Tools of Radio Astronomy

• Main Authors: Wilson, Thomas L. (Author), Rohlfs, Kristen (Author), Hüttemeister, Susanne (Author)
• Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Format: Electronic eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2009.
• Series: Astronomy and Astrophysics Library,
• Subjects: Physics.; Observations, Astronomical.; Astronomy > Observations.; Astrophysics.; Microwaves.; Optical engineering.; Astronomy, Observations and Techniques.; Microwaves, RF and Optical Engineering.; Astrophysics and Astroparticles.

 The recent years have seen breathtaking progress in technology, especially in the receiver and digital technologies relevant for radio astronomy, which has at the same time advanced to shorter wavelengths. This is the updated and completely revised 5th edition of the most used introductory text in radio astronomy. It presents a unified treatment of the entire field from centimeter to sub-millimeter wavelengths. Topics covered include instruments, sensitivity considerations, observational methods and interpretations of the data recorded with both single dishes and interferometers. This text is useful to both students and experienced practicing astronomers. Besides making major updates and additions throughout the book, the authors have re-organized a number of chapters to more clearly separate basic theory from rapidly evolving practical aspects. Further, problem sets have been added at the end of each chapter. 

 Radio Astronomical Fundamentals -- Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Fundamentals -- Wave Polarization -- Signal Processing and Receivers: Theory -- Practical Receiver Systems -- Fundamentals of Antenna Theory -- Practical Aspects of Filled Aperture Antennas -- Single Dish Observational Methods -- Interferometers and Aperture Synthesis -- Emission Mechanisms of Continuous Radiation -- Some Examples of Thermal and Nonthermal Radio Sources -- Spectral Line Fundamentals -- Line Radiation of Neutral Hydrogen -- Recombination Lines -- Overview of Molecular Basics -- Molecules in Interstellar Space.