Review of astronomical photometry for graduate students, researchers and advanced amateurs in practical and observational astronomy.

The material given in this 'Introduction to astronomical photometry' is the subject matter of a lecture at the University of Geneva. It is, therefore, intended for those students, physicists or mathematicians, who have completed their bachelor's degree or diploma, and are intending to work for their Ph.D. in astronomy. We assume then the elementary ideas of astrophysics, magnitude, colour index, spectral classes, luminosity classes, gradient, atmospheric extinction are already known. The student may find it useful to re-read the work of Schatzman [1], Dufay [2] and Aller [254] before embarking upon the study of this 'Introduction to astronomical photometry'. It is not our aim in this book to deal with every aspect of stellar photometry. On the contrary, we shall restriet ourselves to looking at subjects ofwhich knowledge seems to us essential for someone who has to use photometrie quantities in his astronomical research. We are, therefore, keeping the interests of the photometrie measurements user partieularly in mind. We shall only discuss very superficially the technical prob lems and reduction methods for atmospheric extinction. These problems are dealt with very clearly in Astronomical Techniques [3]; the first by A. Lallemand, H. L.

Completely updated, this second Edition gives a broad review of astronomical photometry to provide an understanding of astrophysics from a data-based perspective. It explains the underlying principles of the instruments used, and the applications and inferences derived from measurements. Each chapter has been fully revised to account for the latest developments, including the uses of CCDs. Thoroughly illustrated, this book provides an overview and historical background of the subject before reviewing the main themes within astronomical photometry. The central chapters focus on the practical design of the instruments and methodology used. The book continues by discussing specialized topics in stellar astronomy, concentrating on the information that can be derived from the analysis of the light curves of variable stars and especially close binary systems. The new edition includes numerous bibliographic notes and a glossary of terms. It is ideal for graduate students, academic researchers and advanced amateurs interested in practical and observational astronomy. Book jacket.

This book will bring together experts in the field of astronomical photometry to discuss how their subfields provide the precision and accuracy in astronomical energy flux measurements that are needed to permit tests of astrophysical theories. Differential photometers and photometry, improvements in infrared precision, the improvements in precision and accuracy of CCD photometry, the absolute calibration of flux, the development of the Johnson UBVRI photometric system and other passband systems to measure and precisely classify specific types of stars and astrophysical quantities, and the current capabilities of spectrophotometry, and polarimetry to provide precise and accurate data, will all be discussed in this volume. The discussion of `differential’ or `two-star’ photometers will include those developed for planetary as well as stellar photometry and will range from the Princeton polarizing photometer through the pioneering work of Walraven to the differential photometers designed to measure the ashen light of Venus and to counter the effects of aurorae at high latitude sites; the last to be discussed will be the Rapid Alternate Detection System (RADS) developed at the University of Calgary in the 1980s.

How can you find new minor planets, comets and novae? How can you use photoelectric detectors to derive the temperatures of stars? And how can you predict future eclipses and occultations of stars by minor planets? The questions asked by serious amateur astronomers are answered in this authoritative and wide-ranging guide, first published in 1994. For each topic, sound practical methods of observation and the scientific background are given to lead you to better observations. Guidelines also show you how to record and catalogue your observations using the recognised professional terminology and classification schemes. From the simplest pencil drawings of the moon to observations of the most distant galaxies with state-of-the-art CCD cameras and photoelectric photometers, this guide is packed with practical tips for all types of amateur observations. It will develop the observational skills of the keen novice and satisfy the more demanding needs of the experienced amateur astronomer.

A clear and concise practical handbook on all aspects of infrared astronomy, for graduate students, researchers and keen amateurs.

Small and large telescopes are being installed all around the world. Astronomers have thus acquired better access to more modern equipment; not in the least to photometers, which are very important tools for the contemporary observer. This development of higher quality and more sensitive equipment makes it very necessary to improve the accuracy of the measurements. This guide helps the astronomer and astronomy student to improve the quality of their photometric measurements and to extract a maximum of information from their observations. The book is based on the authors' observing experience, spending numerious nights behind various instruments at many different observatories.

Handbook of Optical Metrology: Principles and Applications begins by discussing key principles and techniques before exploring practical applications of optical metrology. Designed to provide beginners with an introduction to optical metrology without sacrificing academic rigor, this comprehensive text: Covers fundamentals of light sources, lenses, prisms, and mirrors, as well as optoelectronic sensors, optical devices, and optomechanical elements Addresses interferometry, holography, and speckle methods and applications Explains Moiré metrology and the optical heterodyne measurement method Delves into the specifics of diffraction, scattering, polarization, and near-field optics Considers applications for measuring length and size, displacement, straightness and parallelism, flatness, and three-dimensional shapes This new Second Edition is fully revised to reflect the latest developments. It also includes four new chapters—nearly 100 pages—on optical coherence tomography for industrial applications, interference microscopy for surface structure analysis, noncontact dimensional and profile metrology by video measurement, and optical metrology in manufacturing technology.

A one-stop guide to astronomical instrumentation and data acquisition, with a focus on the underlying principles behind each instrument's operation.