An Introduction to Radio Astronomy - Hardcover

Burke, Bernard F.; Graham-Smith, Francis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052187808X ISBN 13: 9780521878081

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Written by two prominent figures in radio astronomy, this well-established, graduate-level textbook is a thorough introduction to radio telescopes and techniques. It is an invaluable overview for students and researchers turning to radio astronomy for the first time. The first half of the book describes how radio telescopes work - from basic antennas and single aperture dishes through to full aperture-synthesis arrays. It includes reference material on the fundamentals of astrophysics and observing techniques. The second half of the book reviews radio observations of our galaxy, stars, pulsars, radio galaxies, quasars, and the cosmic microwave background. This third edition describes the applications of fundamental techniques to newly developing radio telescopes, including ATA, LOFAR, MWA, SKA, and ALMA, which all require an understanding of aspects specific to radio astronomy. Two entirely new chapters now cover cosmology, from the fundamental concepts to the most recent results of WMAP.

About this title

Review:

From a previous edition: 'Written by two of the world's leading radio astronomers ... If you are looking for an up-to-date review of radio astronomy, from the telescopes and techniques to the fabulous wonders of the Universe they reveal, then this is the book for you.' Geoff Macdonald, Astronomy Now

'The authors are to be praised ... a comprehensive overview of the impact of radio astronomy on astrophysics.' Paul Hewett, Endeavour

'... an excellent graduate-level text - the best available by far. It is also the best reference book for the practising astronomer who wants to do radio astronomy properly ...' Carl Heiles, Physics Today

'... written by two of the world's leading radio astronomers, it provides a comprehensive review of the subject, both in terms of the instruments and techniques employed and the knowledge of the Universe that is revealed by them ... It must be stressed, however, that this is a graduate text book and thus employs a high level of mathematics throughout - perfect for its intended reader ... there is no doubt that a keen reader could ignore the mathematics and still get a very good feel of how our understanding of the Universe has been greatly enhanced by this exciting branch of astronomy.' Astronomy Now

Book Description:

Written by two prominent figures in radio astronomy, this well-established, graduate-level textbook is a thorough introduction to radio telescopes and techniques for students and researchers new to the subject. This third edition describes applications of fundamental techniques to newly developing radio telescopes, and includes two new chapters on cosmology.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 052187808X
• ISBN 13: 9780521878081
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 458