Spherical Astronomy [Paperback]

This introductory textbook assumes no prior knowledge of classical astronomy but is sufficiently comprehensive to be useful as a background reference work. It provides the essential background on mathematical technique and coordinate systems and discusses in detail, refraction, aberration, stellar parallax, precession, nutation and proper motion.This introductory textbook assumes no prior knowledge of classical astronomy but is sufficiently comprehensive to be useful as a background reference work. It provides the essential background on mathematical technique and coordinate systems and discusses in detail, refraction, aberration, stellar parallax, precession, nutation and proper motion.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 background: 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.Preface; 1. Basic formulae; 2. The celestial sphere; 3. The reference frame; 4. Geocentric coordinates; 5. Direct measurements of right ascension and declination; 6. Two-body orbital motion; 7. Planetary and satellite orbits; 8. Heliocentric and barycentric coordinates; 9. Precession and nutation; 10. Time; 11. Proper motion and radical velocity; 12. Mean and apparent coordinates; 13. Astrographic plate measuremelól