Introduction to Astronomical Photometry

This textbook is designed to encourage interest in the practical aspects of observational astronomy. Geared for university and new research students, and advanced amateur astronomers, the book aims for an understanding of astrophysics from a data-based perspective. Illustrated with diagrams, each chapter begins with preparation before moving on to technical formally-presented material. After an overview, a historical background, and a glossary of terms, underlying physical principles are examined, along with more wide-ranging questions in current astronomical photometry. Photometer design and applications of photometry to astrophysical topics are also presented. This book usefully fills a gap between a simple popularist approach to photometry and a full-scale research monograph, and is a perfect starting-point for more advanced levels.