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Stelllar Spectral Classification
This book has been needed in the field for a long time because of the advances made in the last 20 years.The authors have been clear, concise and very readable. ... Read more

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A personal account of the evolution of millimeter-wave astronomy at the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The author recounts the behind-the-scenes activities of the staff from the beginnings at Kitt Peak to the closing of the Tuscon offices.

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Good read for certain people
Covers by anecdote the events, decisions made during the formation of NRAO's Tucson operation - just like the title says.Nontechnical, but does use jargon that might not make sense to those not already familiar with electronics and astronomy.Informal writing style.There are photographs, clear enough though not spectacular, in grayscale only. There are few facts (budgets, technical specs, etc) but does tell names of participants of meetings and events.

Each chapter covers some aspect of running the operation - getting reliable electricity, creating software to run the dish, etc. Things are not told strictly chronologically, as each topic is followed through time before picking up another topic in the next chapter.This could lead to a bit of confusion if you read this book in an on-and-off manner.Some chapters are very short, just a few pages.

It's all a juicy read for anyone already interested in radio astronomy, histor of the NRAO and NSF, and the administration of scientific facilities.It isn't the most enlightening book on the culture of scientists.Good pleasure read for professional and those exploring careers. I'm starting a job soon at NRAO at another location, so have a close interest in stories in this book.If you're interested in learning the physics of radio astronomy, or the engineering of the dishes, there are other books of more utility. ... Read more

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This is the first book to look in detail at amateur astronomy in Victorian Britain. It deals with the technical issues that were active in Victorian astronomy, and reviews the problems of finance, patronage and the dissemination of scientific ideas. It also examines the relationship between the amateur and professional in Britain. It contains a wealth of previously unpublished biographical and anecdotal material, and an extended bibliography with notes incorporating much new scholarship. In The Victorian Amateur Astronomer, Allan Chapman shows that while on the continent astronomical research was lavishly supported by the state, in Britain such research was paid for out of the pockets of highly educated, wealthy gentlemen — the so-called ‘Grand Amateurs. It was these powerful individuals who commissioned the telescopes, built the observatories, ran the learned societies, and often stole discoveries from their state-employed colleagues abroad. In addition to the ‘Grand Amateurs, Victorian Britain also contained many self-taught amateurs. Although they belonged to no learned societies, these people provide a barometer of the popularity of astronomy in that age. In the late 19th century, the comfortable middle classes — clergymen, lawyers, physicians and retired military officers — took to astronomy as a serious hobby. They formed societies which focused on observation, lectures and discussions, and it was through this medium that women first came to play a significant role in British astronomy. Readership: Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying the history of science or humanities, professional historians of science, engineering and technology, particularly those with an interest in astronomy, the development of astronomical ideas, scientific instrument makers, and amateur astronomers. ... Read more

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How Space Exploration began at the Amateur Level!
This book lays out in some detail the contributions of early amateur astonomers. This book is an excellent source for information on a very interesting subject that almost every can enjoy because of its shear excitment. It is like the gold rush in America where everyone made an attempt at fame. This book digs deep aiming at the bottom of the iceberg where often most research looks only at the tip of the iceberg. You come to understand exactly the situation faced by "earlier eyes". It is a wonderful book on a subject that draws you closer by its clear presentation and well defined thought. It is a true testament to a modern genius and rennassiance man...

Enjoy!! ... Read more

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This second edition has been entirely restructured and almost doubled in size, in order to improve clarity and account for the great progress achieved in the field over the last 15 years.
"This is not a handbook for observers. It is a broader reference for students, active researchers, and anyone who wants a detailed look at the tools of modern astronomy..." -PHYSICS TODAY ... Read more

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takes you to the frontiers
Astronomy is going through exciting times, as new and better instrumentation and methods gives us greater insight into the universe. This book helps explain what some of the advances are. It gives basic material about radiation, photometry and the like. There is an important explanation of how the atmosphere has traditionally limited the resolution of images (at least in the visible spectrum) due to turbulence. Which leads the book into some of the attractions of space-based telescopes.

But the book also goes into how ground based telescopes are overcoming the atmospheric barrier. Using adaptive optics in "smart" telescopes. This lets them cancel out the effects of turbulence, on the time scale of that turbulence. Very impressive. We can push to the instrinsic limits of the optics.

