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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000010141914 | QB61 O27 2004 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
Observing the Universe introduces a range of techniques and skills that will be useful for those wishing to undertake observational work in astronomy and planetary science. Observations have played, and continue to play, a crucial role in developing our understanding of the Universe, and the best way to get a feel for the role of observations is to do some. This comprehensive guide provides a sound basis for tackling astronomy and planetary science observations. It concentrates on generic aspects of observations, including the principles of telescopes and detectors, photometry and spectroscopy, microscopy techniques for analysing samples, teamwork skills, planning for a session at an observatory, keeping records of what you do, estimating uncertainties in measurements, analysing data numerically and graphically, and producing a written report. Including self-assessment questions with full solutions, this self-contained guide is suitable for undergraduate students of astronomy and planetary science, and serious amateur astronomers.
Author Notes
W. Alan Cooper The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Ian A. Franchi The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Stuart M. Freake The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Simon F. Green The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Carole A. Haswell The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Barrie W. Jones The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Ulrich C. Kolb The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
T.J. Lowry McComb Durham University, UK
Andrew J. Norton The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
David A. Rothery The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Sean G. Ryan The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Table of Contents
| 1 Introduction |
| Part I Techniques |
| 2 The night sky - positional astronomy |
| 3 Telescopes |
| 4 Spectrographs |
| 5 Astronomical detectors |
| 6 Reducing CCD data |
| 7 Photometry |
| 8 Spectroscopy |
| 9 Microscopes and microscopy techniques |
| 10 Interpreting images of planetary surfaces |
| Part II Skills |
| 11 Team working |
| 12 Preparing for practical work in astronomy and planetary science |
| 13 Keeping records |
| 14 Experimental uncertainties |
| 15 Analysing experimental data |
| 16 Making use of graphs |
| 17 Using calculators and computers |
| 18 Communicating your results |
