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The Astronomy Revolution: 400 Years of Exploring the Cosmos
by Donald G. York Owen Gingerich Shuang-Nan ZhangSome 400 years after the first known patent application for a telescope by Hans Lipperhey, The Astronomy Revolution: 400 Years of Exploring the Cosmos surveys the effects of this instrument and explores the questions that have arisen out of scientific research in astronomy and cosmology. Inspired by the international New Vision 400 conference held
Astronomy through the Ages: The Story of the Human Attempt to Understand the Universe
by Sir Robert WilsonWhen astronomers today look up at the night sky they picture a spectacular and infinite universe--full of pulsars, quasars, and black holes and ruled by arcane laws of space and time. Once, ancient astronomers looked up and saw only points of light tracing calm movements across the heavens. But they too were moved to wonder about the meaning of what they saw. In Astronomy through the Ages, Sir Robert Wilson tells the story of how our understanding of the universe has evolved through history--of how the sedate and stable star field of ancient times has been replaced by the vast and explosive universe we know today. Wilson, one of the most distinguished astronomers of the twentieth century, begins by tracing the astronomical studies of the ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks and reviews important early contributions from India, China, and the Islamic world. He explains the development of the sun-centered model of the universe in Renaissance Europe. He then tells how the development of the telescope, photography, and spectroscopy pushed back the limits of the observable universe and eventually brought astronomy into the twentieth century. Finally, he describes the rapid advances in radio and space astronomy and other methods over the past fifty years that have ushered in a new "golden age" of astronomy. These advances have not only allowed observation of deep space but also enabled scientists to unlock the secrets of the universe itself from its origin to its possible fate. Wilson himself has played an important role in these discoveries as the developer of one of the most successful astronomical satellites ever launched, the International Ultraviolet Explorer. While focusing on the human side of astronomical discovery, Wilson also provides readers with a basic understanding of difficult concepts, explaining relativity and quantum mechanics without using technical language or mathematics. Remarkable in its scope and clarity,Astronomy through the Ages provides an accessible view of historical discoveries and modern advances and shows why excitement about astronomy is even greater today than when Galileo first gazed in wonder at the rings of Saturn.Originally published in 1998.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
Astronomy Through the Ages: The Story Of The Human Attempt To Understand The Universe
by Sir Robert WilsonFrom an historical perspective, this text presents an entirely non- mathematical introduction to astronomy from the first endeavours of the ancients to the current developments in research enabled by cutting edge technological advances. Free of mathematics and complex graphs, the book nevertheless explains deep concepts of space and time, of relativity and quantum mechanics, and of origin and nature of the universe. It conveys not only the intrinsic fascination of the subject, but also the human side and the scientific method as practised by Kepler, defined and elucidated by Galileo, and then demonstrated by Newton.
Astronomy Through the Ages: The Story Of The Human Attempt To Understand The Universe (Princeton Legacy Library #4827)
by Sir Robert WilsonFrom an historical perspective, this text presents an entirely non- mathematical introduction to astronomy from the first endeavours of the ancients to the current developments in research enabled by cutting edge technological advances. Free of mathematics and complex graphs, the book nevertheless explains deep concepts of space and time, of relativity and quantum mechanics, and of origin and nature of the universe. It conveys not only the intrinsic fascination of the subject, but also the human side and the scientific method as practised by Kepler, defined and elucidated by Galileo, and then demonstrated by Newton.
Astronomy with a Budget Telescope: An Introduction to Practical Observing (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)
by Patrick Moore John WatsonAstronomy with a Budget Telescope, 2nd Edition is a complete introduction to buying and using a low-cost amateur astronomical telescope. It provides essential hints and tips about what to look for when buying on a budget - the best are now excellent value, but they all lack an astronomer's advice about setting them up and using them.Astronomy with a Budget Telescope was first published in 2003, since then technology has moved on substantially. The main factors are first the availability of fairly inexpensive computer-controlled "go-to" telescopes which after setting up can automatically locate any celestial objects with reasonable accuracy. Second, digital cameras have now almost completely displaced "wet" film cameras, and some of them are particularly well-suited to astronomical use. Third, prices are down and quality is up!This new edition is revised and extended to include using a low-cost "go-to" telescope - there are various pitfalls to be avoided - and how this class of instrument can make amateur astronomy more accessible to those with limited time at their disposal. It also discusses the new breed of mid-range digital cameras that include powerful on-board processing and image enhancement software that used to be available only to people with advanced astronomical CCD cameras. Finally, there are detailed reviews and test reports on some of the budget telescopes that are available on Main Street and by mail order.