The book takes you to the frontiers of modern astronomy. ... Read more

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The highly acclaimed first edition of High Energy Astrophysics instantly established itself as a classic in the teaching of contemporary astronomy. Reflecting the immense interest and developments in the subject, Professor Longair has developed the second edition into three texts; in this second volume he provides a comprehensive discussion of the high energy astrophysics of stars, the Galaxy and the interstellar medium. He develops an understanding for the essential physics with an elegance and infectious enthusiasm for which his teaching is internationally renowned, illustrating the issues throughout with results from the forefront of research. This book takes the student with an undergraduate background inphysics and mathematics--but not necessarily with training in astronomy--to the point where current astrophysical research can be understood. ... Read more

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Good book, but outdated 14 years later
We used this book for a graduate course on High Energy Astrophysics.As I recall, there were a fair number of mistakes (like "Fermi's Exclusion Principle"), but overall I found it quite informative.However, modern astrophysics is rapidly changing, and you should not spend money on a book that is so out dated on many topics.Buy something new and borrow this one from the library if you get the urge.

One of the best books about Cosmic Rays Astrophysics
The two volumes of "High Energy Astrophysics" by M.S. Longair are amongst my favourite books: I read them several times and every time I found interesting hints for my work.I'm waiting for the third volume for 3 years, but it's still missing from the bookshelf...
The first volume ("Particles, Photons and Their Detection") focuses on the interactions between high energy particles and matter, in order to help the reader to understand how detectors work.The theoretical approach is deep enough not to hide the "dirty" steps of the calculations, and some subsection requires good mathematical skills (well, not as much as for Russian books ;-).
The second volume ("Stars, the Galaxy and Interstellar Medium") focuses on the Physics of cosmic rays (CR) while they run through the Galaxy.The author takes the occasion to explain several very exciting items, from the proposed mechanisms of CR acceleration and high energy photons emission, to the diffusion through the interstellar medium and the Solar wind, untill the CR reach the Earth.Special emphasis is given to open problems -- only very few of them were solved in the meantime (Nov. 2001).
The 2 volumes are well suited for advanced students in Physics or Astronomy, and are a good reference for researchers. ... Read more

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This is a modern treatment of the physics of the stars. The book starts with a chapter on stellar fundamentals, and then the story of the lives and deaths of the stars begins. The authors take us on a journey from the sun, a comparatively young star, to supernovae, manifestations of dramatic death. On the way, the reader, advanced undergraduate or beginning postgraduate, is presented with such topics as stellar evolution, mass loss and stellar wind, the hydrodynamics of stellar interiors, variability, and solar and stellar activity. This comprehensive but rigorous text, building on the theoretical and observational advances of recent years, including, for instance, a discussion of astrophysical theory in the light of Supernova 1987A, will become required reading for all serious students of astronomy. ... Read more

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The question of a possible temporal variation of the fundamental constants was raised by Paul Dirac in his "large number hypothesis" in 1937. Today it appears in the context of the search for a unified theory of the fundamental interactions. It touches both fundamental and applied physics, as the postulate of the unalterability of the constants is the foundation for modern metrology. The book presents reviews written by leading experts in the field. Focussing on the question of variations of the fundamental "constants" in time or space, the chapters cover the theoretical framework in which variations are expected and the search for variations of quantities like the fine-structure constant, the electron/proton mass ratio, g-factors of proton and neutron etc. in astrophysical and geophysical observations and in precision experiments with atomic clocks and frequency standards.

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The subject areas of astronomy and astrophysics have grown tremendously during the last few decades. New developments in radio astronomy and recent data retrieved from NASA s Hubble Space Telescope have resulted in many discoveries and created new interest in the study of the universe. Using four-color throughout, Astronomy & Astrophysics describes the different techniques and instruments employed in the study of the universe and the results obtained with discussion on both theory and observation. The book begins by building the fundamental concepts, theories of creation of the universe, formation of stars and galaxies, mysterious objects of the sky etc. Simultaneously it elaborates the instrumentation and observational schemes in both radio and optical. Finally, the current and future scopes of radio astronomy, new instrumental developments and supporting instrumentations like radio frequency interference monitoring setup and analysis have been explained in details which are rarely found in other texts. A CD-ROM with color figures and simulations accompanies the book. FEATURES Uses spectacular four-color photos throughout the book. Includes several chapters on radio astronomy and covers additional equipment for supporting radio astronomy like spectrum monitoring & data analysis, and some new instrumental developments for broadening the spectrum of the radio telescopes. Covers minor planets, the Big-Bang theory, black holes, the Einstein effect, and more. Accompanied by a CD-ROM containing simulations, color figures, and more. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Astronomical Universe & Basic Techniques of Radio Astronomy. 2. The Solar System. 3. The Atmospheres of Planets. 4. Origin of the Earth and the Solar System. 5. The Stars in the Sky. 6. The Sun as a Star. 7. Astronomical Telescopes. 8. How to Observe the Sun. 9. Observing the Sun with the Coronagraph. 10. Solar Eclipses and Studying the Corona. 11. Measurement of Solar Flux Density. 12. Measurement of Solar ... Read more

