Computer Graphics in Historical and Modern Sky Observations: Graphical Analysis, Visualisation, Modelling, and Image Processing

In this book, modern science, computer graphics, meets one of the oldest scientific activities: observing the sky. The author starts with two topics where methods of computer graphics can be applied for reseach in the history of astronomy. Visualisation and virtual reconstruction are applied for the analysis and demonstration of the astronomical orientation of a certain class of Neolithic building structures. Then, the iconic astronomical instrument of the Middle Ages, the astrolabe, is presented using methods of procedural modelling. An extensive survey of papers from the domains of computer graphics and atmosphere physics presents a wide overview of computer graphics models for representing the sky dome. The currently most widely used clear sky model is then compared against luminance measurements of typical clear sky conditions, revealing several shortcomings of this current model. The final part describes a calibrated all-sky high dynamic range imaging system for capturing and analysis of day and night sky brightness. The book is intended for computer graphics practitioners looking for examples of interdisciplinary applications, as well as for astronomy popularizers.

Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Georg Zotti, Bakk.rer.nat.: Diploma and PhD studies of computer sciences at Vienna University of Technology; Bachelor studies of astronomy at Vienna University. His interests include archaeo- and ethno-astronomy and the history of astronomy, and the application of computer graphics in these fields.