Astronomy with a Budget Telescope: An Introduction To Practical Observing (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Ser.)
by Patrick Moore John WatsonSir Patrick Moore, CBE, FRS has long been the scourge of those people selling low-cost astronomical telescopes via mail-order catalogues and non-specialist stores. Ten years ago the quality was appalling and disappointment would have been almost guaranteed - but times have changed. The first part of the book provides reports on some available models along with detailed and essential hints and tips about what to look for when buying. The second part describes how best to use the telescope, which celestial objects to observe (with full-page star charts to help find them), what you can expect to see, and how to take and even computer enhance astronomical photographs. -Explains what to look for when you buy a low-cost telescope. -Lists and describes the best celestial objects to observe. -Includes a detailed full-page star chart for every object listed, showing where to find it. -Illustrates what you can expect to see. -Includes a section on how to photograph and computer-enhance astronomical images. -Full colour throughout.
Astronomy with a Home Computer (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)
by Neale MonksHere is a one-volume guide to just about everything computer-related for amateur astronomers! Today’s amateur astronomy is inextricably linked to personal computers. Computer-controlled "go-to" telescopes are inexpensive. CCD and webcam imaging make intensive use of the technology for capturing and processing images. Planetarium software provides information and an easy interface for telescopes. The Internet offers links to other astronomers, information, and software. The list goes on and on. Find out here how to choose the best planetarium program: are commercial versions really better than freeware? Learn how to optimise a go-to telescope, or connect it to a lap-top. Discover how to choose the best webcam and use it with your telescope. Create a mosaic of the Moon, or high-resolution images of the planets... Astronomy with a Home Computer is designed for every amateur astronomer who owns a home computer, whether it is running Microsoft Windows, Mac O/S or Linux. It doesn’t matter what kind of telescope you own either - a small refractor is just as useful as a big "go-to" SCT for most of the projects in this book.
Astronomy with Radioactivities (Lecture Notes in Physics #812)
by Roland Diehl, Dieter H. Hartmann and Nikos PrantzosThis book introduces the reader to the field of nuclear astrophysics, i.e. the acquisition and reading of measurements on unstable isotopes in different parts of the universe. The authors explain the role of radioactivities in astrophysics, discuss specific sources of cosmic isotopes and in which special regions they can be observed. More specifically, the authors address stars of different types, stellar explosions which terminate stellar evolutions, and other explosions triggered by mass transfers and instabilities in binary stars. They also address nuclear reactions and transport processes in interstellar space, in the contexts of cosmic rays and of chemical evolution. A special chapter is dedicated to the solar system which even provides material samples. The book also contains a description of key tools which astrophysicists employ in those particular studies and a glossary of key terms in astronomy with radioactivities.
Astronomy with Schmidt-Type Telescopes: Proceedings of the 78th Colloquium of the International Astronomical Union, Asiago, Italy, August 30–September 2, 1983 (Astrophysics and Space Science Library #110)
by M. CapaccioliThe idea of holding a colloquium on Schmidt telescopes (techniques and science) originated from the observation that, in the last ten years and in spite of the remarkable developments and achievements in this field of astronomical research, there had been no specific opportunity for the experts to meet together, make the point on the state of the art, discuss and coordinate future plans. Therefore, Prof. L. Rosino, one of the pioneers in the use of wide-field telescopes, driven also by the wish of honouring the over four decades of activity of the Asiago Observatory, proposed to the Executive Committee of the International Astronomical Union to sponsor a colloquium on 'Astronomy with Schmidt type telescopes I to be held at Asiago at the end of the summer of 1983. Details about the composition of the Scientific Organizing Committee and the sponsoring organizations are given in Prof. Rosino's 'Welcome to the Participants • The granting of this proposal was the beginning of a ' number of headaches tor the members of the Local Organizing Committee, R. Barbon, F. Ciatti, P. Rafanelli and myself. If, organlzationwise, the colloquium was successful, this is truly due to the generous efforts of my colleagues of the SOC and to the efficient organization of the Linta Park, the hotel hosting the meeting.
