This book on astronomical measurement takes a fresh approach to teaching the subject. After discussing some general principles, it follows the chain of measurement through atmosphere, imaging, detection, spectroscopy, timing, and hypothesis testing. The various wavelength regimes are covered in each section, emphasising what is the same, and what is different. The author concentrates on the physics of detection and the principles of measurement, aiming to make this logically coherent.
The book is based on a short self contained lecture course for advanced undergraduate students developed and taught by the author over several years.
The book is based on a short self contained lecture course for advanced undergraduate students developed and taught by the author over several years.
From the book reviews:
"In Astronomical Measurement: A Concise Guide, Andy Lawrence ... provides a delightfully comprehensive summary of the essential information the budding observational astronomer needs to know. ... It is aimed at the advanced undergraduate and the beginning graduate student, but it can also serve as an engaging refresher for the working astronomer who wants to venture into a new wavelength regime." (Kimberly Weaver, Physics Today, December, 2014)
"In Astronomical Measurement: A Concise Guide, Andy Lawrence ... provides a delightfully comprehensive summary of the essential information the budding observational astronomer needs to know. ... It is aimed at the advanced undergraduate and the beginning graduate student, but it can also serve as an engaging refresher for the working astronomer who wants to venture into a new wavelength regime." (Kimberly Weaver, Physics Today, December, 2014)