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Humanity's current understanding of the Universe
The Universe is infinite and always expanding, as is mankind's understanding of it. "Astronomy and Astrophysics" is a scholarly, informed and informative look at humanity's current understanding of the Universe. Chapters focus on radio astronomy, optical astronomy, minor planets, the Big Bang theory, Einstein's theories, and many other topics that those in the field will find fascinating. Accompanied by a bonus CD ROM featuring NASA simulations, figures, and much more, "Astronomy and Astrophysics" is a complete a text on the subject as one can find in today's world, and highly recommended for college library physics collections.
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A completely revised edition of a classic textbook combines anintroductory course in astrophysics with a comprehensive treatment oftheoretical and observational aspects of our current knowledge of the sun. ... Read more

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A must for the solar astronomer
Whether you are a beginner or experienced astronomer, amateur or pro, for shure this book contains something that you don't know, otherwise you would know everything about the sun. It is perhaps the most complete source onsolar astonomy available.

Of course it is written in a very"academic" style because it is intended for astrophysics graduatestudents and researchers, but it can be read by advanced amateurs who arenot afraid of mathematical formulas. ... Read more

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The first edition of The Sun From Space, completed in 1999, focused on the early accomplishments of three solar spacecraft, SOHO, Ulysses and Yohkoh, primarily during a minimum in the Sun's 11-year cycle of magnetic activity. This comprehensive Second Edition includes the main findings of these three spacecraft over an entire activity cycle, including two minima and a maximum, and discusses the significant results of six further solar missions. It contains the relevant discoveries of the past decade, integrated into chapters completely rewritten for the purposes of this book. This provides a fresh perspective on the major topics of solar enquiry, written in an enjoyable, easily understood text accessible to all readers, from the interested layperson to the student or professional.

After describing the scientific objectives of the nine solar missions and a historical perspective on studies of the Sun and heliosphere, the author presents key advances in our understanding of the solar interior, the heating of the million-degree outer atmosphere of the Sun, known as the solar corona, the origin and nature of the solar winds, the cause, prediction and propagation of explosive solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and all aspects of space-weather interactions of the Sun with the Earth, with unprotected astronauts on the Moon or Mars, and with spacecraft in outer space.

The author is known also for his famous books "Astrophysical Formulae", "Sun, Earth and Sky", and the prize-winning "Wanderers in Space", he has succeeded once again in addressing a complex scientific topic in a very approachable way. Hence, this generously illustrated book, whilst primarily addressing students, will also be of interest to a broader readership covering all levels from the amateur to the expert.

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good info., poorly written
Decent information for beginners to the field of solar physics.
However, in a couple ways this book is a fine example of how NOT
to write a science book.Lang states numbers and units in a very distracting way: for instance, "1.5 thousand meters" and on a diagram of the Sun, 15 M(degree sign) for the central temperature.

On page 73 we read, about the Sun's oscillations: "That interval is similar to the separation between the most intense contractions during child birth, at least during the birth of my children."

OK, did we really need to know that in an _astrophysics_ text?

Solar astronomy for the educated layman
Kenneth Lang, the well-known author of Astrophysical Formulae, wrote this excellently-illustrated introductory book about the Sun's atmosphere.The level of the book is appropriate for an "educated layman" who is interested in the field of solar astrophysics.I read it as background for the incipient STEREO mission.It concentrates on the new knowledge from three recent space missions:SOHO, Ulysses, and Yohkoh; but it also includes data from many other spacecraft, ground (and underground) observatories, and historical data.

