Tools of Radio Astronomy (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library) [Hardcover]

Kristen Rohlfs (Author), Thomas L. Wilson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3540403876 | ISBN-13: 978-3540403876 | Publication Date: October 8, 2003 | Edition: 4th rev. and enlarged ed.

This substantially rewritten and expanded fourth edition outlines the most up-to-date methods and tools of radio astronomy. Tools of Radio Astronomy gives a unified treatment of the entire field of radio astronomy, from centimeter to sub-millimeter wavelengths and using single telescopes as well as interferometers. The basic physical principles are described and a complete outline of the instrumentation, observational techniques, and methods of measurement and analysis are given. The goal of this standard reference and text is to prepare readers to carry out observations and relate the data to physical processes in interstellar space. In this fourth edition, the chapter on interferometry and aperture synthesis has been thoroughly revised in the light of most recent developments, as has been the chapter on molecules in interstellar space, and material on receiver technology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews of the fifth edition: "A very significant change from earlier versions is the addition of problem sets at the ends of each of the 16 chapters … . the discussion of instrumentation and data collection and processing which looks forward to ALMA and the SKA, making the volume useful, the authors hope, for radio engineers (a grand old name, which they apply to Jansky and Reber) as well as radio astronomers … . I’m sure you will find this iteration … as useful as the previous four." (Virginia Trimble, The Observatory, Vol. 129 (1211), August, 2009) "The publication of a fifth edition of Tools of Radio Astronomy is in itself proof of the success of the book. … will be useful to communication engineers, a claim about which one can have some reservations. … this up-to-date version will be of invaluable use to the observational astronomer. … provides a toolbox of essential material, in particular in the area of the analysis and interpretation of radio-astronomy observations. The book should be on the desk of every practicing radio astronomer … ." (Jacob W. M. Baars, The Radio Science Bulletin, Issue 330, September, 2009) --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

The recent years have seen breathtaking progress in technology, especially in the receiver and digital technologies relevant for radio astronomy, which has at the same time advanced to shorter wavelengths. This is the updated and completely revised 5th edition of the most used introductory text in radio astronomy. It presents a unified treatment of the entire field from centimeter to sub-millimeter wavelengths. Topics covered include instruments, sensitivity considerations, observational methods and interpretations of the data recorded with both single dishes and interferometers. This text is useful to both students and experienced practicing astronomers. Besides making major updates and additions throughout the book, the authors have re-organized a number of chapters to more clearly separate basic theory from rapidly evolving practical aspects. Further, problem sets have been added at the end of each chapter. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 461 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 4th rev. and enlarged ed. edition (October 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540403876
• ISBN-13: 978-3540403876
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,123,472 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best introductions to the field, May 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tools of Radio Astronomy (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library,) (Hardcover)

Although Rohlfs and Wilson have only made perfunctory changesbetween this and the previous edition of the book, it still stands asone of the best introductions to the field of radio astronomy. It still doesn't cover some topics (such as calibration techniques) as well as I would have liked, and Kraus' _Radio Astronomy_ (2e) does a better job (IMHO) on the mathematical details as well as specific applications. Because of its length, the topics of millimeter and submillimeter astronomy are not covered in as much as centimeter wavelengths. However despite all this, the book is highly readable for a student in the field, and is invaluable to have on one's bookshelf, or even to take observing (for those who only dabble in radio astronomy).

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A "must have" for RA. business, June 13, 2010

By 

Carlos Duran Urrutia (Santiago, Chile) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tools of Radio Astronomy (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library) (Hardcover)

this is one of the fundamental books you have to have in your library... if you are a "Radio Astronomy" guy (Engineer, astronomer,etc). However sometimes it can be a little bit complex (compared to its newest 5th edition), but still an excellent book.