Astronomy with Small Telescopes: Up to 5-inch, 125mm (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)
by Stephen F. TonkinSmall telescopes, whether simple beginners' telescopes or refined computer-controlled instruments, are gaining popularity fast as technology improves and public interest increases. In this book the author has brought together the experience of small telescope users to provide an insightful look into just what is possible. It is written for newcomers to astronomy and experts. Topics covered include: refractors, reflectors, advanced catadioptric telescopes, and a simple radio telescope. Almost everyone with an interest in practical astronomy will want this book.
Astronomy’s Quest for Sharp Images: From Blurred Pictures to the Very Large Telescope (Astronomers' Universe)
by Pierre LénaSince the 1960s, astrophysical discoveries have blossomed, due to the emergence of powerful and new observational tools. Among them, a fantastic improvement of the sharpness of astronomical images, obtained with ground based optical telescopes, has been the result of two revolutions: adaptive optics and optical interferometry. Written for a general audience, interwoven with fascinating details about the evolution of vision and optics, this book tells a personal story of these revolutions in observational astronomy, born two centuries ago and blossoming in the past fifty years. With the construction of the Very Large Telescope in Chile, Europe played a leading role where young scientists, joining creative astronomers and engineers, have developed a superb creativity. Today, incredibly sharp images of exoplanetary systems and black hole environments are obtained and reveal new questions about Earth-like objects or fundamental physics. The author has been one of the actors of this adventure. His first-hand testimony is opening the future to new horizons.
Astroparticle Physics (Undergraduate Texts in Physics)
by Claus GrupenDescribes the branch of astronomy in which processes in the universe are investigated with experimental methods employed in particle-physics experiments. After a historical introduction the basics of elementary particles, Explains particle interactions and the relevant detection techniques, while modern aspects of astroparticle physics are described in a chapter on cosmology. Provides an orientation in the field of astroparticle physics that many beginners might seek and appreciate because the underlying physics fundamentals are presented with little mathematics, and the results are illustrated by many diagrams. Readers have a chance to enter this field of astronomy with a book that closes the gap between expert and popular level.
Astroparticle Physics
by Claus GrupenDescribes the branch of astronomy in which processes in the universe are investigated with experimental methods employed in particle-physics experiments. After a historical introduction the basics of elementary particles, Explains particle interactions and the relevant detection techniques, while modern aspects of astroparticle physics are described in a chapter on cosmology. Provides an orientation in the field of astroparticle physics that many beginners might seek and appreciate because the underlying physics fundamentals are presented with little mathematics, and the results are illustrated by many diagrams. Readers have a chance to enter this field of astronomy with a book that closes the gap between expert and popular level.
Astroparticle Physics: Theory and Phenomenology (Atlantis Studies in Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology #1)
by Günter SiglThis books aims at giving an overview over theoretical and phenomenological aspects of particle astrophysics and particle cosmology. To be of interest for both students and researchers in neighboring fields of physics, it keeps a balance between well established foundations that will not significantly change in the future and a more in-depth treatment of selected subfields in which significant new developments have been taking place recently. These include high energy particle astrophysics, such as cosmic high energy neutrinos, the interplay between detection techniques of dark matter in the laboratory and in high energy cosmic radiation, axion-like particles, and relics of the early Universe such as primordial magnetic fields and gravitational waves. It also contains exercises and thus will be suitable for both introductory and advanced courses in astroparticle physics.
Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology: Perspectives in the Multimessenger Era (Lecture Notes in Physics #975)
by Subhendra MohantyCosmology and astroparticle physics have seen an avalanche of discoveries in the past decade (IceCube - high energy neutrinos, LIGO - gravitational waves, Fermi- gamma-ray telescope, Xenon-1T - dark matter detection, PLANCK- cosmic microwave radiation, EHT picture of black hole, SDSS -galaxy surveys), all of which require a multidisciplinary background for analyzing the phenomena. The arena for testing particle physics models is in the multimessenger astronomical observations and at the same time cosmology now requires a particle physics basis for explaining many phenomena. This book discusses the theoretical tools of particle physics and general relativity which are essential for understanding and correlating diverse astronomical observations.