The book is organized well.It has sections on the three space missions, the space environment, helioseismology, the corona, the solar wind, solar activity, and the Sun-Earth connection.Each chapter concludes with a chronology of important scientific discoveries in the field.The book also includes side boxes containing key concepts in understanding the physics described in the text.Apparently these were included so the text might be used for a undergraduate course; but the academic level of these side boxes is so inconsistent I do not think this book alone could be used as a text.The book concludes with a set of Internet addresses (it is a pity that the movies that have been made of solar phenomena cannot be incorporated into a printed book) and an extensive list of references to original papers.

The book's strength is its illustrations, which cover almost every observable aspect of the Sun.Many of these are taken from seminal papers in the field, and the author is careful to give credit where credit is due.If the book has a weakness, it is this scrupulousness in attributing discoveries to scientists:the author sometimes presents the discoveries in piecemeal fashion.He thus sometimes fails to present an entire coherent picture of a phenomenon, while presenting parts of the picture many times.He also has an annoying idiosyncrasy of writing out powers of ten and units (e.g., "50,000 to 1.2 million meters per second") rather than using an appropriate abbreviation (50 - 1200 km/s); I often found myself converting his writing in my head to get a feel for the numbers.

In general, the book is an excellent introduction to this field and I recommend it for that purpose.It is not adequate preparation for someone wishing to enter the field of solar physics, but it is not a coffee-table paperweight either.It gives the reader the ability to understand what solar scientists are talking about, and what the target science is for the various missions in NASA's Sun-Earth Connection enterprise. ... Read more

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Describing interstellar matter in our galaxy in all of its various forms, this book also considers the physical and chemical processes that are occurring within this matter. The first seven chapters present the various components making up the interstellar matter and detail the ways that we are able to study them. The following seven chapters are devoted to the physical, chemical and dynamical processes that control the behaviour of interstellar matter. These include the instabilities and cloud collapse processes that lead to the formation of stars. The last chapter summarizes the transformations that can occur between the different phases of the interstellar medium. Emphasizing methods over results, The Interstellar Medium is written for graduate students, for young astronomers, and also for any researchers who have developed an interest in the interstellar medium.

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The subjects of elementary particles, astrophysics and cosmology have become inextricably interconnected, which has led to great advances in our understanding of the universe.

Written by an author with unique research experience at prestigious institutions, this self-contained text provides a comprehensive introduction to modern astrophysics and cosmology. The physical and mathematical concepts essential for a thorough understanding of the classical theory of fields are carefully developed. Some relevant aspects of thermodynamics, statistical physics and elementary particle physics are reviewed. Considerable emphasis is placed on the description of experimental techniques and results.

From the contents:

• An Introduction to Cosmology
• Special and General Relativity
• The Friedmann-Lemaitre Universe
• Stellar Structure and Evolution
• Astrophysical Implications of General Relativity

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Offers an analysis of elementary particles, astrophysics and cosmology
Radoje Belusevic's 2-volume set RELATIVITY, ASTROPHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY offers an analysis of elementary particles, astrophysics and cosmology and also is a pick for college-level courses and collections strong in advanced theory. It packs in analysis of structures of classical theories on cosmology, includes statistics, physics and reviews of basic science. A highly recommended pick for advanced collections.
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Dr Kenyon has researched and assembled here all the existing data for the known symbiotic stars, in which a dwarf star accretes material from its red giant companion. In this book he summarises observational material covering the eruptive and quiescent phases of these objects, and emphasises the important astrophysical problems raised and resolved by results at infrared, optical, radio, ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths. Physical models for the eruptive and quiescent phases and the long-term evolution of symbiotic stars are discussed, with the goal of developing observational diagnostics that serve to test the basic theories. The book concludes with a detailed appendix and bibliography that will aid researchers interested in the history of individual symbiotic systems and confirm this volume as an indispensable handbook at any observatory where research on stellar objects in undertaken. ... Read more

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This textbook designed for advanced undergraduate students covers the foundations and principles in the field, and gives the necessary background for advanced courses. Beginning with a survey of some of the fundamentals of statistical mechanics, Collins builds up the physics of stellar structure st ... Read more

