Data in Astronomy [Paperback]

Originally published in 1989, this book provides a comprehensive account of how to handle astronomical data.Originally published in 1989, this book provides a comprehensive account of how to handle astronomical data. Descriptions of data acquisition, handling, and interpretation are included. The advice starts with chapters on observatories and observations, followed by discussions on the archiving of data and its presentation in the literature.Originally published in 1989, this book provides a comprehensive account of how to handle astronomical data. Descriptions of data acquisition, handling, and interpretation are included. The advice starts with chapters on observatories and observations, followed by discussions on the archiving of data and its presentation in the literature.This unique handbook explains how astronomical data of all kinds should be obtained, compiled, and published if it is to be used to the best advantage by professional astronomers worldwide. Introductory chapters explain how observations are obtained, discuss observatories, and deal with data generally. The central part of the book explains how data are archived and how they should be presented for later use. One chapter raised the important issue of the designation, or naming, of astronomical objects, since this is a topic where confusion is manifest. A further chapter is devoted to astronomical catalogs and the information available from them, and this introduces data bases, data networks, and data centers. The final chapters address general questions of scientific information, including publication, the use of published data, and the role of international organizations handling data.Preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations for bibliographic references; 1. Observations; 2. Observatories; 3. Data; 4. Archiving of observations; 5. Presentation of astronomical data; 6. Designation of astronomical objects; 7. Catalogues; 8. The growth of data; 9. Data banks and data bases; 10. Data centres;lÃ#