
An Introduction to Radio Astronomy
Cambridge University Press
2nd Edition
Published on 4. April 2002
Book
Hardback
406 pages
978-0-521-80889-7 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
Radio astronomy uses unique observational techniques and offers the only way to investigate many phenomena in the Universe. This book, by two founders of the field, presents both a clear introduction to radio telescopes and techniques, and a broad overview of the radio universe. The material in this new edition has been expanded and updated, reflecting the developments in the field over the last decade. New material reflects the increasing use of aperture synthesis and Very Long Baseline Interferometry, and the further exploitation of molecular spectral lines. A new chapter is devoted to the fundamentals of radiation and propagation theory. The second half of the book constitutes a review of radio observations of our Milky Way galaxy. Wide-ranging and clearly written, this book provides a thorough and up-to-date introduction to the subject for graduate students, and an invaluable overview for researchers turning to radio astronomy for the first time.
Reviews / Votes
'... this book is a clear and timely description of the current 'state of the art' on the subject ... Written by two of the world's leading radio astronomers ... the account is certainly authoritative ... there is plenty here to interest and stimulate ... If you are looking for an up-to-date review of radio astronomy, from the telescopes and techniques to the fabulous wonders of the Universe they reveal, then this is the book for you.' Geoff Macdonald, Astronomy Now 'The authors are to be praised ... a broad coverage of topics ... a comprehensive overview of the impact of radio astronomy on astrophysics.' Paul Hewett, Endeavour 'Two grand masters with insight, perspective and detailed knowledge, Bernard F. Burke and Francis Graham-Smith, have filled their sweeping An Introduction to Radio Astronomy with interesting titbits and intricate interconnections.' Carl Heiles, Physics TodayMore details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
3 Tables, unspecified; 14 Halftones, unspecified; 189 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 255 mm
Width: 180 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
1059 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-80889-7 (9780521808897)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Bernard F. Burke | Francis Graham-Smith
An Introduction to Radio Astronomy
Book
09/2009
3rd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€92.84
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition

Bernard F. Burke | Francis Graham-Smith
An Introduction to Radio Astronomy
Book
12/1996
Cambridge University Press
€80.47
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Francis Graham-Smith obtained his PhD in radio astronomy, and went on to become Director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, and later the 13th Astronomer Royal. He is currently Emeritus Professor at Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, where he is involved in pulsar research. Bernard Burke is a member of the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts and Science. He has been involved in the development of radio astronomy in the USA, most notably using Very Long Baseline Interferometry. In 1955 he discovered radio emission from Jupiter.
Author
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Manchester
Content
1. Introduction; 2. Radio telescopes as antennas; 3. Signal detection and noise; 4. Single-aperture radio telescopes; 5. The two-element interferometer; 6. Aperture synthesis; 7. Radiation, propagation and absorption of radio waves; 8. Galactic continuum radiation; 9. The interstellar medium; 10. Galactic dynamics; 11. Stars; 12. Pulsars; 13. Radio galaxies and quasars; 14. Cosmology and the cosmic microwave background; 15. Cosmology: discrete radio sources and gravitational lenses; 16. The place of radio in astronomy; Appendix A. Fourier transforms; Appendix B. Celestial coordinates, distance and time; Appendix C. The origins of radio astronomy; Index.