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In a unique collaboration, Nature Publishing Group and Institute of Physics Publishing have published the most extensive and comprehensive reference work in astronomy and astrophysics in both print and online formats. Unfortunately the print edition is currently out of print, but the regularly updated web remains active and can be found at www.ency-astro.com. This unique resource covers the entire field of astronomy and astrophysics and this online version includes the full text of over 2,750 articles, plus sophisticated search and retrieval functionality, links to the primary literature, and is frequently updated with new material. An active editorial team, headed by the Encyclopaedia's editor-in-chief, Maul Murdin, oversee the continual commissioning, reviewing and loading of new and revised content. The Encyclopaedia's authority is assured by editorial and advisory boards drawn from the world's foremost astronomers and astrophysicists. This first class resource will be an essential source of information for undergraduates, graduate students, researchers and seasoned professionals, as well as for committed amateurs, librarians and lay people wishing to consult the definitive astronomy and astrophysics reference work. ... Read more

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A must have for any student, scholor or fan of Astronomy
This is literally an encyclopedic work containing articles on every topic relating to Astronomy and Astrophysics. With contributions from over 8,000 astronomers and astrophysicists, this title is a must have for any serious collection of Astronomy materials.

Master Piece
It is the greattest collection on astronomical sciences I have ever seen. These 4 volumes contains 3670 pages, thousands of articles,written by lots of contributors. You can find handly information about astronomy and astrophysics in this encyclopedia. It is a really master piece of astronomical work, covers 30 subject areas. If it could contain information on recent developments in cosmology would be excellent. ... Read more

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The twentieth-century witnessed the development of astrophysics and cosmology from subjects which scarcely existed to two of the most exciting and demanding areas of contemporary scientific inquiry. In this book Malcolm Longair reviews the historical development of the key areas of modern astrophysics, linking the strands together to show how they have led to the extraordinarily rich panorama of modern astrophysics and cosmology. While many of the great discoveries were derived from pioneering observations, the emphasis is upon the development of theoretical concepts and how they came to be accepted. These advances have led astrophysicists and cosmologists to ask some of the deepest questions about the nature of our Universe and have pushed astronomical observations to the very limit. This is a fantastic story, and one which would have defied the imaginations of even the greatest story-tellers. ... Read more

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Cosmology for the technically literate non-specialist
This is almost the book for which I have been looking. It traces the history of cosmology through the 20th century giving the actual technical description of the various phenomena and models. Many original data charts and all the relevant equations are included. My only complaint is that like most cosmologists, the author assumes that the reader is familiar with the sometimes arcane notations and variable substitutions used in the field. I wish I could send the author a copy with annotations such as "what's this?", and in a couple of years receive an updated 2nd edition. These nits aside, the book is much more satisfying to a technically literate reader than the great bulk of popular books on cosmology.

Reaching for the stars
In this attractively produced book, Malcolm Longair, Head of the Cavendish Laboratory, recounts the development and spectacular successes of astrophysics and cosmology.Although the focus throughout is on high theory, the math tends to be confined to 'explanatory supplements' tacked onto the ends of chapters, with the result that general readers familiar with the basic concepts of physics and astronomy will be able to follow the narrative without difficulty.(Others would do well to begin with Bernard Schutz's marvelous book, Gravity from the Ground Up.)

The lesson that seems to emerge from this utterly absorbing story is that, in favorable circumstances, theory and observation, working in partnership, can, as it were, defy Newton's third law and quickly slingshot one another to heights of inquiry--unreachable by unaided fantasy or vacant stargazing--from which can be spied the most bizarre truths ever disclosed.A century ago, no one could have suspected that the universe looks a lot like a bath sponge.Or that the heavenly bodies in their motions are less like a perfectly choreographed procession than like a colossal train wreck.Thanks to astrophysics and cosmology we now know that the universe is immense, immensely profligate and incredibly violent--but mostly just cold and empty.And that's lucky for astronomers, because in a cold and empty universe you can see a long way, and a long way back.

There is much in this book that will delight and amuse.In 1920, Arthur Eddington's Cambridge colleague, Francis Aston, was making precise measurements of atomic masses.Eddington noted that four hydrogen atoms have slightly more mass than one atom of helium and suggested that this mass difference, converted to energy, could easily meet a star's energy needs!In 1967, Hewish and Bell discovered neutron stars by making radio observations at 81.5 MHz, a frequency just a little below that of your local classical music FM station.

This book is highly recommended.Rich in well-organized detail, it contains numerous well-chosen images, graphs and tables, 57 pages of references, a name index, an object index and a useful subject index.It is beautifully printed and there isn't a dull page in it. ... Read more