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  • © 2020

An Introduction to Observational Astrophysics

Authors:

  • Covers all aspects of observational astrophysics for undergraduate students
  • Contains tested practicals to help students hone their skills
  • Includes expanded sections that cover the latest research and technology in the field

Part of the book series: Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics (ULNP)

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Table of contents (16 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xviii
  2. Introduction

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 1-7
  3. The Nature of Light

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 9-22
  4. The Telescope

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 23-43
  5. Time

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 45-51
  6. Spheres and Coordinates

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 53-61
  7. Catalogues and Constellations

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 63-74
  8. The Astronomical Detector

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 75-101
  9. Imaging

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 103-133
  10. Image Reduction and Processing

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 135-144
  11. Photometry

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 145-159
  12. Errors

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 161-167
  13. High-Precision Differential Photometry

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 169-181
  14. Solar Astronomy

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 183-196
  15. Spectrography

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 197-204
  16. Radio Astronomy

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 205-216
  17. Astrometry

    • Mark Gallaway
    Pages 217-221
  18. Back Matter

    Pages 223-236

About this book

The observational component of astronomy is an exciting and vital part of any astrophysics degree. With the advent of low-cost astronomical cameras and remote and robotic operation, more students than ever have the opportunity to observe and perform observatory research. 


This updated and fully corrected textbook provides a comprehensive overview of practical observing techniques for undergraduate astrophysics courses. The chapters introduce students to the basics of the field before delving into telescope types, the nature and operation of the astronomical camera, imaging techniques and reduction, photometry and spectrography, and solar and radio observations.

The second edition covers the latest research on calibrating the telescope-camera-observatory system. It contains revised information on all available astronomy equipment, including filters, webcams, sensors, and telescope designs. Also included is an entirely new chapter on exoplanet transit measurements. The textbook’s practical approach will guide readers from basic first-year techniques to those required for a final-year project.


Reviews

“It is excellent, and its breadth of coverage is laudable. I would recommend it to undergraduate students and amateur astronomers … .” (John Southworth, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1282), June, 2021)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Hockley, UK

    Mark Gallaway

About the author

Dr. Mark Gallaway holds an undergraduate honors degree in Physical Science from the Open University and a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Hertfordshire, UK (one of the largest astrophysics research groups in the UK). He has taught observational astrophysics at the University of Hertfordshire’s Bayfordbury Observatory (the largest such observatory in the UK and one of the largest robotic observatories in Europe) for three years, continuing to do so after he became the Observatory Manager in 2011.

During his current tenure Dr. Gallaway has overseen both a large increase in student numbers and a refocusing of the observatory to one of the UK’s leading small telescope research facilities. He is currently the PI of the Bayfordbury Supernova Search program, the Bayfordbury SuperWasp CV (Cataclysmic Variable) Follow-up program and the Bayfordbury NEO (Near Earth Object) Search. Dr. Gallaway is also a lead member of the M-Dwarf transit survey.

He regularly appears onthe BBC and other UK national broadcasters both as an expert. Furthermore, Dr. Gallaway has consulted on a number of general science programs in including the BBC documentary  “How Satellites Rule Our Lives” and the series “How dangerous is….?”

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access