Spherical Astronomy

by Robin M. Green (Editor)

This is an introductory textbook on spherical and positional astronomy. It is entirely suitable for use by students with no prior knowledge of classical astronomy. At the same time, it is sufficiently comprehensive to make it a useful background reference book for anyone engaged in practical astronomy. The first three chapters sketch essential mathematical techniques and coordinate systems. Successive chapters then give treatments of refraction, aberration, stellar parallex, precession, nutation and proper motion. An entire chapter is devoted to astrographic plate measurements. The gravitational two-body problem is solved and applied to solar system dynamics. Novel areas include a full treatment of binary star orbits and two chapters on developments in radio astronomy. Worked examples and problems to be solved by the reader ensure that this is a valuable textbook.

546 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Darko Djokic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ova knjiga je u Srbiji objavljena pod naslovom "Astronomija-klasika u novom ruhu", u izdanju Matematickog fakulteta Univerziteta u Beogradu, i trebala je da zameni kultnu, ali uveliko godinama nedostupnu "Opstu astronomiju" Brkica i Sevarlica, na kojoj su generacije i generacije astronoma (ukljucujuci i moju) odrastale, od kraja sezdesetih, do 1998. kada se ova knjiga pojavila, dakle pune tri decenije. Iako obe knjige pokrivaju istu temu, sfernu, odnosno opstu astronomiju, iliti uvod u ovu nauku, Grinova knjiga je daleko modernija. Ona uvodi vec na samom pocetku nulte geodezijske, matrice, tenzore, i pre svega Ajnstajnovu teoriju relativnosti, dakle sve ono sto u klasicnim udzebinicima Opste astronomije nema. Nekog ko je navikao, poput mene, na Njutnov pogled na svet, ova knjiga moze izazvati nelagodu. Ipak, to ne znaci da je ista losa, naprotiv! Kad se covek navikne na Grinov pristup, sve dodje na svoje mesto, tako da je ova knjiga, iako originalno objavljena sad vec daleke 1985. godine, i dalje vazi za glavnu u ovoj oblasti.