Astronomy on the Personal Computer (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Thomas Pfleger (Author), Storm Dunlop (Translator), R.M. West (Preface) "Let us first consider the calculation of the rising and setting times of the Sun and the Moon..." (more)
Key Phrases: physical ephemerides, ifstream inp, astrometric coordinates, Oliver Montenbruck, Thomas Pfleger, Modified Julian Date (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Astronomy on the Personal Computer provides the reader with a thorough introduction to the computation of celestial mechanics, which is of particular significance for carrying out astronomical observations. Covering everything from astronomical and computational theory to the construction of rapid and accurate applications programs, this book supplies the necessary knowledge and software solutions for determining and predicting positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, minor planets and comets, solar eclipses, stellar occultations by the Moon, phases of the Moon and much more. This completely revised edition makes use of the widely implemented programming language C++, and individual applications may be efficiently realized through the use of a powerful module library. The accompanying CD-ROM contains, in addition to the complete, fully documented and commented source codes, the executable programs for Windows 95/98/NT and Linux operating systems.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 4th edition (May 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540672214
• ISBN-13: 978-3540672210
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #386,350 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional value for money, January 12, 2002

By	Dan Dill (Charlestown, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What I appreciate about this book is that details of many aspects of astronomical computations are clearly explained together with extensively documented full C++ source code and references for further information. As a bonus, extensive star catalogues are supplied, for use with, for example, astrometry.

C++ is *not* my language of choice, but the authors seem to have done a masterful job of using C++ features well, while avoiding obfuscation. Initially at least, I am translating things as I go into Mathematica, as a check that I am understanding what I am reading.

All in all, for getting under the hood, I think Montenbruck and Pfleger provide exceptional value for money.

5 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good C++ book for astromical calc, September 20, 2003

By	fjsuva "bitstream vlbi" (Yokohama Japan) - See all my reviews

This book does not use c-like/c++ but true c++. It begins with Vec3D class hiding private menbers. I learn many things of objective astronomical calc from this book.

1 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book, September 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Astronomy on the Personal Computer (Hardcover)

I`m very intresting this book (disk