Written by an experienced teacher and author, this must-have source for work with polarimetric equipment and polarimetry in astronomy conveys the knowledge of the technology and techniques needed to measure and interpret polarizations. As such, this monograph offers a brief introduction and refresher, while also covering in detail statistics and data treatment as well as telescope optics. For astronomers, physicists and those working in the optical industry.

A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art techniques, models and research methods in modern astronomical polarimetry.

concert at Dinkelspiel Auditorium 'An Evening of Songs and Arias' hosted by Dr Kip Cranna of San Francisco Opera, produced and directed by Elizabeth Tucker, and featuring soprano Ellie Holt Murray, mezzo-soprano Marsha Sims; tenor Richard Walker, and baritone David Taft Kekuewa, with piano accompaniment by Mark Haffner, staff coach for San Francisco Opera. Two scientific themes clearly emerged from this conference: (1) the key to progress in flare research lies in a multispectral approach with as much temporal resolution as the photon fluxes allow; and (2) the key to understanding the physics lies in a dynamic interaction between solar and stellar investigations and investigators. During the eight sessions solar and stellar topics were balanced and intermixed in 33 invited and oral presentations. We are particularly pleased that these proceedings will be the springboard to publication of solar-stellar articles in the journal Solar Physics. In addition, 115 very exciting posters were also displayed and a companion volume containing many of these is available as a publication of the Catania Astrophysical Observatory. We dedicate this book to the Solar Maximum Mission and to the Flare Star Consor tium. To all our solar-stellar friends and colleagues: 'Thank you!' BERNHARD M. HAISCH and MARCELLO RODONO 28 March. 1989 AN OVERVIEW OF SOLAR AND STELLAR FLARE RESEARCH BERNHARD M. HAlSCH Div. 91-30. Bldg. 255. Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory. 3251 Hanover St .• Palo Alto. CA 94304. U.S.A.

In the last few years great improvements in the study of stellar jets and bipolar outflows have been achieved, both observationally and theoretically. High resolution observations at various frequencies (radio, IR, optical and X-ray) of these features in different types of objects have shown a large variety of morphologies at all scales often revealing contrasting symmetries which do not allow straightforward kinematic interpretations valid for all cases. In particular, at present, it seems very difficult to give a statistical definition of what the "standard properties" of jets and bipolar outflows are. On the theoretical side, the identification of physical processes capable of producing the observed rich morphological variety of jets and bipolar outflows and supporting them over long lifetimes is still controversial. Furthermore several models are actively discussed in an attempt of reaching a complete understanding of the phenomenon. The workshop provided an unique opportunity for both observers and theoreticians to gather together and produce an updated and exhaustive picture of the field. In addition the meeting has been enriched by the presentation of some works on jets in external galaxies. This topic was focused on what people working on stellar jets could learn from colleagues working on extragalactic jets and vice versa. Invited papers were prepared with the aim of giving the state of the art about scientific subjects; contributed papers and some selected poster papers presented, on the contrary, very recent results in the various fields.

Analyses of photometric time series obtained from the MOST, CoRoT and Kepler space missions were presented at the 20th conference on Stellar Pulsations (Granada, September 2011). These results are leading to a re-appraisal of our views on stellar pulsation in some stars and posing some new and unexpected challenges. The very important and exciting role played by innovative ground-based observational techniques, such as interferometric measurements of giant pulsating stars and high-resolution spectroscopy in the near infrared, is also discussed. These Proceedings are distinguished by the format of the conference, which brings together a variety of related but different topics not found in other meetings of this nature.

The term proto-planetary nebulae (PPNe) in the context of the late stages of stellar evolution was created only slightly more than 20 years ago to express the belief that in the near future these objects will become planetary nebulae (PNe). The first proto-planetary nebulae (called also post-Asymptotic Giant Branch, or shortly post-AGB objects) AFGL 2688 and AFGL 618 were discovered in mid seventies in course of the Air Force Sky Survey. Investigation of this phase of stellar evolution developed very rapidly in 1980's after the IRAS mission when it became clear that proto-planetary nebulae emit a significant part of their energy in the mid-and far-infrared. Hundreds of new candidates have been proposed but the recognition of the real proto-planetary nebulae is not a simple task and needs a substantial effort to exclude cases that represent different evolutionary stages. High resolution spectroscopy of stellar atmospheres is of much importance in this respect. Surprisingly, only a small group of central stars, the so called 21 11m emitters, show chemical signatures of the 3 rd dredge up process. Very recently, a more detailed studies of mid-infrared spectra from the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) allow for a better understanding of chemical composition and evolution of circumstellar material around these stars. A new impetus in the field of proto-planetary nebulae research was started in the 1990's with high spatial resolution imaging in mid-infrared and optical wavelength ranges.

As the need for accurate and non-invasive optical characterization and diagnostic techniques is rapidly increasing, it is imperative to find improved ways of extracting the additional information contained within the measured parameters of the scattered light. This is the first specialized monograph on photopolarimetry, a rapidly developing, multidisciplinary topic with numerous military, ecological remote-sensing, astrophysical, biomedical, and technological applications. The main objective is to describe and discuss techniques developed in various disciplines to acquire useful information from the polarization signal of scattered electromagnetic waves. It focuses on the state-of-the-art in polarimetric detection, characterization, and remote sensing, including military and environmental monitoring as well as terrestrial, atmospheric, and biomedical characterization. The book identifies polarimetric techniques that have been especially successful for various applications as well as the future needs of the various research communities. The monograph is intended to facilitate cross-pollination of ideas and thereby improve research efficiency and help advance the field of polarimetry into the future. The book is thoroughly interdisciplinary and contains only invited review chapters written by leading experts in the respective fields. It will be useful to science professionals, engineers, and graduate students working in a broad range of disciplines: optics, electromagnetics, atmospheric radiation and remote sensing, radar meteorology, oceanography, climate research, astrophysics, optical engineering and technology, particle characterization, and biomedical optics.

Sensors and Their Applications VIII provides a valuable forum for individuals from all over the world working in all areas of sensors to meet and discuss the developments and applications of transducers and sensor systems. The strength of the sensor community in the UK reinforces the importance of this volume as a valuable reference for all workers in the field.