Description
Book SynopsisThis is a textbook for undergraduate courses on radio astronomy. Written by an active professor and researcher in the field, it begins by explaining why conducting observations at radio frequencies is so important, then reviews essential physics concepts corresponding to a sophomore-level curriculum or higher. Next, the book introduces students to single dish telescopes and interferometers. The most commonly encountered emission mechanisms seen in radio astronomy are then explained, along with examples of astronomical sources broadly divided into the types of sources seen in galactic and extragalactic observations.
Each chapter provides examples and exercises suitable for homework assignments. Also included is an appendix of useful supplementary material. Altogether, the book is a comprehensive, yet digestible starting point for physics and astronomy undergraduates looking to understand the basics of radio astronomy.
Trade Review“Radio astronomy is increasingly accessible as part of the undergraduate teaching curriculum, both as a practical activity and as part of the broader study of astrophysics. … it is well illustrated with colour figures, has a good set of sample problems with answers … . For those looking for a short one-volume text, it is certainly worth considering.” (Martin Hardcastle, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1284), October, 2021)
Table of ContentsChapter1. Introduction: Why Make Observations at Radio Frequencies?.- Chapter2. Angles, Gravity, Light, The Bohr Model of the Atom and Relativity.- Chapter3. Emission Mechanisms: Blackbody Radiation, An Introduction to Radiative Transfer, Synchrotron Radiation, Thermal Bremsstrahlung and Molecular Transitions.- Chapter4. Radio Observations: An Introduction to Fourier Transforms, Observing Through Earth’s Atmosphere, Single Dish Telescopes and Interferometers.- Chapter5. Solar System Radio Astronomy: The Sun, The Planets, The Moon and Minor Bodies.- Chapter6. Galactic Radio Astronomy: Galactic Structure, HII Regions, Supernova Remnants, Neutron Stars and Pulsars.- Chapter7. Extragalactic Radio Astronomy: Galaxy Classification, Active Galactic Nuclei, Superluminal Motion, Galaxy Clusters and the Microwave Background.
