3D Astronomy with Java : An Introduction to Computer Graphics

Randall S. Fairman

ISBN 10: 094339693X / ISBN 13: 9780943396934

Published by Willmann-Bell, Inc., 2010

About this Item

A copy that has been read, remains in good condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine and cover show signs of wear. Pages can include notes and highlighting and show signs of wear, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels or previous owner inscriptions. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item! Ships via media mail.

Seller Inventory # OTV.094339693X.G

Bibliographic Details

• Title: 3D Astronomy with Java : An Introduction to Computer Graphics
• Publisher: Willmann-Bell, Inc.
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 094339693X
• ISBN 13: 9780943396934
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

Astronomy is best learned by doing and this book provides the tools. Ideas like anomaly, astronomical coordinate systems, nutation, precession and the many methods of measuring time are key to understanding positional astronomy. These concepts are discussed from first principles with detailed explanations and derivations of their interrelations. Simultaneous with the development of ideas from astronomy, the reader is introducted to the foundations of three-dimensional computer graphics using the Java programming language. Java is a high-level language, which is free for Macintosh, Windows and Linux users; the programs found here will run equally well on any of these platforms. As each concept from astronomy is introduced, the reader is guided through the development of computer programs that demonstrate thephenomenta visually. As the toolset grows, data from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is introduced and explained. This data provides very precise position data for the planets over a period of roughly 6,000 years. Star data is also provided, based on the Tycho-2 Catalogue. The capstone is the development of a computerized planetarium which animates the view of the sky from any position on the earth's surface.