4th Edition

Astronomy Principles and Practice, Fourth Edition (PBK)

By A.E. Roy, D. Clarke Copyright 2003
    500 Pages
    by CRC Press

    500 Pages
    by CRC Press

    Despite remarkable advances in astronomy, space research, and related technology since the first edition of this book was published, the philosophy of the prior editions has remained the same throughout. However, because of this progress, there is a need to update the information and present the new findings. In the fourth edition of Astronomy: Principles and Practice, much like the previous editions, the celebrated authors give a comprehensive and systematic treatment to the theories of astronomy.

    This reference furthers your study of astronomy by presenting the basic software and hardware, providing several straightforward mathematical tools, and discussing some simple physical processes that are either involved in the astronomer's tools of trade or concerned in the mechanisms associated with astronomical bodies. The first six chapters introduce the simple observations that can be made by the eye as well as discuss how such observations were interpreted by previous civilizations. The next several chapters examine the interpretation of positional measurements and the basic principles of celestial mechanics. The authors then explore radiation, optical telescopes, and radio and high-energy technologies. They conclude with practical projects and exercises.

    Features New to the Fourth Edition:

  • Revised values such as the obliquity of the ecliptic
  • Expanded material that is devoted to new astronomies and techniques such as optical data recording
  • A listing of Web sites that offer information on relevant astronomical events

    Revised and expanded, this edition continues to offer vital information about the fundamentals of astronomy. Astronomy: Principles and Practice, Fourth Edition satisfies the need of anyone who has a strong desire to understand the philosophy and applications of the science of astronomy.
  • PART 1: INTRODUCTION
    Naked Eye Observations
    Ancient World Models
    Observations Made by Instruments
    The Nature of the Observables
    The Astronomer's Measurements
    The Night Sky
    PART 2: THE CELESTIAL SPHERE AND ELEMENTARY CELESTIAL MECHANICS
    The Geometry of the Sphere
    The Celestial Sphere: Coordinate Systems
    The Celestial Sphere: Timekeeping Systems
    The Reduction of Positional Observations: I
    The Reduction of Positional Observations: II
    Geocentric Planetary Phenomena
    Celestial Mechanics: The Two-Body Problem
    Celestial Mechanics: The Many-Body Problem
    PART 3: OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUES
    The Radiation Laws
    The Optics of Telescope Collectors
    Visual Use of Telescopes
    Detectors for Optical Telescopes
    Astronomical Optical Measurements
    Modern Telescopes and Other Optical Systems
    Radio Telescopes
    Telescope Mountings
    High Energy Instruments and Other Detectors
    PART 4: EXPERIMENTAL WORK
    Practical Projects
    WEB SITES
    APPENDICES
    BIBLIOGRAPHY
    ANSWERS TO PROBLEMS
    INDEX

    Biography

    A.E. Roy

    "…The book is well organized and conveniently divided into four sections. … A feature of the text which I found particularly appealing was the almost conversational style in which it is written, … making it riveting reading. Another aspect which was striking was the manner in which the authors very successfully integrated historical and factual information. … the book provides first-year students with a solid basis on which to continue studies in astronomy or physics."
    -Physical Sciences Educational Reviews, Vol. 7, Issue 1, June 2006

    "… the strengths of the old version have been retained … and the book has been brought up to date with, for example, the sections on CCDs and modern telescopes."
    - Vik Dhillon, Sheffield University, UK

    "Members will find themselves returning to it again and again for help with those really searching questions. A book worth considering."
    - Jeffrey Barham, Popular Astronomy