Observational Astronomy Techniques and Instrumentation

Astronomy is fundamentally an observational science and as such it is important for astronomers and astrophysicists to understand how their data are collected and analyzed. This book is a comprehensive review of current observational techniques and instruments. Featuring instruments such as Spitzer, Herschel, Fermi, ALMA, Super-Kamiokande, SNO, IceCube, the Auger Observatory, LIGO and LISA, the book discusses the capabilities and limitations of different types of instruments. It explores the sources and types of noise and provides statistical tools necessary for interpreting observational data. Due to the increasingly important role of statistical analysis, the techniques of Bayesian analysis are discussed, along with sampling techniques and model comparison. With topics ranging from fundamental subjects such as optics, photometry and spectroscopy, to neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves, this book is essential for graduate students in astronomy and physics. Electronic and colour versions of selected figures are available online at www. cambridge.org/9781107010468.

1. Astrophysical information; 2. Photometry; 3. Positional astronomy; 4. Fourier transforms; 5. Detection systems; 6. Orthodox statistics; 7. Stochastic processes and noise; 8. Optics; 9. Interference; 10. Spectroscopy; 11. UV, X-ray, and gamma-ray astronomy; 12. Radio receivers, spectrometers, and interferometers; 13. Modern statistical methods; 14. Neutrino detectors; 15. Cosmic ray detectors; 16. Gravitational waves; 17. Polarimetry; Index.

Ideal for graduate students, this book provides a solid grounding in observational astronomy. The topics covered are accessible to theoreticians and observers alike, ranging from fundamental subjects, to diverse topics such as neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves. Combined, they provide a thorough introduction to modern observational techniques and instruments.

Edmund C. Sutton is Associate Professor in the Astronomy Department at the University of Illinois. His research has been primarily in infrared and sub-millimeter astronomy with an emphasis on instrumentation.