Astrophotography: Proceedings of the IAU Workshop, Jena, GDR, April 21–24,1987
by Siegfried MarxThis volume contains the proceedings of the workshop "Astrophotography 87", which was held in Jena, April 21-24, 1987. The workshop was organized by the Central Institute of Astrophysics of the Academy of Sciences of the German Democratic Republic and is the latest in a series devoted to the problems of photography in astronomy. The previous workshops, which have taken place every three years, were held in Edinburgh (1984), Nice (1981) and Geneva (1978). For telescopes with large fields of view, in particular Schmidt telescopes, photographic plates are the only suitable radiation receiver. Thus the effi ciency of the photographic plate determines the quality of the observation. The treatment of the plates in the photographic laboratory is also very im portant. Additional factors affecting the scientific results are the measuring machines and the methods of interpretation. All these topics were discussed in the workshop by the 62 participants (26 from the GDR and 36 from 13 other countries. Thanks go to David Malin, the chairman of the working group "Astropho tography" of the International Astronomical Union, for writing an introduc tory article for the proceedings. I am grateful to all participants who pre sented papers during the workshop for sending in their manuscripts on time. Poster papers are arranged among the other papers according to the topics they treat. All participants also wish to express their thanks to Springer Verlag for publishing the proceedings.
Astrophotography is Easy!: Basics for Beginners (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)
by Gregory I. RedfernThere are many books covering different facets of astrophotography, but few of them contain all the necessary steps for beginners in one accessible place. Astrophotography is Easy! fills that void, serving as a guide to anybody interested in the subject but starting totally from scratch. Assuming no prior experience, the author runs through the basics for how to take astrophotos using just a camera—including cell phones and tablets—as well as a telescope and more sophisticated equipment.The book includes proven techniques, checklists, safety guidelines, troubleshooting tips, and more. Each chapter builds upon the last, allowing readers to master basic techniques before moving on to more challenging material. Also included is a comprehensive list of additional books and resources on a variety of topics so readers can continue expanding their skills. Astrophotography Is Easy! doesn’t simply teach you the basic skills for becoming an astrophotographer: it provides you with the foundations you will need for a lifelong pursuit.
The Astrophotography Manual: A Practical and Scientific Approach to Deep Sky Imaging
by Chris WoodhouseThe Astrophotography Manual, Second Edition is for photographers ready to move beyond standard SLR cameras and editing software to create beautiful images of nebulas, galaxies, clusters, and the stars. Beginning with a brief astronomy primer, this book takes readers through the full astrophotography process, from choosing and using equipment to image capture, calibration, and processing. This combination of technical background and hands-on approach brings the science down to earth, with practical methods to ensure success. This second edition now includes: Over 170 pages of new content within 22 new chapters, with 600 full-color illustrations. Covers a wide range of hardware, including mobile devices, remote control and new technologies. Further insights into leading software, including automation, Sequence Generator Pro and PixInsight Ground-breaking practical chapters on hardware and software as well as alternative astrophotography pursuits
The Astrophotography Manual: A Practical and Scientific Approach to Deep Sky Imaging
by Chris WoodhouseThe Astrophotography Manual, Second Edition is for photographers ready to move beyond standard SLR cameras and editing software to create beautiful images of nebulas, galaxies, clusters, and the stars. Beginning with a brief astronomy primer, this book takes readers through the full astrophotography process, from choosing and using equipment to image capture, calibration, and processing. This combination of technical background and hands-on approach brings the science down to earth, with practical methods to ensure success. This second edition now includes: Over 170 pages of new content within 22 new chapters, with 600 full-color illustrations. Covers a wide range of hardware, including mobile devices, remote control and new technologies. Further insights into leading software, including automation, Sequence Generator Pro and PixInsight Ground-breaking practical chapters on hardware and software as well as alternative astrophotography pursuits
The Astrophotography Manual: A Practical Approach to Deep Sky Imaging
by Chris WoodhouseThe Astrophotography Manual's Third Edition is the most up to date and authoritative guide for enthusiasts who want to create beautiful images of nebulas, galaxies, clusters, and the stars with the latest professional tools and techniques. The book has been completely revised and, after a brief astronomy primer, it guides readers through the full astrophotography process, from choosing and using equipment to image capture, calibration, and processing. An extensive Assignment section at the end shows how several deep sky objects were captured and processed. Throughout the book, the Author’s combination of technical background and hands-on approach brings the science down to earth, with practical methods to ensure success. This latest edition is packed full of fresh images and ideas, using the latest hardware and software tools. Given its breadth, depth, and online resources, this book is ideal for those who wish to take their astrophotography to the next level.
