Observational astrophysics

This is the updated, widely revised, restructured and expanded third edition of Léna et al.'s successful work Observational Astrophysics. It presents a synthesis on tools and methods of observational astrophysics of the early 21st century. Written specifically for astrophysicists and graduate students, this textbook focuses on fundamental and sometimes practical limitations on the ultimate performance that an astronomical system may reach, rather than presenting particular systems in detail. In little more than a decade there has been extraordinary progress in imaging and detection technologies in the fields of adaptive optics, optical interferometry, in the sub-millimetre waveband, observation of neutrinos, discovery of exoplanets, to name but a few examples. The workdeals with ground-based and space-based astronomy and their respective fields. And it also presents the ambitious concepts behind space missions aimed for the next decades. Avoiding particulars, it covers the whole of the electromagnetic spectrum, and provides an introduction to the new forms of astronomy becoming possible with gravitational waves and neutrinos. It also treats numericalaspects of observational astrophysics: signal processing, astronomical databases and virtual observatories. Enlarged and revised 3rd edition of a successful adopted textbook. With a clear part and chapter structure for easier access for students. Covers observational astrophysics over the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Touches upon new and future windows of astronomy: neutrinos and gravitational waves. Offers basics of signal processing, beneficial use of astronomical databases and virtual observatories INDICE: Part I Foundations. 1 Astrophysical Information. 2 The Earth Atmosphere and Space. 3 Radiation and Photometry. 4 Space–Time Reference Frames. Part II Data Collection. 5 Telescopes and Images. 6 Diffraction and Image Formation. 7 Detectors. 8 Spectral Analysis. Part III Data Analysis. 9 The Signal inAstronomy. 10 Sky Surveys and Virtual Observatories. A Fourier Transforms. B Random Processes and Variables. C Physical and Astronomical Constants. D Tables of Space Missions. E Webography. F Acronyms. Bibliography. Index.

• ISBN: 978-3-642-21814-9
• Editorial: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 740
• Fecha Publicación: 30/09/2011
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés