Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
An introductory textbook on spherical and positional astronomy, entirely suitable for use by students with no prior knowledge of classical astronomy, sufficiently comprehensive to make it a useful background reference book for anyone engaged in practical astronomy. Worked examples and problems ensure that this is a valuable textbook.
Synopsis
This introductory textbook assumes no prior knowledge of classical astronomy but is sufficiently comprehensive to be useful as a background reference work. It provides the essential background on mathematical technique and coordinate systems and discusses in detail, refraction, aberration, stellar parallax, precession, nutation and proper motion.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1. Basic formulae; 2. The celestial sphere; 3. The reference frame; 4. Geocentric coordinates; 5. Direct measurements of right ascension and declination; 6. Two-body orbital motion; 7. Planetary and satellite orbits; 8. Heliocentric and barycentric coordinates; 9. Precession and nutation; 10. Time; 11. Proper motion and radical velocity; 12. Mean and apparent coordinates; 13. Astrographic plate measurements; 14. Stellar distances and movements; 15. Elements of radio astronomy; 16. Radio astronomy; 17. Planetary phenomena and surface coordinates; 18. Eclipses and occultations; 19. Binary stars; Appendices; References; Index.