The Astrophotography Manual: A Practical Approach to Deep Sky Imaging
by Chris WoodhouseThe Astrophotography Manual's Third Edition is the most up to date and authoritative guide for enthusiasts who want to create beautiful images of nebulas, galaxies, clusters, and the stars with the latest professional tools and techniques. The book has been completely revised and, after a brief astronomy primer, it guides readers through the full astrophotography process, from choosing and using equipment to image capture, calibration, and processing. An extensive Assignment section at the end shows how several deep sky objects were captured and processed. Throughout the book, the Author’s combination of technical background and hands-on approach brings the science down to earth, with practical methods to ensure success. This latest edition is packed full of fresh images and ideas, using the latest hardware and software tools. Given its breadth, depth, and online resources, this book is ideal for those who wish to take their astrophotography to the next level.
Astrophotography on the Go: Using Short Exposures with Light Mounts (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)
by Joseph AshleyNo longer are heavy, sturdy, expensive mounts and tripods required to photograph deep space. With today's advances in technology, all that is required is an entry-DSLR and an entry level GoTo telescope. Here is all of the information needed to start photographing the night sky without buying expensive tracking mounts. By using multiple short exposures and combining them with mostly ‘freeware’ computer programs, the effect of image rotation can be minimized to a point where it is undetectable in normal astrophotography, even for a deep-sky object such as a galaxy or nebula. All the processes, techniques, and equipment needed to use inexpensive, lightweight altazimuth and equatorial mounts and very short exposures photography to image deep space objects are explained, step-by-step, in full detail, supported by clear, easy to understand graphics and photographs.Currently available lightweight mounts and tripods are identified and examined from an economic versus capability perspective to help users determine what camera, telescope, and mount is the best fit for them. A similar analysis is presented for entry-level telescopes and mounts sold as bundled packages by the telescope manufacturers. This book lifts the veil of mystery from the creation of deep space photographs and makes astrophotography affordable and accessible to most amateur astronomers.
Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas: A Festschrift for Professor Sir Robert Wilson
by A. J. Willis T. W. Hartquist
Astrophysical Applications of Gravitational Lensing: Proceedings of the 173rd Symposium of the International Astronomical Union, Held in Melbourne, Australia, 9–14 July, 1995 (International Astronomical Union Symposia #173)
by C. S. Kochanek J. N. HewittEDWIN TURNER AND RACHEL WEBSTER Co-Chairs, Scientific Organizing Committee lAU Symposium 173, Astrophysical Applications of Gravitational Lenses, was held in Melbourne, Australia from July 9-14, 1995. The Symposium was sponsored by lAU Commissions 47 and 40. With the discovery by Walsh and collaborators of the first instance of a gravitational lens, the multiply imaged quasar 0957+561, the area of grav itational lensing moved from speculative theory to a major astrophysical tool. Since that time, there have been regular, approximately biennial in ternational meetings both in Europe and in North America, which have specifically focussed on gravitational lensing. On this occasion, with the blessing of the lA U, the meeting was held at the University of Melbourne in Australia. It was the first international astronomical meeting to be held at the University of Melbourne, and hope fully has given the astronomical community some enthusiasm for trekking half-way round the globe to Australia to discuss their latest work.
Astrophysical Black Holes (Lecture Notes in Physics #905)
by Francesco Haardt Vittorio Gorini Ugo Moschella Aldo Treves Monica ColpiBased on graduate school lectures in contemporary relativity and gravitational physics, this book gives a complete and unified picture of the present status of theoretical and observational properties of astrophysical black holes. The chapters are written by internationally recognized specialists. They cover general theoretical aspects of black hole astrophysics, the theory of accretion and ejection of gas and jets, stellar-sized black holes observed in the Milky Way, the formation and evolution of supermassive black holes in galactic centers and quasars as well as their influence on the dynamics in galactic nuclei. The final chapter addresses analytical relativity of black holes supporting theoretical understanding of the coalescence of black holes as well as being of great relevance in identifying gravitational wave signals.With its introductory chapters the book is aimed at advanced graduate and post-graduate students, but it will also be useful for specialists.