Astrometry for Astrophysics: Methods, Models, and Applications

Edited by William F. van Altena

ISBN 10: 0521519209 / ISBN 13: 9780521519205

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2012

About this Item

Unifying work by a broad range of experts in the field, this is the most complete textbook on observational astrometry. Editor(s): van Altena, William F. Num Pages: 428 pages, 74 b/w illus. 18 tables. BIC Classification: PGC. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 251 x 195 x 22. Weight in Grams: 1098. . 2012. Illustrated. hardcover. . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9780521519205

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Astrometry for Astrophysics: Methods, Models, and Applications
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521519209
• ISBN 13: 9780521519205
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The field of astrometry, the precise measurement of the positions, distances and motions of astronomical objects, has been revolutionized in recent years. As we enter the high-precision era, it will play an increasingly important role in all areas of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. This edited text starts by looking at the opportunities and challenges facing astrometry in the twenty-first century, from space and ground. The new formalisms of relativity required to take advantage of micro-arcsecond astrometry are then discussed, before the reader is guided through the basic methods required to transform our observations from detected photons to the celestial sphere. The final section of the text shows how a variety of astronomical problems can be solved using astrometric methods. Bringing together work from a broad range of experts in the field, this is the most complete textbook on observational astrometry and is ideal for graduate students and researchers alike.

About the Author

William van Altena is Professor Emeritus in the Astronomy Department, Yale University, and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in introductory astronomy, astronomical observing and astrometry for over 40 years. He served as Director of the Yerkes Observatory, Chair of the Yale Astronomy Department and was Team Leader for the Hubble Space Telescope's Astrometry Instrument Definition Team and a member of the HST Astrometry Science Team. His current research involves studies of the kinematical structure of the Milky Way in the Southern Hemisphere, binary stars and the use of high technology cameras to study galaxy remnants that are merging with the Milky Way.