
A Treatise on Spherical Astronomy
Robert Stawell Ball(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 22. August 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
524 pages
978-1-108-06435-4 (ISBN)
Description
Spherical or positional astronomy is used primarily to map objects on the celestial sphere. In this technical work, first published in 1908 and intended for advanced students, Sir Robert Stawell Ball (1840-1913) breaks down the field into distinct areas of study. Assuming a good level of geometry and trigonometry, he begins with fundamental formulae before moving into the determination of coordinates, atmospheric refraction, the theory of cartography, and more. Each section contains exercises derived from a variety of sources, including contemporary Cambridge examinations. The coverage ranges from the calculation of stellar parallax to the geometrical principles behind the Mercator projection. Testifying to the knowledge expected of university students in the early twentieth century, Ball's book remains instructive to their modern counterparts. More accessible to the general reader, The Story of the Heavens (1885), Star-Land (1889) and A Popular Guide to the Heavens (1905) are also reissued in this series.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
122 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
731 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-06435-4 (9781108064354)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
Preface; 1. Fundamental formulae; 2. The use of spherical coordinates; 3. The figure of the earth and map making; 4. The celestial sphere; 5. Right ascension and declination; 6. Atmospheric reflection; 7. Kepler's and Newton's laws and their application; 8. Precession and nutation; 9. Sidereal time and mean time; 10. The sun's apparent annual motion; 11. The aberration of light; 12. The geocentric parallax of the moon; 13. The geocentric parallax of the sun; 14. On the transit of a planet across the sun; 15. The annual parallax of stars; 16. Eclipses of the moon; 17. Eclipses of the sun; 18. Occultation of stars by the moon; 19. Problems involving sun or moon; 20. Planetary phenomena; 21. The generalized instrument; 22. The fundamental instruments of the observatory; Index and glossary.