergrad astronomy or physics major. Some elements might be too advanced for a lay reader.